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Artificial Rupture of the Membranes in Labour

CPDTime.
4m of CPD
Artificial rupture of the amniotic membranes (ARM) is a method of inducing labour. It involves puncturing the membranes with a crochet-like, long-handled hook during a vaginal examination, releasing the amniotic fluid.

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Artificial rupture of the amniotic membranes (ARM) is a simple procedure performed when the cervix is partially dilated and effaced, with the fetus in a vertex presentation with the head or other presenting part well-applied to the cervix to avoid prolapse of the umbilical cord. It’s thought that rupturing the membranes releases chemicals and hormones that can stimulate and speed up contractions and consequently shorten the length of labour.

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Meet the educator

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Anne Watkins
Anne is a freelance lecturer and medical writer at Mind Body Ink. She is a former midwife and nurse teacher with over 25 years’ experience working in the fields of healthcare, stress management and medical hypnosis. Her background includes working as a hospital midwife, Critical Care nurse, lecturer in Neonatal Intensive Care, and as a Clinical Nurse Specialist for a company making life support equipment. Anne has also studied many forms of complementary medicine and has extensive experience in the field of clinical hypnosis. She has a special interest in integrating complementary medicine into conventional healthcare settings and is currently an Associate Tutor, lecturing in Health Coaching and Medical Hypnosis at Exeter University in the UK. As a former Midwife, Anne has a natural passion for writing about fertility, pregnancy, birthing and baby care. Her recent publications include The Health Factor, Coach Yourself To Better Health and Positive Thinking For Kids. You can read more about her work at www.MindBodyInk.com.
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What do others think?

242 reviews by Ausmed Learners
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Portrait of Anne Michelle Hughes
Anne Hughes
02 Sep 2020
This article reinforces the importance of informed consent prior to performing any procedure and not just doing it because the Doctor said!
TW
Tirahaere Walker
02 Aug 2023
great
LW
Lee-Anne Warrington
01 Aug 2023
Good to know new things
EL
Evelyn Lynch
04 May 2022
Fantastic resource, gained new knowledge not mentioned in my learning at university
Portrait of Helen PARK
Helen PARK
01 Aug 2020
Great article to question practices that have been done for many years and importance of updating evidenced information and ensure there is consent in today's practice of midwifery.
DC
Debra Curran
15 Jul 2023
Registered Midwife
I find it to be extremely disturbing to read in this article that researcher have found that midwives rarely consult with their patients or seek consent prior to performing ARM's. It is unprofessional let alone anything else. Happy to see this domain of midwifery is being reassessed.
BB
Bina Baniya
11 Apr 2021
Informative
LV
Louise Vance
23 Aug 2020
very interesting article
Portrait of Annique Fabien
Annique Fabien
07 Dec 2020
Very good quick read article
BF
Bron French
09 Aug 2020
Quick overview of artificial rupture of membranes. Some suggestions that it is not as effective as ARM with Oxytocin combined.
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