Laboring down

Published

Just curious..i was just wondering what most of you experienced nurses do. If you have a pt. a primip for example with an epidural, who is complete 10/100/0-1 station, feeling pressure..do you have her push or labor down? Well i guess my question exactly is, if she feels the urge but isnt bringing the head down with each attempt, will u just let her labor down more, DESPITE her urge to push with her UCS? I just hate having the pt push tooo soon (for like 2.5 or 3 hrs) then get completely pooped out!! How do i prevent that even when there is an urge, but no descent? I was told pant-blow if possible...thanks guys!!:uhoh3:

Specializes in OB.

I always labor down if possible. Our docs don't like it, so I usually have to lie a bit about the dilation hehe.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D!.

We do turn down the epidural in our institution as a general guideline. Honestly I think most Moms don't realize it, either. If we've done it correctly, they are so focused on that baby being almost out that they don't realize their epidural has been touched.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I do that too on occasion, Shortstuff.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
We do turn down the epidural in our institution as a general guideline. Honestly I think most Moms don't realize it, either. If we've done it correctly, they are so focused on that baby being almost out that they don't realize their epidural has been touched.

I disagree with this procedure of moms not knowing their epidurals are being manipulated. I think moms should be told when their epidural is being turned down and why. However, you correctly pointed out something I forgot; some institutions DO allow nurses to turn down epidural rates. Ours will not. We are only allowed to turn them off after delivery.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D!.

Just want to clarify my post: I made it sound as if we don't inform them. We do, I meant to write that I don't think they notice that it IS being turned town. I've never had a Mom say "Gee can you turn that back up?" And of course it is not turned off before each delivery; every case is different.

:D:typing

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Midwifery.

Ignore the fact shes fully dilated and turn her on her side and let her sleep! And don't turn it off!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Midwifery.
I always labor down if possible. Our docs don't like it, so I usually have to lie a bit about the dilation hehe.

Don't think your the only one there! A primip is so much better being 9cm than fully eh!:smokin:

Its called doing good by stealth.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion