Nursing Care of Women with Complications During labor and Birth*

Amnioinfusion - oligohydramnios, umbilical cord compression, reduction of recurrent variable decelerations, dilution of meconium-stained amniotic fluid, replaces the cushion for the umbilical cord and relieves the variable decelerations Amniotomy - the artificial rupture of membranes, done to stimulate or enhance contractions, stimulates prostaglandin secretion Amniotomy Complications - prolapse of the umbilical cord, infection and abruptio placentae Observe for complications after amniotomy - fetal heart rate outside normal range 110-160, suggest umbilical cord prolapse, color, odor and characteristics of amniotic fluid, woman's temp., green fluid may indicate that the fetus has passed a meconium stool Nursing Tips to observe after amniotomy - wet underpads and linens after the membranes rupture, change them Induction - is the initiation of labor before it begins naturally