In a significant development for maternal healthcare in Uttar Pradesh, experts at King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow have highlighted the growing trends of water birth and labour analgesia in modern obstetric practice. These innovative approaches are transforming childbirth experiences by promoting painless delivery and dignified maternity care.
Continuing Medical Education Programme Focuses on Modern Labour Management
A comprehensive continuing medical education programme titled 'Newer Trends in Labour Management' was recently conducted at KGMU's department of obstetrics and gynaecology. The event aimed to update clinicians and postgraduate students on evidence-based childbirth practices that are gaining traction worldwide.
Over 150 medical professionals, including doctors, faculty members, senior residents, and postgraduate students, participated in this educational initiative. The programme was conducted under the expert guidance of Professor Rekha Sachan, who serves as both patron and acting head of the department.
Labour Analgesia: Revolutionizing Childbirth Experience
During the detailed sessions, speakers extensively discussed various aspects of labour analgesia and pain management during childbirth. Professor Rekha Sachan emphasized the transformative impact of this approach, stating, "Labour analgesia allows women to experience childbirth with significantly reduced pain while remaining active and aware during labour. It represents an important step toward respectful and humane maternity care."
This medical advancement enables expectant mothers to participate actively in the birthing process while minimizing the physical discomfort traditionally associated with childbirth. The technique has gained substantial recognition for improving maternal satisfaction and outcomes.
Water Birth: An Emerging Practice in Indian Hospitals
The programme also shed light on water birth as an increasingly popular method for pain management during delivery. Professor Sachan noted, "Water birth has been practised extensively in Europe and other Western countries and is now being adopted in several hospitals across India."
This technique involves delivering the baby in a specially designed birthing pool filled with warm water. Medical experts believe this approach offers multiple benefits, including:
- Natural pain relief through warm water immersion
- Reduced need for medical interventions
- Enhanced relaxation for the mother during labour
- Smoother transition for the newborn from womb to external environment
The interactive sessions following the presentations allowed participants to engage directly with experts, addressing practical concerns and implementation challenges associated with these newer labour management techniques.
Advancing Evidence-Based Childbirth Practices in India
This educational initiative at KGMU represents a crucial step toward modernizing obstetric care in India. By focusing on evidence-based practices that prioritize patient comfort and dignity, medical institutions are working to transform childbirth experiences across the country.
The growing adoption of labour analgesia and water birth techniques reflects a broader shift toward patient-centered maternity care that respects women's choices and enhances their birthing experiences. As these practices become more widespread, they promise to redefine standards of obstetric care in Indian healthcare settings.
