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The Importance Of Medical Practices In Hospitals

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During active labour in a hospital setting throughout Australia, The United Kingdom (UK) and The United States of America (USA) it is standard practice to fast women of food and fluid (Hunt, 2013). Hospital guidelines vary from the practice of nil by mouth to allowing sips of water or isotonic drinks. Hospitals may prefer women not eat whilst others may allow a small intake of light foods, usually with a recommendation for no food once in established labour (Mayer, Hong, & Bernstein, 2015). This practice came into effect during the 1940’s with Mendelson’s research associating the risk of pulmonary aspiration during general anaesthesia amongst patients who had not been fasted (Mendelson, 1946). Maternal morbidity in women undergoing …show more content…

In Australia, the 3centres Collaboration guidelines that benchmark midwifery care in Victoria recommend women eat a light diet and drink as desired (3centres Collaboration, 2014). The presence of ketonuria indicates the importance of using isotonic drinks to prevent the development of ketosis, with ketosis reducing the efficacy of uterine activity, possibly contributing to prolonged labours (Hunt, 2013; Toohill, Soong, & Flenady, 2008). Moreover, evidence points to the opinions, experience, practice and policies of clinicians and their associated hospital, impacting on women’s access to food and fluids and the ability to make informed choices (King, Glover, Byrt, & Porter-Nocella, 2011; 3centres Collaboration, 2014). King’s (2011) research found little evidence to support restriction of oral nutrition in labour and recommends hospitals review policies to align with current evidence. Overall, 3centres Collaboration (2014) guidelines advocate for the labouring woman have access to adequate nutrition and hydration, whilst acknowledging the role of midwife to intervene should the labour degenerate or opioid pain management be utilised. Using evidence to guide and principle the care a Midwife provides to the labouring woman is an important aspect of safe and competent midwifery care (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, 2006). When considering the risks associated with the intake of food and fluid hospital

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