What should be included in normal vaginal delivery video education?

Components of Normal Vaginal Delivery Video Education

Educational videos for normal vaginal delivery should include comprehensive information about the labor process, pain management options, delivery techniques, and postpartum care to improve maternal knowledge, confidence, and satisfaction with the birthing experience.

Labor Process Information

• Videos should explain the stages of labor, including early labor, active labor, transition phase, and the second stage of pushing, to help women understand what to expect during the birthing process 1
• Include information about spontaneous onset of labor versus induction, explaining that spontaneous labor is generally preferable for low-risk pregnancies 2
• Demonstrate proper maternal positioning options during labor that can facilitate delivery and reduce discomfort 3
• Explain the timing of admission to the labor ward, noting that delaying admission until active labor begins can decrease unnecessary medical interventions 4

Pain Management Education

• Present all available pain management options including non-pharmacological methods and pharmacological interventions such as epidural analgesia 5
• Clarify that neuraxial analgesia (epidural) can be offered in early labor (less than 5 cm dilation) and should not be withheld based on arbitrary cervical dilation measurements 5
• Explain that epidural analgesia is effective for pain control and, contrary to some beliefs, does not increase the risk of cesarean delivery, though it may prolong labor slightly 4
• Demonstrate breathing techniques and relaxation methods that can help manage pain during contractions 1

Fetal Monitoring and Assessment

• Explain different types of fetal monitoring (intermittent auscultation versus continuous electronic monitoring) and their appropriate applications 5
• Demonstrate normal fetal heart rate patterns and explain what changes might indicate potential concerns 5
• Include information about interventions that may be implemented if abnormal fetal heart patterns are detected, such as position changes, oxygen administration, and intravenous fluid administration 5

Delivery Techniques and Interventions

• Show proper visualization of the perineum during fetal expulsion and appropriate techniques for guiding the fetal head to prevent rapid delivery and reduce perineal trauma 3
• Demonstrate correct techniques for guiding the shoulders and arms during delivery 3
• Explain that routine episiotomy increases morbidity and should be avoided unless specifically indicated 4
• Include information about the active management of the third stage of labor to decrease the risk of postpartum hemorrhage 4

Special Circumstances

• Provide information about vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) for women with previous cesarean deliveries, noting that previous vaginal birth is the strongest predictor of successful VBAC 6
• Include education about potential complications and how they are managed during vaginal delivery 3
• Explain circumstances where operative vaginal delivery (forceps or vacuum) might be necessary and how these procedures are performed 7

Postpartum Care

• Include information about immediate postpartum care, including skin-to-skin contact with the newborn and initiation of breastfeeding 1
• Explain normal postpartum recovery processes and potential complications to watch for 1

Educational Approach and Format

• Videos should be brief (approximately 3-5 minutes) to maintain attention while delivering key information 2
• Use clear, simple language and visual demonstrations to enhance understanding 1
• Include diverse representation of birthing experiences to make content relatable to a wider audience 1
• Ensure content is evidence-based and aligned with current clinical practice guidelines 5

Effectiveness of Video Education

• Research shows that video-based education significantly improves maternal knowledge about the birthing process compared to standard education alone 1
• Women who receive video education report higher satisfaction with their birthing experience 2
• Video-based learning serves as a valuable complementary tool to clinical education and can improve comfort with the birthing process 7