Hamilton maneuver in pregnant women
Some gynecologists seek to trigger the birth and for this they use the Hamilton maneuver in pregnant women . It is performed in the last stage of pregnancy (between weeks 38 and 39 of pregnancy) and it is a vaginal touch. We explain what exactly this maneuver is, why it is done and what risks it has
Some gynecologists seek to trigger the birth and for this they use the Hamilton maneuver in pregnant women. It is performed in the last stage of pregnancy (between weeks 38 and 39 of pregnancy) and it is a vaginal touch. We explain what exactly this maneuver is, why it is done and what risks it has for the mother and the baby.
What is the Hamilton maneuver in pregnant women?
Hamilton's maneuver consists of separating the uterus from the lower part of the amniotic sac. Normally it is done in the 39th week of gestation, when the gynecologist needs to cause the birth before it reaches term, or from week 40, if the pregnant woman has reached term and does not go into labor.
This Hamilton maneuver is always done by an experienced professional through a vaginal touch. The gynecologist inserts a finger into the vagina of the pregnant woman and passes it around the cervix. Once the uterus is separated from the membranes that surround the baby, the body generates hormones that cause contractions, the prostaglandins. In a period of between 24 and 48 hours, the birth begins.
Causes and risks of the Hamilton maneuver in pregnant women
The gynecologist may have different reasons for advancing labor. They usually do it if they see that the cervical canal is already soft and the baby is ready to be born, although in any case it must inform the parents beforehand and ask for the consent of both. However, this maneuver should never be done if the cervix is fully closed.
It is a Hamilton maneuver in minimally invasive pregnant women, much less than other labor induction maneuvers. It has no negative side effects or specific contraindications. In addition, there are hardly any risks for the mother and the baby. It only causes a slight bleeding (in the 24 hours following the vaginal touch), of a color that goes from the intense red to the dark brown and the expulsion of the mucous plug. And yes, it can be a bit painful.
This maneuver does not assure one hundred percent the triggering of the birth, since in some occasions, it fails.
