Identifying the Most Common Complications of Using Cinnamon Sticks to Induce Labor in Saudi Arabia - Essay Example

Identifying the Most Common Complications of Using Cinnamon Sticks to Induce Labor in Saudi Arabia Dr. R. Lichtman Ghadeer Assas 5-18 Chapter2 Part I: Literature Review Introduction Cinnamon sticks have been in use by women in labor for quite some time. Its use in inducing has importantly led to there being increased use among pregnant women. Even to them that go to hospitals, research by Nahas and Moher (2009 has determined that there exists a history of using the sticks at end of their earlier pregnancies. Establishing information on the use of the cinnamon sticks is credited to an earlier belief that they are effective in inducing labor. But how true is that? This literature review delves on finding out sufficient materials on the subject topic. Being a secondary data collection method, it will involve access to articles with related literature and also establishing a strong understanding of the relationship between the use of the cinnamon sticks and the success rate of child birth. Therefore, the major source of the information will be secondary references which will have a strong focus on the development of the literature. Secondary information sources make reference to articles, books, hospital maternal reports and any other related source of information. Matan, et al (2006) argues that cinnamon sticks can be quite risky for pregnant women who use them to induce labor because they create a situation of toxicity from accumulation. This is especially the case when it is used for an extended period without attaining the intended results which might lead to the women developing some serious health problems. These problems might lead to the baby also being put at risk (Shields, P. & Rangarjan, 2013). The risk occurs when high toxicity levels in the mother as a result of high consumption of cinnamon reaches the baby. From the study design, information is collected through a collection of methods which are all secondary sources. In essence, information is collected from as many secondary sources as possible so that what different authors think about the situation is shared. This is a situation, which has to be avoided at all costs, and it requires that expectant mothers desist from using large amounts of cinnamon sticks in trying to induce labor. This study is useful because it shows that despite the common assumption that the use of cinnamon induces labor, there are instances where it does not. An increase in the amount consumed will not therefore help in any way. In fact, it might make the mother to put her baby at risk as acknowledged. When such cases occur, very little that can be done to save it. However, this study fails to show for how long a mother can take cinnamon sticks before it becomes risky and it is essential that such figures be shown to ensure that there is more sensitization in the society concerning the risks involved. One weakness of the study is that it was carried out within a limited period of time and therefore not able to capture widespread data that would be found if carried out over a longer period of time. The study showed that while cinnamon might be harmless for those who use it on a regular basis, it carried some serious risks for expectant mothers and it is essential that it only be used sparingly or in small doses in situations where they wish to induce labor. Another weakness is that the information kept changing from time to time and what was discovered sometimes back may not be the current case. Discoveries are done every time and when something new comes up, it may improve the situation meaning that the relationship with the past findings do not concur. Like the one that has been discussed above, the results of a study conducted by Nahas and Moher (2009) also showed that pregnant women should avoid using cinnamon as a means of inducing labor because it has some serious health risks for them and their babies. Nahas and Moher (2009), state that this was mainly because it might bring about premature labor, which the child might not be able to survive. Most of the information was carried out in a methodological criterion aligning itself to deeper understandings of previous information through descriptive data information. These however have the disadvantage of purely describing the data without special consideration of the quantitative characteristics. Cinnamon has the ability to induce premature labor or uterine contractions, and this creates a situation where despite the desires of the mother, the baby might be born too soon. Under these circumstances, it is often difficult to know whether it will survive or not and this might cause serious distress for the mother. Furthermore, there is also the possibility that the expectant mother herself might be put at risk because the induced labor might cause her to develop complications during birth. It is necessary for there to be caution when using cinnamon sticks as a means of inducing labor because, in the study conducted above, this study also concludes that it might result in putting the baby to unnecessary risk especially in a situation where there is excessive toxicity caused by massive consumption. However, this study concludes that the use of cinnamon in small quantities during pregnancy does not bring about many risks and, in fact, ensures that the mother becomes healthier. Despite this, cinnamon sticks, when consumed for inducing labor can be hazardous for both the mother and child. The methodology used in this research is sound because there is use of questionnaires and data collected from hospital records with mothers that have used cinnamon sticks before as well as information acquired from midwives who have dealt with such issues before and the use of secondary sources. A collection of subjects were taken to task during interviews and they gave information on the