Amniotomy

Amniotomy is the artificial rupture of membranes, sometimes called as AROM. It is done to stimulate labor.

Advantages:

• Amniotomy can stimulate contractions
• Amniotomy can evaluate the amniotic fluid

Disadvantages:

• Birth must occur within 24 hour when amniotomy is done, and may be need cesarean birth.
• Increased risk of prolapsed cord
• Risk of Infection

Nursing Care:

• Auscultate Fetal Heart Rate before and after amniotomy
• Record the time of Amniotomy, Fetal Heart Rate, and characteristics of fluid (amount, color and odor).
• Instruct woman to remain in bed unless fetal presentation part is well engaged. It is done to prevent prolapsed of umbilical cord.

Risks for Mother:

• Increases the risk of infection.
• Labor may become more aggressive
• The mother increases her chances of having uneven dilation.

Risk for Baby:

• Increase of umbilical cord compression
• The pressure on the baby’s head causes swelling in some part.