Viagra could halve hours in labour and prevent emergency c-sections


by Ellie Kirwin-Jones |
Published on

Viagra has now been discovered to have a much better purpose, which could save a lot of time in the delivery room.

Sildenafil, commonly known as Viagra, has been found to reduce labour times in half and even prevent so many emergency c-sectionsfrom happening.

Researchers from the Mater Research Institute in Queensland found a 50 per cent reduction in emergency births in women who were taking Viagra in theearly stages of labour.

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They discovered that the blood flow to the fetus can drop by 60 per cent during childbirth, resulting in dangerous and traumatic caesareans or forceps deliveries.

Professor Sailesh Kumar said: "Increasing blood flow improves the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the baby and this may reduce the risk of the baby becoming distressed in labour."

They continued to find that if the blood flow is not restored, the flow of oxygen to the baby's brain can become compromised and result in health issues, including cerebral palsy.

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"Emergency caesarean births are associated with poorer results for both the mother and baby," he continued.

"So these preliminary results showing a decrease in emergency caesareans using Sildenafil is very promising."

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Now read:

Having a caesarean: all your questions answered

The on-screen labour scenes that are nothing like actually giving birth

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