Amniotomy is also known as Artificial Rupture of Membranes (ARM). Amniotomy is carried out using a finger with a special glove, or a small hook which is passed though the cervix to ‘nick’ the membranes (amniotic sac) surrounding the baby. This causes the ‘waters to break’. This procedure is not generally painful, but may be uncomfortable. It is carried out in order to induce labour, place a scalp monitor on the baby, or check for passing of meconium (the baby’s first stool).
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