WHO has warned doctors against giving expectant mothers oxytocin infusion to speed up labour. FOTOSEARCH
The World Health Organisation has warned doctors against giving
expectant mothers oxytocin infusion to speed up labour — a practice that
has gained currency over the past 20 years.
Oxytocin is a synthetic hormone which stimulates the uterine smooth muscle to produce rhythmic contractions.
“The
increasing medicalisation of normal childbirth processes are
undermining a woman’s capability to give birth, and negatively impacting
her birth experience,” said WHO assistant director-general for family,
women, children and adolescents, Dr Princess Nothemba Simelela.
“If
labour is progressing normally, and the woman and her baby are in good
condition, they do not need to receive additional interventions.”
An estimated 140 million births take place every year worldwide, most of them without complications.
However,
studies show a substantial proportion of healthy pregnant women undergo
at least one clinical intervention during labour and child birth. They
are also often subjected to needless and potentially harmful routine
interventions.
The new WHO guideline includes 56
evidence-based recommendations on what care is needed throughout labour
and immediately after for the woman and her baby.
These
include having a companion of choice during labour and childbirth;
ensuring respectful care and good communication between women and health
providers; and maintaining privacy and confidentiality.
“Many
women want a natural birth and prefer to rely on their bodies to give
birth,” said WHO director in the department of reproductive health and
research, Ian Askew.
“Even when a medical intervention
is needed, the inclusion of women in making decisions about the care
they receive is important to ensure that they meet their goal of a
positive childbirth experience.”
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