Track: Labor and Delivery

Labor and Delivery

The Labor and Delivery session will focus on the comprehensive management of the childbirth process, encompassing the physiological, medical, and emotional aspects of labor and delivery. This session will provide in-depth insights into current practices, strategies, and innovations in managing labor and delivery to optimize outcomes for both the mother and the newborn.

Stages of Labor: Detailed review of the stages of labor, including early labor, active labor, transition, and delivery. The session will discuss the physiological changes during each stage, signs of labor progression, and methods for monitoring and managing labor.

Pain Management Options: Examination of various pain management strategies during labor, including pharmacological options (e.g., epidural analgesia, systemic opioids) and non-pharmacological methods (e.g., breathing techniques, hydrotherapy, and labor support). The session will evaluate the benefits, risks, and effectiveness of each method.

Monitoring During Labor: Overview of monitoring techniques used during labor, including continuous fetal heart rate monitoring, maternal vital signs, and contraction patterns. The session will cover the interpretation of these data and how they guide clinical decisions.

Labor Induction and Augmentation: Discussion on the indications, methods, and management of labor induction and augmentation. This includes the use of pharmacologic agents (e.g., oxytocin) and mechanical methods (e.g., Foley catheter) to initiate or enhance labor, as well as considerations for safety and effectiveness.

Assisted Delivery: Exploration of techniques for assisted delivery, including the use of forceps, vacuum extraction, and cesarean section. The session will cover the indications, techniques, and potential complications associated with each method, as well as guidelines for decision-making.

Management of Complications: Strategies for managing common and severe complications during labor and delivery, such as shoulder dystocia, uterine rupture, and postpartum hemorrhage. The session will provide protocols for intervention and management to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.

Postpartum Care: Overview of immediate postpartum care for both the mother and newborn, including monitoring for complications, providing support for breastfeeding, and managing recovery. The session will discuss best practices for ensuring a smooth transition from labor and delivery to postpartum care.