meaning of the words used and the exact definition of the different alternatives to cinnamon. Most of the data was therefore obtained from the specified methods used in the research. Therefore, it is through the diversified form of data collection and analysis that this study has ensured credibility. Its major weakness, however, is that it concentrates more on the issue of the usage of cinnamon sticks as an agent of inducing premature labor rather than the one which takes place when the baby has come to term and this seems to be a one-sided approach. Woehrlin, et al. (2010) argue that there are situations where cinnamon stick usage in inducing pregnancy might have undesired effects on the expectant mother, and this is especially as a result of its coumarin content. This study shows that regular cinnamon sticks tend to have high levels of coumarin within them and this is a substance that has health risks because it might cause liver failure t taken on a daily basis in order to induce labor. Regular cinnamon sticks, especially the Cassia variety, tend to have as a much as 5% coumarin content and this might be considered dangerous for an expectant mother. This is because a case of liver failure might not only be risky for her, but for her baby as well, because the means of cleaning the blood in the body will have been interrupted. In such a situation, it would be essential to ensure that when expectant mothers wish to induce labor, they shift to using the Ceylon variety of cinnamon sticks because this only contains some 0.04% coumarin, which is virtually negligible since it allows the user to ingest it without any risk to themselves or their baby. Through the provision of figures, this study shows an in-depth analysis of the different variety of cinnamon sticks and the types that can safely be used during pregnancy to induce labor. The researcher in this study shows an awareness to detail as shown through the description of the different cinnamon varieties that are discussed as well as the development of a new perspective concerning them. There is an implication that despite the risks that have been stated above, cinnamon can still be used effectively to induce labor, as long as it is the variety that contains lesser coumarin content. This study, however, discusses the risks involved in using cinnamon in high doses on a daily basis because it might bring about a situation where high levels of coumarin lead to liver failure in the expectant mother, and this might also have an adverse effect on the baby. The detailed research that is conducted can be used as a means of showing that despite the many adverse effects that they might have, cinnamon sticks can still be used, in small doses, to induce labor. In most cases, it is found out that the authors were totally out of ideas when it came to real time. This means that their researches lacked vast comparative knowledge that would effectively develop the strength of the information under focus. There are certain situations where cinnamon sticks act as a blood thinner and this can be risky for an expectant mother because if she uses them to induce labor, she might end up suffering from excessive blood loss during delivery. Khan et al. (2003) state that one of the most common characteristics of cinnamon is like a blood thinner, and this creates a situation where it can be extremely useful for those individuals who suffer from heart disease. This is because cinnamon acts as an anti-clotting agent, and it provides the individual who uses it the ability to have their blood move faster in the body. However, there are situations where it is possible that it will have the same effect when it is used to induce labor, and this can be detrimental in the health of the expectant mother because it makes it difficult for her blood to clot after birth. Therefore, while cinnamon sticks might have the desired effect of inducing labor in expectant mothers, it is also accompanied by health risks that are not anticipated, and this might lead to the death of a mother. It is, therefore, essential that all possible precautions be taken in using cinnamon sticks because it is through these precautions that it is possible to know the best variety to use. The study agrees with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health by showing that the Cassia cinnamon has the highest blood thinning properties. This data was effectively presented as an experimental study. It is for this reason that it should be avoided as an agent of inducing pregnancy, and expectant mothers should instead use Ceylon cinnamon sticks for the purpose because it has lesser blood thinning properties. The study also warns that cinnamon sticks should not be taken alongside blood thinning medication because they might have an adverse effect on the health of the expectant mother. This study is essential to this research because it allows for the evaluation of the blood thinning properties of cinnamon sticks that might have an effect on the user and the methodology used is sound since it allows for an assessment of the different varieties of cinnamon. While this study concentrates on the medicinal properties of cinnamon, it also tackles how these same properties might negatively affect the user, especially if it is an expectant mother wishing to induce labor. Akilen, et al. (2012) recognizes that a number of people, although a minority, are allergic to cinnamon. This makes it difficult to determine whether the results obtained are sound enough to be considered representative of a population. Moreover, for a woman that does not always use this spice, the side effects of cinnamon sticks might make it difficult for them to cope with the various arising effects such as having an upset stomach or facial and hand swelling, as well as dizziness. All of these are highly risky for an expectant mother because they not only endanger her, but they also endanger her baby. Under such