Pregnant Women Need Aromatherapy: Benefits And Uses

Amniotomy, or artificial rupture of membranes (AROM), is a procedure in which a medical professional breaks a pregnant woman's amniotic sac to help induce or speed up labour. The amniotic sac is a pouch of fluid that surrounds and protects the baby, and breaking it releases hormones that signal the body to begin or intensify labour contractions. While AROM is a common procedure, it does carry risks and potential complications, such as infection or umbilical cord prolapse, so it's important for pregnant women to understand the benefits and risks before deciding whether to include it in their birth plan.

To induce labour

Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy that uses essential oils extracted from plants. These oils are highly concentrated and contain therapeutic chemicals that can be absorbed by the body. While there is limited research on the effectiveness of aromatherapy, it is believed that it can help pregnant women in several ways.

One of the main benefits of aromatherapy for pregnant women is its ability to induce labour. Certain essential oils, such as clary sage, rosemary, and jasmine, are known to have labour-inducing properties. These oils can help regulate hormones, induce contractions, and ease the pain and anxiety associated with labour.

It is important to note that essential oils should be used with caution during pregnancy. They should always be diluted and used in small amounts, as they can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any essential oils during pregnancy, as some oils may not be safe for pregnant women or developing babies.

• Inhalation: Diffusing essential oils into the air or inhaling their aroma can help trigger reactions in the body and brain, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety during labour.
• Topical Application: When diluted with a carrier oil, essential oils can be applied to the skin through massage or added to a warm bath. This can help soothe aches and pains and provide a sense of calm during labour.
• Vaporisation: Using an electric aromatherapy diffuser or vaporiser can be an effective way to benefit from the aromatic properties of essential oils without direct skin contact.

It is worth noting that while aromatherapy can be a helpful adjunct, it should not replace any necessary medical care or pain relief during labour. Additionally, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using aromatherapy, especially for pregnant women with medical conditions or allergies.

To speed up labour

Pregnant women may need AROM (artificial rupture of membranes) to speed up labour. This procedure is also known as amniotomy or "breaking the water". It involves a medical professional intentionally breaking the amniotic sac to help progress labour.

The amniotic sac is a pouch of fluid that surrounds and protects the baby. Breaking the amniotic sac releases hormones that signal the body to begin or intensify labour contractions. This can be done to induce labour or to speed it up if it has slowed down.

The procedure is usually carried out by an obstetrician or a midwife. The patient is positioned on their back with their legs bent and open, and the medical professional inserts a small surgical hook or a gloved finger with a hook on it through the vagina and cervix to scratch the surface of the amniotic sac.

The effectiveness of AROM in speeding up labour is debated. Some studies show that it is an effective method of induction, while others suggest that it does not accomplish this outcome. A systematic review published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology MFM notes that early amniotomy during induction of labour could speed up delivery by an average of 3.6 hours. However, a Cochrane review of 15 studies involving 5583 women found that there was no clear difference in the length of the first stage of labour between women who underwent amniotomy and those who did not.

There are also risks associated with AROM, including umbilical cord prolapse, infection, and a possible increase in the need for a caesarean section.

To monitor the baby's heart rate

A pregnant woman may need an ARM (antepartum fetal surveillance) to monitor the baby's heart rate. This is called fetal heart rate monitoring, and it is done to keep track of the baby's heart rate. It helps the doctor detect problems with the baby if they develop and also helps reassure the doctor and the mother that labour and delivery are going normally.

Fetal heart rate monitoring is especially helpful if the pregnant woman has a high-risk pregnancy. Pregnancy is considered high risk if the woman has diabetes or high blood pressure, or if the baby is not developing or growing as it should. The doctor is more likely to use fetal heart rate monitoring when the pregnancy is high-risk.

There are two ways to do fetal heart rate monitoring: external and internal. External fetal heart rate monitoring is the most common method. Sensors are placed on the mother's belly and held in place with elastic bands. The sensors are connected to a machine that records the baby's heart rate and uterine contractions. The provider may check the baby's heart rate at intervals or nonstop, depending on the mother's and baby's condition.

Internal fetal heart rate monitoring uses a thin wire (electrode) placed on the baby's scalp. The wire runs from the baby through the cervix and is connected to the monitor. This method gives better readings because things like movement don't affect it. However, it can only be done if the amniotic sac has broken and the cervix is opened.

The simplest form of monitoring is called auscultation, which is a method of listening to the baby's heart rate periodically using a special stethoscope or a device called a Doppler transducer.

The average fetal heart rate is between 110 and 160 beats per minute. It can vary by 5 to 25 beats per minute. The fetal heart rate may change as the baby responds to conditions in the uterus. An abnormal fetal heart rate may mean that the baby is not getting enough oxygen or that there are other problems.

To examine amniotic fluid for meconium

Meconium is the first stool of a newborn baby. It is typically passed in the womb during early pregnancy and again in the first few days after birth. Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) occurs when a newborn breathes a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid into the lungs around the time of delivery.

Meconium aspiration happens when a baby is stressed and gasps while still in the womb, or soon after delivery when taking those first breaths of air. When gasping, a baby may inhale amniotic fluid and any meconium in it. Meconium aspiration syndrome is a leading cause of severe illness and death in newborns, occurring in about 5% to 10% of births.

Meconium staining is when the fetus passes meconium before birth. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid is present in 12% to 20% of all deliveries and is much higher in post-dated births (up to 40%). The presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid can be a sign of acute or chronic fetal hypoxia. Babies born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid are at higher risk of developing adverse events such as perinal asphyxia and respiratory distress.

To reduce the risk of adverse consequences related to meconium-stained amniotic fluid, healthcare providers will examine the amniotic fluid for meconium at the time of birth. If meconium is detected, they will look for signs of fetal distress and may recommend a chest X-ray to check for problems in the baby's lungs. Treatment will depend on the baby's symptoms, age, general health, and the severity of the condition.

To place an internal fetal monitor

• Preparation: The healthcare provider will explain the procedure and address any concerns. The patient may be asked to sign a consent form and disclose any allergies or sensitivities.
• Evaluation: The healthcare provider will evaluate the cervix to ensure it is softened or thinned and that the baby's head is in the correct position, low in the pelvis, and pressed against the cervix.
• Positioning: The patient will be asked to lie on a labour bed with their feet and legs supported, similar to a pelvic exam.
• Vaginal exam: The healthcare provider will perform a vaginal exam to assess the dilation of the cervix and locate the baby's head at the cervical opening.
• Amniotomy: If the amniotic sac is still intact, the healthcare provider will rupture the membranes using a thin, plastic tool called an "amnihook" or a finger cot with a hook. This is inserted through the vagina to scratch or tear a hole in the amniotic sac, allowing the fluid to escape.
• Internal fetal monitoring: After the amniotomy, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted into the vagina. A small wire, called an electrode, is placed on the baby's scalp through the catheter. The wire is then connected to a monitor to record the heart rate. The wire is secured with a band around the patient's thigh.

It is important to note that internal fetal monitoring can only be performed after the amniotic sac has ruptured and the cervix is opened. This method provides more accurate readings of the fetal heart rate compared to external monitoring, as it is unaffected by factors such as movement.

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