They are based on real-life dramas from diverse rural locations across the country. The first on rural maternity care appears here. Rural maternity care Setting A 20-bed hospital with anesthesia backup, but the GP surgeon is away. The contractions are strong and every 4 minutes, lasting 45 to 60 seconds each and have been ongoing for 2 hours. Obstetrical history Normal pregnancy to date.
Dates are accurate and there have been no complications.
The progress of labour, antenatal risk factors, monitoring fetal well-being in labour can be identified. Because of the woman's history of smoking, and because she is past her due date, the doctor recognizes the risks for possible placental post maturity. The doctor communicates well with the patient to make her aware that there is no cesarean-section backup and to give her the option of transfer at this time or to stay in the community and continue to labour. A decision is made for her to stay in hospital locally and not to do ARM at present, as the stage of labour is early. Labour progresses slowly.