GRMC’s Kintzinger Women’s Health Center took on the
American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology’s standards of excellence and
earned top marks. GRMC is one of 30 hospitals in Iowa to be recognized. The
standard of care at Grinnell Regional states that elective inductions of labor
or scheduled Cesarean sections would not be performed prior to 39 weeks, 0 days
unless medical indications for induction were present.
An elective delivery is one that is done for a
non-medical reason. Labor may be induced or a cesarean section performed to
deliver the baby.
It may be medically necessary to deliver the baby
early if there is concern for the health of either the baby or the mother. This
could include high blood pressure, diabetes, or other developmental issues.
Babies continue to grow throughout the entire
pregnancy. The brain, liver, and lungs complete their full development during
those last weeks. ACOG states that the brain develops at its fastest rate at
the end of pregnancy, growing by one-third between week 35 and 39.
Elective deliveries before 39 completed weeks of
gestation can pose both short-term and long-term health risks for the newborn.
These include a higher risk of breathing problems, temperature problems as
babies have a difficult time staying warm without the layers of fat that
develop on the baby at the end of the pregnancy, and hearing, vision, and
potential learning problems can all pose serious and sometimes long-term health
issues for baby.
ACOG also notes that there are increased health risks for
mothers when labor is prevented from starting on its own. These can include
infection, and an increased likelihood of having a cesarean section, especially
if it is the mother’s first pregnancy.
“For many women, those last few weeks before
delivering can be miserable,” acknowledges Sheryl Baarda, RN, obstetric unit
nurse manager. “However, for the benefit of the baby, elective inductions of
labor should not be performed, unless of course the baby’s health is in danger.
This policy has real patient benefits.”
The results after five years were dramatic. The number
of babies who were transferred to a neonatal intensive care unit dropped to
three babies in 2013, from a high of 12 in 2008. The number of transfers has
been consistently two to three babies a year, since this policy was put in
practice.
Overall, there has been a decline in babies delivered
in the United States before 39 weeks. Figures from 2010 indicate that 17
percent of babies born in the United States were delivered before 39 weeks.
Through advocacy from ACOG and other organizations, it was reported that in
2013 that percentage had plummeted to 4.6 percent.
The Iowa Healthcare Collaborative recognized GRMC’s
Kintzinger Women’s Health Center staff and physicians for this improvement in
quality of care.
Heather Matherly, RN, BSN, IHC improvement
administrator, delivered a banner to GRMC to hang proudly in the facility.
“GRMC is one of only 30 hospitals in the state to earn
this recognition,” Matherly says. “The policy change and implementation has been
a huge success and benefit to the littlest patients. Outstanding.”
(photo)
From left: Heather Matherly,
RN, BSN; Sheryl Baarda, RN; and Kayla Sherwood, RN.
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