Manila Med Forum to empower every woman with knowledge about Dystocia

True to its promise of valuing the good of every patient before anything else, ManilaMed spearheaded a lay forum last 16 February 2017 at Dr. Paulo C. Campos Hall of the hospital to empower every woman with knowledge about the very common problem that a pregnant may encounter during labor. This is called Dystocia.

Dystocia, also calledobstructed labor, is when, even though the uterus is contracting normally, the baby does not exit the pelvis during childbirth due to being physically blocked.

Dr.Maynila Domingo, a doctor of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of ManilaMed discussed that the patient is generally assessed according to the five P’s that influence labor and delivery. These are the Passenger, Passage, Psyche, Position, andPower.

The Passenger refers to the fetus. Complication may be a result of the fetal position such as transverse or breech, macrosomia, a fetus that is greater than 4000 gm. or 8lbs and 15 oz, and the presence of fetal anomalies such as hydrocephalus or multiple gestations.

During labor, the fetus assumes positions and attitudes that are determined in part by the configuration of the mother’s pelvis. Thus, the Passage refers to the pelvic bone and muscle structure of the mother.

Another factor of dystocia refers to the Position for labor and pushing. Incorrect technique, fear, decreased urge, and exhaustion contribute to an ineffective pushing which can cause difficult labor.

An interesting factor that may cause difficulty in labor is the reaction of the patient and physician during labor. An anxious patient may influence the physician’s work environment including his attitude and the capacity to perform the procedure. Also, Psyche refers to the mother’s attitude, level of anxiety and pain tolerance and of course with the support of her loved ones especially her husband; she will overcome the fear of giving birth. So always remember what Jane Weideman said, “Giving birth should be your greatest achievement and not your greatest fear.”

Finally, the fifth P which refers to Power, this is the condition in which uterine contractility is inadequate in effecting dilation and descent. The contraction maybe too weak, too short, or too far apart. This often results to a prolonged labor which causes maternal exhaustion or even fetal distress.

Several studies have been made to create an effective management for dystocia. Aside from understanding the five P’s during labor, it is also important to know the augmentation process that is in place to prevent or handle a difficult labor. Part of this is to ensure that all of the medical staff is competent in assisting the patient to deliver properly and successfully specially when there is a need for a Caesarean section.

The health of a pregnant woman does not lie alone with her doctor. It is her responsibility to bring herself to an assessment if she is at risk. It is often identified as a result of confirmed obesity, extreme of age, and co-morbid conditions such as diabetes. These risks are determined using high index of suspicion based on history, clinical examination, and diagnostics. To manage or avoid such complication, it is prescribed that mothers maintain a normal weight, comply with prenatal check-ups, and other supportive activities that will increase the chances of a healthy and safe delivery.

Improving the well-being of mothers, infants, and children is an important public health goal. Our well-being determines the health of the next generation and can help predict future public health challenges for families, communities, and the health care system.

Thanks to ManilaMed for having the first center in the country that acts as a one-stop shop for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that are specific to women.

What’s good about ManilaMed’s Center for Women’s Health? It houses 5 major units: OB Ultrasound, Breast Ultrasound Unit, Fertility Enhancement Unit, Maternal &Fetal Medicine, and Colposcopy &Cryotherapy)Unit.

For more information, you may contact ManilaMed 02-5238131 local 3100/3101 or visit their

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