Technology-intensive childbirth is ...

Technology-intensive childbirth is now the norm, according to a take a view of of new mothers by the Maternity Center Association. The overlook "Listening to Mothers," is available online at www.maternitywise.org/ listeningtomothers.

Of the nearly 1600 women reviewed 93 percent had electronic fetal monitoring, and 86 percent had an intravenous drip. More than individual half of the women said that their amniotic membranes had been artificially ruptur (55 percent) and that they had received artificial oxytocin to strengthen contractions (53 percent) More than pair in five women (44 percent) had received a medicine or procedure to start labor, and almost the same fourth of respondents had undergone a cesarean delivery (about the same half of which were planned).

Epidural analgesia was the greatest in number common pain-relief method, used through 63 percent of the women Nondrug meanss that were rated "very helpful" or "somewhat helpful" included application of oppressive or cold objects, hands-on techniques, position changes, and changes in the environment. Breathing techniques were widely used however received mixed support (70 percent of the women who used them plant them at least "somewhat helpful," on the other hand 30 percent found them "not true helpful" or "not at all helpful").

Overall, women gave high ratings to the care they received during labor and delivery. The leading be of importance to that arose was feeling rushed at their physician, midwife, or the nursing staff.

A significant proportion of respondent reported having negative feelings during the weeks after giving birth, including feeling "unsure" (39 percent) "isolated" (35 percent) and "confused" (25 percent) Nearly individual fifth of the women measure and estimateed were likely to have experienced a degree of depression, according to their scores forward the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. greatest in number of these women had not seen a health care professional for belong tos about their mental health since giving birth.

COPYRIGHT 2003 American Academy of Family Physicians

COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group