Ob

[VenusinFurs]

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Ack! I'm starting my L&D rotation tomorrow, and I barely remember what a cervix is. As a medical student on my OB rotation, I didn't catch any babies or do any cervical checks or... much of anything really. Any tips as to how I can survive?

 

[VenturaResident]

I'd suggest keeping a copy of Thomas Zheng's "Comprehensive Handbook of Obstetrics and Gynecology, second edition" in your back pocket (isbn: 978-0-9822677-2-1) . Invaluable. And practice measuring and remeasuring your fingers against a ruler or one of those plastic cervical dilation models to start to get a kinesthetic sense for cervical checks. And remember that there is very very little evidence based medicine on L&D - it's much more art than science and your attendings will all likely have different opinions, but it's all around pretty awesome - some of your learning is about the physical skill sets but much is about learning why different people do dramatically different thins and why so you can develop your own personal practice.

 

[rachmoninov3]

HEAD CONTROL! When an infant is crowning, apply pressure to the head to slow the rate. This helps prevent tears and hour long laceration repairs (which is how long they take when you are just learning). Also, if you are alone without upper levels and have a question, don't be afraid to ask the nurses. L&D nurses are like ICU/ER nurses. This is a form of critical care, and they can be your best friend or your worst enemy.