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Epidurals, NPOs, fetal monitoring ... the list of medical procedures that may accompany your labor can seem never-ending -- and overwhelming! These charts will help unravel the mystery of behind these, some of which have become routine in many hospitals.
Research over the past two decades suggests that the use of these procedures in a routine way creates unnecessary risks for mother and baby. At the same time, there are clear indications for the use of most procedures when a medical complication arises or, in the case of epidural anesthesia, when other comfort measures are either unavailable or ineffective.
Check out the real deal and learn about what's right for you. For more information on natural childbirth, visit Lamaze International.
| Procedure | IV |
| What Is It? | Intravenous fluid |
| Who Needs It? | Women who are restricted from eating and drinking due to a medical condition or who are receiving Pitocin or an epidural |
| Who Doesn't Need It | Pregnant women who are not ill |
| Risks | 1. Hypoglycemia in the infant if glucose used 2. Pain, inflammation at IV site 3. Fluid overload |
| Benefit | Allows access for administration of drugs, if necessary |
