Timing and mode of delivery

Proper timing and determining the mode of delivery depend on obstetrics and non-obstetrics,
perinatology, indications. Term pregnancy is considered a delivery between the 37 th and the 42 nd week of
gestation, even though in practice it is rarely allowed for the pregnancy to go beyond the term for more
than several days. Not later than from the 36 th week of gestation, the pregnant patients should be
referred to CTG check-ups to monitor uterine contractions and fetal heart rate. In case of pregnancy
complications, maternal and fetal conditions are observed by several methods that, as an algorithm,
provide more precise image and possibility to avoid urgencies and complications.
Understanding of ‘fetal condition’, i.e. interpreting what the baby wants to tell us about himself/herself,
is provided by monitoring of fetal growth, weight gain, quantity of amniotic fluid, fetal movements,
mode of breathing, muscle tone, biophysical profile. With serial Doppler flows and monitoring of blood
circulation, carrying nutrients and oxygen, we have a spectrum of parameters, which help us interpret
the fetal condition.
The mode of delivery is determined according to maternal condition, fetal condition and obstetrics
indications.
If we manage to respect the nature, in complication-free pregnancy, where pelvic measures of the
mother, her general condition and fetal condition allow us – the priority is given to natural vaginal
delivery.
In case of present indications, surgery – also known as Cesarean Section – is timely planned.
Use of anesthesia during delivery, application of epidural analgesia for pain relief during delivery, implies
dose adaptation in order to provide quality and successful delivery.
Should complications occur during vaginal delivery, the emergency Cesarean Section is performed to
end the pregnancy.