If you meet certain criteria, some procedures may be performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you don't have to stay in the hospital. These will be discussed by your care provider before they are booked.
INDUCTION
You will receive a phone call from the Connell 5 Unit Clerk the night before your induction to confirm the time that you should arrive to start the induction process. When you arrive at KGH, go straight to the nursing station in Labour and Delivery on Connell 5. Someone will greet you and bring you to a room where your induction will begin. The nurse will ask you questions as they check your vital signs and will also put the fetal monitor on your abdomen to make sure that the baby is healthy before they begin. The procedure is performed by the physician or resident. There are two ways this procedure may be done:
1. Cervidil is a medicated gauze that is inserted into the vagina - similar to a tampon, only smaller. You may experience some back pain and cramping as well as some pink discharge. It will often it take several hours before you feel this. In rare occasions contractions start quickly and occur too often. In this case the Cervidil can be taken out.
2. A Foley Catheter is used for mechanical induction. This involves the insertion of the catheter into the cervix where the balloon on the tip of the catheter is expanded. It is quite normal to experience discomfort throughout the procedure, followed by some menstrual like cramps, that may end within a half hour.
During either procedure, your triage nurse will assess you frequently. When you are stable, you may be sent home with follow-up care instructions or return to the hospital when active labour begins.
EXTERNAL CEPHALIC VERSION (ECV):
External cephalic version is a technique whereby a doctor turns a breech baby to a head down position. The procedure involves the baby being turned manually by pressure on your abdomen. This procedure is done by an Obstetrician with assistance from a Obstetrical Resident. You will be instructed to call Connell 5 on the morning of the procedure to set up a time of the day when it can be done. You should arrive at the Connell 5 nursing station at your specific time and the doctor will discuss the procedure with you. The nurse will check your vital signs and start an IV and the fetal monitor will be applied before the procedure begins. You will feel a great deal of pressure, however it should not be painful. The procedure should take about 5 minutes. If you require further information about ECV, please ask your healthcare provider.
