[ozmidwifery] effects of contractions on the fetus???

[Julie Garratt]

Greetings wise ones, I’m trying to write a paper for uni on the effects of contractions on the fetus and I’m wondering if there is any knowledge out there concerning the differences to the baby of labour with or without intact membranes. ?  I’m thinking that Pascals principal dictates that “when pressure is applied to any point of an enclosed fluid (intact membranes) it is transmitted undiminished to every portion of the fluid (surrounding the fetus) and to the walls (uterus) of the containing vessel ect… The only thing I can find that is even close to a reference is [Dunn, (1978), describes the beneficial effect of intact membranes when the presence of amniotic fluid ensures an even pressure on the fetus during uterine contractions, those isometric uterine contractions prevent impairment of utero-placental circulation due to retraction of the placental site.] REF= Dunn, PM. (1978). 'Problems associated with fetal monitoring during labour', Sixth European Congress of Perinatal Medicine, Vienna, 1978. Cited in one of Caroline Flint’s essays, unfortunately it’s a bit old and not available online as far as I can see.  HELP, I’ve spent hours stuck on this, Am I on the right track, does it really matter to the baby? CHEERS, and thanks in advanceJ Julie Garratt   --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.516 / Virus Database: 313 - Release Date: 1/09/2003