Why would a tongue ring need to be removed for a birth?

[minkajane]

I'm rewatching The Business of Being Born and DH noticed something I never had before. There's a scene of a birth center in Brooklyn and a CNM says to a pregnant woman, "Remember, that tongue ring needs to come out before the delivery!" DH asked why she'd need to take out a tongue ring and I had no answer for him. Why would something in the mouth affect what's going on with the uterus and the vagina? I can understand why genital or nipple piercings would need to come out, but why would a tongue ring need to be removed any more than, say, earrings or a nose ring?

[belchers1]

In case there's an emergency and the patient needs to be intubated.

[minkajane]

But it's a freestanding birth center - if they need to transfer, is there any reason the tongue ring can't be removed in transit? Seems like along the same lines of the NPO rule - IF you need a C/S and IF it's so emergent you need general anesthesia and IF you have an unskilled anesthesiologist, you MIGHT vomit and aspirate it.

[ell]

Originally Posted by belchers1

In case there's an emergency and the patient needs to be intubated.

That's what I immediately thought of too.

[TCMoulton]

Originally Posted by MommytoC

Because of the possibility of a c-section, especially an emergency one. Can't wear jewelery during any surgery.

Not always true - I wore my wedding band and my engagement ring during my C/S

[rainbowmoon]

this isn't true everywhere, I wore my earrings (and glasses) during my c/s.

Originally Posted by MommytoC

Because of the possibility of a c-section, especially an emergency one. Can't wear jewelery during any surgery. My dh had to remove his wedding ring for shoulder surgery.

I imagine there are other reasons, but that's the one that sticks out to me.

[ell]

Originally Posted by minkajane

But it's a freestanding birth center - if they need to transfer, is there any reason the tongue ring can't be removed in transit? Seems like along the same lines of the NPO rule - IF you need a C/S and IF it's so emergent you need general anesthesia and IF you have an unskilled anesthesiologist, you MIGHT vomit and aspirate it.

If mom is unconscious they may miss the fact that she has the tongue ring and not remove it in transit. They're trying to be prepared for the worst case scenario.

[monkaha]

there was an article in a recent issue of Nursing2008 challenging this. when i'm not nak'ing, i'll find it and quote some stuff.

[Funny Face]

The tongue ring would need to be removed for emergency intubation. You don't have to remove jewelry for most c/s because you are conscious. Jewelry is removed if you are going to be under general anesthesia so there is no possible loss of personal items, or the accusation of such. In some cases it also has to do with sterility of the area.

[Meredith&Alexander]

The only other thing I could think of would be a risk of aspirating the jewelry.

[Amylcd]

Originally Posted by TCMoulton

Not always true - I wore my wedding band and my engagement ring during my C/S

Yes, I wore my wedding ring during my csections, and during my laparotomies. But, it is standard to remove all jewelry and contacts during surgeries.

[mommy2two babes]

I had mine in for both births.

[JennTheMomma]

Its incase of a c-section. My nurse told me I'd have to take my tongue ring out if I needed one. But she told me it was unlikely so I could keep it in. But 7 hours after my birth I had a blood clot and needed surgery, so I did end up taking it out.

[Storm Bride]

Originally Posted by TCMoulton

Not always true - I wore my wedding band and my engagement ring during my C/S

I've been told at both my scheduled sections that I either had to remove my rings or tape them...but they've never actually done either.

[Belle]

When I had a D&C I was intubated and they asked if I had any metal in my mouth. I told them I had some dental fixtures in their but they don't come out.

Same thing, if there's a chance of a general, they want jewelery off.

[RoseDuperre]

Okay, PLEASE forgive my ignorance, but why can you not wear jewelry for surgery when the jewelry is nowhere near the part being operated on?

Originally Posted by Storm Bride

I've been told at both my scheduled sections that I either had to remove my rings or tape them...but they've never actually done either.

What does this mean, tape them?

(I have resolved to stop NOT asking questions so as not to appear foolish - I miss too many learning opportunities that way.)

[Drummer's Wife]

I wore my wedding rings and earings during all 4 sections and my laparotomy. I had to remove my labret peircing, though, which makes sense.

[BrooklynDoula]

The midwives at the BBC don't make people routinely remove all jewlery - wedding rinds, for example, are fine to wear if a mom wants to. Tongue rings present a larger issue for intubation and therefore they are removed. Earring and necklaces and rings, not so much, they usually stay on if mom wants them to.

[wombatclay]

We had a care provider speak to our ICAN group and someone asked about this

why can you not wear jewelry for surgery when the jewelry is nowhere near the part being operated on

She said that there was a very small risk of electrical discharge and burns and so metal jewelry/glasses/watches/etc should be removed just in case (though I guess this sort of discharge is not as common as it once was). Also, some people react to surgery with sudden or extreme swelling and some jewelry could cause tissue damage or need to be cut off quickly. So they'd rather you just take things off (or out) on your own.

[RoseDuperre]

AHA! That makes sense. Thanks!