AKH
Facts and Figures
Births per year | 2770 |
Rate of episiotomy (perineotomy) in natural birth | 8.6 % |
cesarean section rate | 45.8 % |
Percentage of primary (planned) caesarean sections | no data |
Percentage of secondary (unplanned) caesarean sections | no data |
Rate of peridural/spinal anaesthesia (spinal block) during caesarean section | 90.5 % |
Besides doctors, carers and midwives, which other salaried personnel does your team feature? | available |
---|---|
Psychologists | |
Physiotherapists | |
Dieticians | |
Social workers |
Offer | available | free |
---|---|---|
Pregnancy exercises | ||
Birth preparation courses | ||
Psychological / psychosomatic walk-in clinic and counselling | ||
Acupuncture | ||
Homeopathy | ||
Individual discussions with midwives |
What is the standard of equipment? | available |
---|---|
Birthing stool | |
Birth wheel | |
Pezzi ball | |
Wall bars | |
own wetroom / WC |
offer | available |
---|---|
Are midwives able to assist with delivery in your department? | |
Are midwives of the patient's choice able to assist with delivery in your department? | |
Is there a neonatologist on site round the clock? | |
Is a peridural or spinal anaesthesia possible at any time? |
offer | available | free |
---|---|---|
Clinical baby examination | ||
Hip ultrasound | ||
Listening test | ||
Laser treatment for sore nipples | ||
Social counselling | ||
Breastfeeding counselling | ||
Nutrition counselling | ||
Psychological care for post-partum problems | ||
Confinement exercises | ||
Back exercises | ||
Private groups | ||
Baby gymnastics | ||
Baby massage |
general class | |
---|---|
Single or double rooms | 18 |
Rooms with three or four beds | 0 |
Five or more beds | 0 |
special class | |
---|---|
Single rooms | 4 |
Double rooms | 4 |
1. Please describe your department’s obstetric philosophy
The Medical University of Vienna’s main work is research, teaching and advanced medicine. To that effect, we concentrate on pathological pregnancies, such as multiple pregnancies, premature waters breaking / dangerous premature birth; pregnant women with additional conditions such as diabetes, pre-eclampsia, abnormal placenta localisation, egg donation etc.
2. Please describe the process of a problem-free birth in your department, preferably from the woman’s point of view.
The pregnant woman comes with spontaneous labour and gives birth either only with a midwife, or with a midwife and a doctor. Very often the partner, or another caregiver, is also present for the birth. As we mainly care for patients with pathological births, we frequently use an epidural anaesthetic (EDA) for pain relief. In very rare instances, an episiotomy must be carried out.
3. How does your department handle caesarean deliveries on maternal request (CDMRs)?
We initially have a detailed discussion with the patient about the reasons as to why she wants a Caesarean section.
In the case of young patients whose main motivation for getting a Caesarean section is worry about pain, we try to encourage them to have a spontaneous delivery with the offer of an EDA.
4. How is the birth companion included during the labour (incl. caesareans)?
Partners, or other companions, are present for 80-90% of deliveries. We also allow this for Caesarean sections.
5. To what extent is the woman free to choose the birthing position?
The patient can choose her own birthing position. The accompanying midwife will support her in this.
6. Please describe how pain is managed.
In order to help patients to better manage their labour pains, we support them with the help of a relaxation bath, as well as medical opportunities, such as administering Nalbuphine and EDA.
7. How is the “comfort factor” taken into account during the birth?
We try to get the feelgood factor right during the birth, through various measures such as a relaxation bath. Furthermore, we are aware how important it is that a partner or another person in a position of trust is present at the birth.
8. What is your department’s position on the use of complementary medical treatments (acupuncture, homoeopathy, aromatherapy etc.)?
Our midwives are trained in homoeopathic medicine. This means that we can offer both pregnant women and women giving birth the use of homoeopathic methods.
9. How does your department encourage bonding after vaginal delivery and delivery by caesarean section?
We are eager to support the earliest possible mother-child contact (bonding). This happens directly after a natural birth. However, it is even possible for bonding to occur during Caesarean section surgery.
10. What kind support does your department offer for women who experience psychological or social difficulties during or after the birth?
If the patient needs psychological or social support, we have 4 clinical psychologists available to help. However, medical staff and midwives will also be there to support patients.
11. What is your department’s position on rooming in?
Rooming in is a very important measure which helps to support the bonding process. We try to support this as a standard practice, as long as there are no medical reasons against it.
12. What is your department’s approach to breastfeeding?
We are aware of the long-term benefits of breastfeeding, and do everything we can to support the mother in this.
13. To what extent does your department accommodate cultural wishes/requests?
Our patients come from all cultures and corners of the earth, and we try to meet a wide range of cultural requirements.
14. How does your department handle foreign languages?
If there are language barriers, we manage to accommodate patients with the help of professional interpreters, and colleagues / midwives with foreign language skills.
15. What is your department’s position on outpatient birth and early (“premature”) discharge?
An inpatient birth (early discharge) after the child has been examined by a paediatrician, and the mother by a birth helper, is possible in principle.