Childbirth Epidural

What it is:  Anesthesia administered to a laboring mother into the epidural space at the base of the spine to numb the lower body. It decreases or eliminates sensations to that area of the body.   

When they are used:  According to Holly Richardson, CD(DONA) of childbirth.org, "Nationwide, the overall rate runs consistently over 85%"  Epidurals are given to laboring women planning vaginal births based on her decision to receive one and they are also used in lieu of general anesthesia in the event of a cesarean section.  When I say 'based on her decision to receive one' I do not mean to imply that all or even most pregnant mothers are made aware of the benefits and drawbacks of the procedure.

Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM)

What it is:  There are two types,  external and internal.  External EFM is done by placing two straps around the laboring woman’s abdomen that measure fetal heart rate and uterine contractions.  Internal EFM is done after the membranes have ruptured (or been ruptured) by placing a small corkscrew shaped wire into the baby’s presenting part (head or buttocks) and a catheter placed into the cervix to measure uterine contractions.   

When they are used:  Once again it varies.  ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) recommends EFM be used intermittently, for 15 minutes every hour.  Some hospitals and physicians use them perpetually from admittance into the hospital and some do not use them at all, using instead a stethoscope to monitor heart tones in the undelivered baby.