External electronic fetal monitoring Description External electronic fetal monitoring is an indirect, noninvasive procedure involving the use of two devices, an ultrasound transducer and a tocotransducer, placed on the patient’s…
Emergency birth Description Emergency delivery, the unplanned birth of a neonate outside of a health care facility, may occur when labor progresses very quickly or when circumstances prevent the woman…
Circumcision Description Circumcision is the removal of the penile foreskin and is thought to promote a clean glans and to minimize the risk of phimosis (tightening of the foreskin) in…
Breast pumps Description By creating suction, manual and electric breast pumps stimulate lactation. A breast pump is indicated for a mother who wants to maintain milk production while she and…
Breast-feeding assistance Description Breast-feeding is the safest and least expensive way to provide complete infant nourishment. Components of successful and satisfying breast-feeding include proper breast care, normal milk flow, and…
Bottle-feeding Description When a neonate requires a special diet or when a mother can’t or chooses not to breast-feed, formula is the next-best food source. Formula preparations supply needed vitamins…
Apgar scoring Description Quantification of neonate’s status is based on observations of neonate’s appearance and behavior. The scoring evaluates neonatal heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color….
Amnioinfusion Description Amnioinfusion is the replacement of amniotic fluid volume through intrauterine infusion. It involves the use of an isotonic solution, such as normal saline or lactated Ringer’s solution, delivered…
Ultrasonography Purpose To establish pregnancy with fetal heart motion as early as 5 to 6 weeks’ gestation To determine an accurate expected date of birth at 20 to 22 weeks’…
