medical procedure amniotomy amniotomia http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/ontoneo.owl Intentional rupture of the amniotic membrane with a small instrument called an amniotome. The amniotic sac is opened during labor to initiate the expulsive stage (not to be performed before the cervix is dilated to at least 4-5 cm). Augmented laborWhen contractions begin spontaneously but are not sufficiently strong and regular, medications such as oxytocin are administered to stimulate the uterine muscles and shorten the birth process. This method is advisable if labor has been prolonged and the woman is too exhausted to push. Source: http://www.genico.ch/en/childbirth_glossary PERSON: Fernanda Farinelli PERSON: Fernanda Farinelli