MANAGEMENT OF LABOR

Category: Obstetrics or Midwifery

Preparation of the Bed. The bed should be high,
springs not soft, with a firm and smooth mattress. It should be placed so
that both sides are accessible. The bed should be made up on the right
side as a rule, as the woman usually lies on her left side when delivered.
Place a rubber, or an oil cloth sheet, over the mattress, and over this an
ordinary muslin sheet and secure this with safety pins to the corners of
the mattress. This is the permanent bed; on top of this is the second
rubber sheet and this is covered with another muslin sheet and both held
by safety pins. This is the temporary bed. Plenty of hot and cold boiled
water should also be at hand. Frequently only a temporary bed is made with
rubber or oil cloth underneath, blanket and sheet above this. They should
be fastened so that the movements of the woman will not disorder them.
These can be removed after the confinement and new, clean warm clothes put
in their place. The objection to this is the woman may be too tired to be
moved, while, with the permanent and temporary bed arrangement she need
not be moved at all, only lifted, while the temporary bed is being removed
and she is then let down easily upon clean bedding.

Preparation of the Patient. The patient, if she desires, can take a full
bath. The bowels should be moved thoroughly with a soap and water
injection so that the rectum will be fully emptied. This makes labor not
only easier, but pleasanter, as no feces will be discharged during labor.
The bladder should also be emptied. The external organs should be
scrupulously cleansed and bathed with some antiseptic solution, like
glycothymoline, listerine, borolyptol, etc. A fresh suit of underwear may
then be put on and over this a loose wrapper.

Next: Examination of the Patient
Previous: Third Stage

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MANAGEMENT OF LABOR