Julie all that was missing was a bit more time, perhaps a
change in position. This happens so often I believe, it's an indication of
lack of flexibility and that whole ego thing of people not realising how things
in a labouring woman change. The "fat lip" I imagine was due to the too early
pushing and swelling of part of the cervix, usually the anterior part of the
cervix. Head down bottom up can change this, and time, and also ice held onto
the cervix will help reduce the swelling too. If there was lots of poo
that would have had to come out to make room. Often when someone beelines
to section and can't hang out a bit longer, there was probably a game of golf or
a dinner to go to! When you say the head was not engaged that leads me to
think that it may have been CPD and they already had her lined up for section
but were waiting in case the head did engage, which it did by what you say. You
have to say "wait a minute this woman wants to push her baby out, can we have a
bit more time to try", if the answer is no ask "why not"? Whilst your arguing
the case you can actually create a bit more time. Enough babies have been born
in theatre to the embarrassment of some and joy of others. Trick is to
openyour mouth and say something, and haggle about it.Ah, not
an easy job sometimes.
