A–Z Glossary

Urinary catheter

A urinary catheter is a flexible tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine and keep the bladder empty during surgery.

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Risks monitoring and alternatives to epidural

Risks monitoring and alternatives to epidural

What epidural monitoring is designed to catch An epidural is a form of neuraxial analgesia: medication is placed near the spinal nerves through a small catheter in the epidural space, reducing pain signals from the uterus, cervix, vagina, and perineum while the birthing person remains awake. Because the medication can also affect sympathetic nerve tone, […]

Switching from natural to medicated birth

Switching from natural to medicated birth

Why the plan may change A natural birth plan usually means intending to use nonpharmacologic coping strategies such as breathing, movement, upright positioning, hydrotherapy, counterpressure, massage, focused relaxation, and continuous support. These approaches can be meaningful and effective, but labor is dynamic. Cervical dilation, fetal position, contraction pattern, sleep deprivation, anxiety, induction methods, and back […]

Step-by-step cesarean overview

Step-by-step cesarean overview

Before the operating room A step-by-step c-section procedure begins before the first incision. The clinical team confirms identity, gestational details, indication for cesarean, allergies, relevant medical history, blood type considerations, consent, and whether the operation is planned, urgent, or emergency. This pause is not paperwork for its own sake; it reduces wrong-patient, wrong-procedure, medication, and […]