What Does Artificial Rupture of Membranes Mean?

Update Date: 2024-05-24 Source: Network

Artificial rupture of membranes, also known as artificial amniotomy, refers to the deliberate rupture of the amniotic sac to allow the amniotic fluid to flow out.

When a fetus is living in the uterus of a pregnant woman, it is surrounded by amniotic fluid. The fetus is like a small fish enclosed in a water ball, and the bag filled with water is called the "amniotic sac".

Under normal conditions, during childbirth, the contractions of the uterine muscles and the pressure from the fetal head cause the amniotic sac filled with amniotic fluid to rupture spontaneously. This is called spontaneous rupture of membranes. However, if the fetal membranes are excessively tough and do not rupture spontaneously during contractions, medical personnel may need to use a thin, long hook to artificially rupture the amniotic sac and allow the amniotic fluid to flow out. This process is known as artificial amniotomy.

Artificial rupture of membranes is an intervention in the birthing process, and therefore, it is not performed randomly. Strict symptoms and indications are required. Typically, doctors only consider artificial rupture of membranes when continued pregnancy poses a greater risk to the mother or fetus than immediate delivery. This may be the case in situations such as eclampsia, post-term pregnancy, insufficient placental function, intrauterine growth retardation, early placental abruption, unexplained antepartum bleeding, Rh blood type incompatibility, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and other conditions. Delayed outflow of amniotic fluid can lead to separation of the fetal membranes from the placenta, resulting in heavy bleeding, and artificial rupture of membranes can avoid this risk.

When performing artificial rupture of membranes, the pregnant woman is generally required to lie flat with her legs bent and spread apart. This position allows the doctor's fingers to easily access the vagina and cervix, facilitating the procedure and minimizing discomfort for the mother. Generally, the pain associated with artificial amniotomy is similar to that of a vaginal examination, with sensations of traction and foreign body discomfort, but it is not particularly painful.

After the rupture of membranes, the fetal head or presenting part will adhere closely to the cervix due to the flow of amniotic fluid. This not only helps with cervical dilation but also effectively stimulates uterine contractions. Therefore, after the rupture of membranes, the pregnant woman may feel stronger contractions. If she is sensitive to pain, she can request analgesia measures from the doctor.