For Patients/Families

Amniotomy
The artificial rupture of amniotic membranes (AROM). This procedure is commonly performed to hasten or induce labor, check for meconium, or enable the use of an internal fetal monitor. The benefits of this is that it allows doctors to view the amniotic fluid and can speed up labor. The disadvantages are that it may rarely lead to umbilical cord compression and eliminate the barrier protecting the fetus from bacteria in the birth canal. Some doctors frequently perform an amniotomy on all their patients and some do not, find out your doctor's policy.