Doula

Category - Labor & Birth

Breathing techniques used during labor can do all of the following EXCEPT:
  1. Improve oxygenation of the fetus keeping the fetal heart rate more stable
  2. Make a mom lightheaded
  3. Increase oxygen to the uterus, which decreases pain and makes contractions more effective
  4. Reduce the risk of Caesarean birth when exhale pushing is used as opposed to directed pushing
Explanation
Answer: B - If a mother feels faint or dizzy when she is actively working on a breathing technique, she should slow her breathing. The patterns of breathing typically used as distractions and relaxation techniques during labor should keep a mom comfortable and help her maintain her focus. On a physiologic level, breathing exercises tend to improve oxygenation, which helps labor progress and fetal well-being. Breathing for the pushing phase of labor can be done in different ways with different impacts, but spontaneous bearing down while exhaling has been proven to lessen the risk of Caesarean birth and to make pushing more effective.
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