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One of the most common medical procedures used during labor is
the artificial rupture of the membranes (AROM) - breaking the bag of water.
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Reasons given -
- to view the color of the fluid
- to possibly speed up the labor
- to have access to the baby's scalp in order to apply a fetal electrode
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According to "Dr. A. W. Chase's Last Complete Works -
Practical Knowledge for the People"
Published in 1887
here is another point of view ...
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"The bag of waters consists of the membranous coverings of the fetus, enclosing within them what the doctors call, the liquor amnii, in which the child floats. During pregnancy this fluid serves to preserve the child from injury; during labor it forms a pouch at the mouth of the womb, which it acts upon like a wedge; and so assist in dilating. Experiences tells us that, when the waters escape early, labor is rendered more tedious. The explanation of this is to be found in the fact that the bag of waters, being round and even, and pressing on the mouth of the womb equally all around, the mouth of the womb is opened out more rapidly and easily by this even pressure than by the uneven surface of the presenting part of the child."
"The bag of waters consists of the membranous coverings of the fetus, enclosing within them what the doctors call, the liquor amnii, in which the child floats. During pregnancy this fluid serves to preserve the child from injury; during labor it forms a pouch at the mouth of the womb, which it acts upon like a wedge; and so assist in dilating. Experiences tells us that, when the waters escape early, labor is rendered more tedious. The explanation of this is to be found in the fact that the bag of waters, being round and even, and pressing on the mouth of the womb equally all around, the mouth of the womb is opened out more rapidly and easily by this even pressure than by the uneven surface of the presenting part of the child."
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The Amniotic Sac
after having delivered in front of the baby - fully intact and full of fluid
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The Mother was positioned on her hands and knees
when she began pushing. To our surprise, the amniotic sac
(looking like a water-filled breast)
slowly emerged - strong, intact, glistening, stretchy and
full of the warm, salty fluid we all began our lives in.
If you look closely you can see the rings where the amniotic sac
eased through the cervix centimeter by centimeter.
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Forty weeks of life growing and thriving in water ... amazing!
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The sac was beginning to fully release itself from the Mother's womb
when suddenly ... the next pushing contraction ...
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... and this baby's head delivered - followed by a gush of more fluid!
... and this baby's head delivered - followed by a gush of more fluid!
Birth is SO miraculous!
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More placenta photos at
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Photos copyright 2010 Patti Ramos. All rights reserved.
Please no copying or unauthorized use.
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