Amniotomy, also known as artificial rupture of membranes, is an obstetrical procedure performed by a midwife or obstetrician that was once thought to be an effective means to induce or accelerate labor. The membranes can be ruptured using a specialized tool such as an amnihook or amnicot, or by the practitioner finger. The different techniques have not been extensively compared in the literature, though one study comparing an amnihook against an amnicot found the amnicot associated with fewer neonatal scalp lacerations.
Facts
FAQs
Why is the amniotic sac sometimes ruptured on purpose during labor, and does it carry risks?
Reasons include fetal monitoring, starting or speeding labor and checking the fluid color; rare risks include infection and cord problems.
A published systematic review of amniotomy lists several reasons for deliberately rupturing the sac: more precise monitoring of the fetus, inducing and augmenting labor, and checking the color of the amniotic fluid. The same review notes that the procedure may, in rare cases, increase the risk of chorioamnionitis, variable cord compression deceleration and cord prolapse. This describes what the literature records and is not medical advice for any birth.
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
Artificial rupture of membranes (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_rupture_of_membranes, lead sectionQuote, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_rupture_of_membranes, lead section
Artificial rupture of membranes (AROM), also known as an amniotomy, is performed by a midwife or obstetrician and was once thought to be an effective means to induce or accelerate labor.
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