[Abdominal decompression - should this obstetric method be employed in future too? (author's transl)].

Heyns developed a method to produce decompression in the abdomen of pregnant women. He stated that the method was recommended to promote analgesia during the period of dilatation and to shorten the delivery period. Since enhanced blood supply of the placenta was expected also, the method was stated to be useful in gestosis patients. Regular application during the last three months of pregnancy were said to enhance the intelligence of the foetus. The examinations quoted in this article show insufficient analgesia and lack of shortening of the delivery period. No clear evidence of increased placental blood supply was seen. On account of the uncomfortable mode of application and the hypovolaemic sequential condition this method has not been accepted as obstetric practice.