Low Res MH Quality Account 2018 FINAL
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20 Monash Health<br />
A mother’s<br />
understanding<br />
The final weeks of many pregnancies can be<br />
uncomfortable and somewhat frustrating for expectant<br />
mothers, and so it proved to be for a mother who<br />
presented to Dandenong Hospital at 37 weeks.<br />
The patient was in discomfort and insisting on having<br />
labour induced rather than return home and wait for<br />
natural labour to occur. The doctor’s examination initially<br />
revealed an irregular fetal heart rate for a short time,<br />
however, a consistent rate returned and was observed<br />
for an hour.<br />
Through the help of an interpreter who spoke her native<br />
Dari language, the doctor was able to explain to the<br />
patient that her fetus was showing normal movement,<br />
reasonable size and a good heart rate. With no fluid<br />
leakage and a closed cervix, the doctor said that there<br />
was no medical reason for induction of labour and in<br />
fact, an emergency caesarean operation involved a<br />
number of risks.<br />
Having received a thorough explanation of the situation,<br />
the patient was satisfied with the information provided<br />
and was happy to return home and notify the hospital if<br />
there were changes to her condition.<br />
The interpreter played a vital<br />
role in helping the patient<br />
understand her situation,<br />
the risks involved, and<br />
ultimately her decision to<br />
avoid unnecessary medical<br />
intervention.
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