Laminaria Insertion and Fetal Comfort: Understanding the Process

Question
Hi Danielle,

I was speaking to someone who works at the clinic and I was told that when the laminirias are inserted for dilation, because it contains ethylene oxide, that it causes the fetus to sleep and pass peacefully.

Do you know if that's true?  I can't find that information on ethylene oxide anywhere.

Answer
Hi Kelly :)

I've never heard of it being used because of that. An injection into the amniotic fluid is given that causes the heart to stop beating. The laminaria are strictly used for the dialtion of the cervix. I found a warning that ethylene oxide can cause damage to a fetus, but not cause it to stop developing. Maybe she's right-but I've never heard that being the case before.