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Why Is Sterile Water Injected In Lower Back During Labor?
Hello doctors online. I have to questions:
1. In labor some women are offered injection of sterile water into the lower back. What is the mechanism of effect?
2. In pregnancy, the level of estrogens is raised considerably, stimulating secretion of glycogen to the vagina. This enhances growth of lactobacillus, by which you will expect a lowering in pH. But you can often find statements as … “in pregnancy the risk of a fungus infection in the vagina is raised” – and that normally occur with a pH > 4,5, where as the normal pH of the vagina (unpregnant state) is 3.8 -4.2. Why isn´t it even more unlikely to have a fungus infection in pregnancy?
Best regards Janne Nielsen, Denmark
1. In labor some women are offered injection of sterile water into the lower back. What is the mechanism of effect?
2. In pregnancy, the level of estrogens is raised considerably, stimulating secretion of glycogen to the vagina. This enhances growth of lactobacillus, by which you will expect a lowering in pH. But you can often find statements as … “in pregnancy the risk of a fungus infection in the vagina is raised” – and that normally occur with a pH > 4,5, where as the normal pH of the vagina (unpregnant state) is 3.8 -4.2. Why isn´t it even more unlikely to have a fungus infection in pregnancy?
Best regards Janne Nielsen, Denmark
Tue, 9 Aug 2016
Hi, Dr Purushottam Neurgaonkar welcomes you to HCM VIRTUAL CLINIC. I have gone through your question , and I think I have understood your concern. I will suggest you the best possible treatment options.
1 ) I will answer your first question, about injection if sterile water during labour process
2 ) Many studies have shown that subcutaneous - below the skin injection of sterile water helps relieve labour pains. This in turn helps faster and pain free labour progress.
It is practised at many delivery centers. But at most of the delivery units epidural analgesia, is preferred. As this can be converted to epidural anesthesia if needed.
3 ) Your information about relationships between estrogen, lactobacilli and vaginal pH is absolutely correct. However, during pregnancy overall immunity is a bit lowered and if vagina pH is not around 3.5 then Chances of getting vaginal infection are increased. Also, it becomes difficult for the woman to maintain her vaginal hygiene because of abdominal size and inability to reach out to private parts.
I usually suggest use of Lactacyd vaginal wash daily during bath time.
This helps to maintain vaginal pH around 3.5.
I hope this answer helps you.
Thanks.
Dr. Purushottam Neurgaonkar.
1 ) I will answer your first question, about injection if sterile water during labour process
2 ) Many studies have shown that subcutaneous - below the skin injection of sterile water helps relieve labour pains. This in turn helps faster and pain free labour progress.
It is practised at many delivery centers. But at most of the delivery units epidural analgesia, is preferred. As this can be converted to epidural anesthesia if needed.
3 ) Your information about relationships between estrogen, lactobacilli and vaginal pH is absolutely correct. However, during pregnancy overall immunity is a bit lowered and if vagina pH is not around 3.5 then Chances of getting vaginal infection are increased. Also, it becomes difficult for the woman to maintain her vaginal hygiene because of abdominal size and inability to reach out to private parts.
I usually suggest use of Lactacyd vaginal wash daily during bath time.
This helps to maintain vaginal pH around 3.5.
I hope this answer helps you.
Thanks.
Dr. Purushottam Neurgaonkar.
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