Being pregnant is exciting but also equally worrisome. Innovators have always been searching for ways they can reduce worries during pregnancy and childbirth. Childbirth in itself has not changed; babies are born the same way they were in the past. However, the technologies used in the birthing room have improved the experience. For most mothers, the first 48 hours are the most dangerous. So any help during birth and the baby’s first two days goes a long way. This is how childbirth has changed with the use of technology.
1. Painless Delivery
Before technology, this sounded like an impossible dream. Bringing a child into the world is supposed to be magical. But the pain surrounding the birth gives a lot of women anxiety and fear. But today, they have choices; they can choose to go for a natural delivery or use an epidural. Epidural is a pain relief medication that helps take away the discomfort and pain during childbirth. It may also be a medical necessity, especially when complications arise that may lead to a cesarean section.
The potential for a painless delivery has changed childbirth for a lot of people. The hospital staff is always ready to give pain medication if the mother requests. You may still feel the contractions, but the pain will be significantly reduced. Also, mothers can choose to undergo a C-section birth rather than a vaginal delivery even without a medical emergency. There are so many options in the delivery room today than what existed in the past. They want the mother to be as comfortable as possible and to make the experience pleasant.
2. High Tech Monitoring Of the Maternal Body
Childbirth is greatly affected by the state of the mother. If she is not in great shape physically or mentally, there have to be interventions to ensure both the baby and the mother are safe. Mothers do a lot to prepare for their newborns, including taking an online birth course. The course help by giving all the information they need to know before childbirth. But even with all the preparation, anything can happen in the delivery room. Monitoring technologies ensure that when there is an emergency, it’s handled quickly. The blood pressure, heartbeat, and other vitals are constantly monitored during labor.
This also helps in keeping the mother focused and less worried. The technological equipment in the hospital delivery room has improved birth satisfaction. They have also helped in avoiding dangerous situations for the mother and the baby. That is why most women prefer to give birth in a hospital. It’s considered the safest option, especially if you are a high-risk birth. You will be surrounded by high-tech, and you will be closest to the operating room in case of an emergency. Labour complications are common and, if not quickly attended to, can cause unthinkable loss. That is why there are so many advanced technological supplies in the delivery room.
3. Fetal Monitors
Doctors and nurses will constantly assess the state of the baby during labor. One of the new tools in the delivery room is the electronic fetal monitor. It allows the caregivers to monitor the baby’s heart rate directly during labor. It can be done externally using a stethoscope-like device that is placed on the abdomen of the mother. If there is something wrong with the unborn child when the mother is in labor, it will show. It makes it easy to take action during childbirth emergencies. The risks are endless during the birth process, and such tools are handy. The process can also be done internally using electrodes that are attached to the baby’s scalp. Internal monitoring is superior because it’s sensitive to the changes in the baby’s heartbeat. When the mother doesn’t receive enough care during pregnancy, childbirth risks increase dramatically. Mothers who develop problems during labor risk delivering a dead or sick infant. So the significant benefit of fetal monitors is to ensure such things never happen. You can never predict which mother will develop complications in labor, so the monitors are a precaution.
Conclusion
Even though natural birth is becoming more and more popular, most mothers still rely on hospitals and the available technology. The whole childbirth process is a delicate and sensitive one. Extra caution and care are always welcomed. Doctors and nurses will use all the available tools to ensure both the mother and the baby are safe. Technological advancements continue to happen every day, and new things are introduced into the delivery room. But child and mother monitors are the most common.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
