Lisa - you wrote:
 
I have not ever
>> had to
>>> wait 12/15 mins from birth of a head to birth of a body.
>>> Physiology tells us that the uterus clamps down immediately
>> after
>>> birth.  I don't think you'd wait another 12/15 mins for the
>> uterus
>>> to contract after the birth and that's if you don't do an
>> active
>>> third stage.

With respect, I have known labours in which the contractions never got closer than 8-10 minutes, or more often, which start out strong and then peter out.  I remember one of 8 minute conts with a biggish baby, the delay between head and shoulders was quite nerve-wracking, and then the shoulders did not come easily with the next contraction so even longer delay and manouvers needed to deliver shoulders. After which she still did not contract well and had a PPH, despite active 3rd stage (IM synto) her labour had been spontaneous and progressed well despite the long spaces between conts.  Which is why I am uneasy with long delays between contractions, especially if they are getting less effective.  Of course my experience is mostly hospital based where recourse to synto is the first option and I am very keen to learn from my home birth colleagues as to how this situation pans out in home births.  I have had experience in birth centre but our guidelines meant transfer into hosp in these situations, I do recall some very long labours before transfer though!
Thanks for the input from all
Sue

Reply via email to