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

[Lynne Staff]

Let me have a hunt through my stuff Julie. I know there is an article - also old - that refers to the increased moulding of the fetal head, the increased possibility of cord compression and a possible decrease in pH as a result with ruptured membranes.   I happen to think membranes are there for lots of good reasons, and wonder at the obsessive compulsiveness of some to rupture them as a routine practice. The functions and significance of membranes and amniotic fluid feature in antenatal class discussions and after this it's always interesting listening to the comments women make to their partners and to one another, such as "Well, why would you rupture them, then if they do all that!"   As you have said, when the membranes are intact, the pressure around the baby is equal - there are not 'pressure points' as such - pressure points happen when membranes are ruptured, and amniotic fluid comes away.   Amniotic fluid is also replaced totally every few hours, so unless there is a problem with placental function/renal problem in the baby/oligohydramnios, this information is reassuring to women, who can worry that amniotic fluid 'runs out', or they might have a 'dry birth'.   I'll see what I can find out! ----- Original Message ----- From: Julie Garratt To: Ozmid Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2003 9:43 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] effects of contractions on the fetus??? 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