Course Access
Franciska,
We have a procedure on baths but our women do not deliver in the bath.
It is not our hospital policy to allow water-births. The baths are only
for pain relief in the first stage of labour.
Some of the factors that would determine the exit from the bath are
meconium stained liquor, blood staining in the water, imminent onset of
2nd stage.
If delivery is imminent and exit from the bath cannot be achieved
safely, the water is drained before the foetal head is on view. Our
procedure does discuss delivery in the bath but in terms of delivering
safely when the midwife has not anticipated the beginning of second
stage or if second stage is precipitated.
The cleaning of the bath is in accordance with our routine cleaning of
patient care areas (bathrooms) and is no different to cleaning the
shower of a woman in labour, who is trying to achieve pain relief in
this context.
I would have a number of issues related to delivering in a bath
* Occupational exposure risk to staff
o While most of our women have been tested in pregnancy for blood
borne viruses, it cannot be guaranteed at the time of birthing.
* Cleaning of bath in what is essentially a very large blood and
body fluid spill.
* Cleaning of hoses for water and drainage (particularly where
inflatable baths are used).
o In these baths, a warm temperature needs to be maintained, thus
water needs to be extracted and topped up.
I was watching the TV show on midwives when a baby delivered in water.
Bath was inflatable
o Midwife wore short gloves and no protective eyewear.
o Cord was cut in bath and blood went everywhere
o The women did loose blood in the bath
o She may have opened her bowels also
o The bath had a liner but holes are possible
o Nitrous oxide tubing was in the water.
There may be other issues related to water, slip issues, staff clothing
getting wet. Other members of this forum may wish to comment.
Maree Sommerville
Infection Control Coordinator
Mercy Hospital for Women
—–Original Message—–
Behalf Of Franciska Ferreira
Hi Everyone,
I’m a new subscriber and just would like to test my email.
I have a question for you all, I’m keen to know what issues, if any, you
might have with providing baths for labour and delivery from an
infection control or risk management perspective?
Kind Regards
Franciska Ferreira
INFECTION PREVENTION & CONTROL /WOUND MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT Burnside War
Memorial Hospital
120 Kensington Road, Toorak Gardens, SA 5056
t: 08 8202 7222 f: 08 8407 8573 e: fferreira@burnsidehospital.asn.au
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