Common pitfalls in obstetric practice

Abstract

It is a well known fact that many obstetric procedures are controversial and that an obstetrician can achieve equally good results by adopting either of two seemingly diametrically opposite methods of treatment. The reason for this happy ending is that in some instances the processes of pregnancy and labour, like most biological problems, still belong to the realm of mystery. More often, however, Nature takes matters into her hands and repairs or mitigates the damage done by the obstetrician. Unfortunately Mother Nature has her limitations. It is my intention to point out some of the conditions in which the obstetrician can evoke the services of nature as an ally and not as an enemy.