Why would a tongue ring need to be removed for a birth? - Page 2

[Lisoula]

Originally Posted by minkajane

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.

Just an FYI...Aspirating on vomit doesn't have anything to do with the skill level of the anesthesiologist.

Originally Posted by ell

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.

Plus if there is any type of urgency to the transfer, it is unlikely that removing the tongue ring is going to be on anyone's mind.....everyone will be focusing on the health of the baby & mom.

[Storm Bride]

Originally Posted by 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?

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.)

I'm glad you asked, because I had no idea, until this was posted in response:

Originally Posted by MommytoC

You put tape over them so they don't move or cause injury (how they would cause injury is anyone's guess). Some of my teammates on my high school swim team had a real problem with taking jewelery out of their nose, ears, eyes, wherever else that they'd take first-aid tape and put tape over them. I don't know why it's a thing, but that's what it is.

They never actually did tape mine, so I wasn't sure what it was all about.

[VroomieMama]

Originally Posted by TCMoulton

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

same here.

[Jane]

They just don't like the chance of stuff going down your throat if you need general anesthethia. They make kids get loose teeth pulled before surgery, too (or, at least, they do sometimes). If it doesn't come out, it's no issue (ie, dental work).
There's also a concern with theft - they'd rather you left that stuff at home.
And some surgeries involve cautery with electricity. Metal can arc and lead to burns.
Some providers run on auto -they aren't thinking, just repeating what they learned once. Some are on power trips.

[readytobedone]

Originally Posted by 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.

yep.

they had me remove my tongue ring for my c/s...i think they were unsure whether i might need general anesthesia, since it was an emergency section. it ended up i was conscious for the birth, though.

they didn't ask me to take it out until i was about to go to the OR, though--i had it in for the duration of labor and pushing.