MANAGEMENT OF LABOR

Categories: 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.