circumstances, the woman might end up losing her balance and falling as a result of dizziness and this fall might take place under conditions that might be harmful to the baby. Furthermore, of an allergic reaction, an expectant mother might experience an unusual heartbeat as well as a sudden drop in blood pressure which might not be good for the baby because under such circumstances, she might end up losing it because she cannot get medical attention fast enough. Those individuals who are allergic to cinnamon react differently to its different varieties, and it is essential that before using it to induce labor, expectant mothers find out which type that might be allergic to. Without such knowledge, such mothers might be putting their babies at risk because the latter might develop an acute reaction through the mother consuming cinnamon, and this might lead to their death. This study deals with the allergies that are involved as a result of the consumption of cinnamon sticks by expectant mothers and it allows one to understand the significance of knowing the variety of cinnamon that is to be consumed before using it as a means of inducing labor. In this way, it is possible to ensure that both the mother and the baby are protected from the complications that might arise because of using cinnamon sticks to induce labor. Part II: Conceptual Framework The research was conducted using quantitative methods, and this involved the collection of data mainly through checking data from hospital on mothers that use cinnamon. The other method was the use of a survey questionnaire that helped determine the conclusions that the researcher came up with after analysis (Deegan, 2005, p. 1184). When collecting data, the most important aspects that were considered are the various observations made concerning the subject matter. Personal perspectives of those individuals who have been affected by complications involved using cinnamon sticks to induce labor were also considered (Onwuegbuzie et al, 2012). This ensured that he does not end up relying on the generalized information, instead creating the opportunity to gain an insight concerning the unique circumstances that led to the decision to use this spice. It is important for the researcher to get directly involved in the study of the subject matter, to the extent of searching data from the charts in the hospital documentation and conducting a survey through a questionnaire. This study considered that patients should not be self-directed, take responsibility for their actions during pregnancy, and resist having traditional methods of inducing labor, such as drinking cinnamon sticks, arbitrarily imposed on them. Expectant mothers have to be ready to learn and since many of them tend to take cinnamon sticks voluntarily, it is essential for them to ensure that they learn as much as possible about the procedures they have to undergo (Hobson, 2011). The study takes note that as a result of the needs of expectant mothers, health care facilities in Saudi Arabia are adapting to new technologies and implementing proper management and treatment measures to enable the improvement of their outcomes. It should be noted that while drinking cinnamon sticks in order to induce labor bring the risks of both failures and improper use, the use of modern facilities can also help to improve the outcomes for expectant mothers and their children. The outcomes of these individuals are variations in the condition of the health of an individual or patient due to an intervention. It is, therefore, essential that the proper management and advice given by midwives to expectant mothers might have an impact on achieving good patient health outcomes within the population that is at high risk. Looking at the different reference points of focus from a collection of researchers, it is determined that there is a high use of the cinnamon sticks by many mothers which is an indication that the issue is being brought to more open knowledge. This is information that was collected from a collection of secondary sources such as articles and further justification can only be done through finding updated information. The study attempts to show that the risks involved in drinking cinnamon sticks is founded on the evidence from studies and trials, however, when it comes to outcomes, a very different way of thinking is created. A methodical examination of the results that involve the use of cinnamon sticks has been found to have many advantages by establishing performance-based verification (Maxwell, 2009, p. 222). The research subjects as well as the possible outcomes need to be easy to control, be insightful to what is being measured and be precise when it comes to in identifying those measurements that may be false (Brains, et al., 2011, p. 75). The simplest means to be put in study are those dealing with process because they rarely show the outcomes of clinical interventions and instead, they only show those dealing with the problem once it has occurred (Babbie, 2007, p. 89). The study shows that the outcomes of clinical treatment processes for those women that have developed complications as a result of using cinnamon sticks have been found to be very difficult to develop and to implement, although it is recognized that the reported outcomes of patients have ensured the success of treatments as well as the development of better means of treating expectant mothers. The measurement of management and treatment outcomes for expectant mothers before and after labor has now become an essential part of research. This is with reference to the risk of using cinnamon sticks to induce labor and those, who might use this information, range from the patients involved to those who make policy on healthcare. No single outcome is sufficient in the measurement of any aspect of the complications that arise from using cinnamon sticks since the various instruments needed to come up with a conclusive analysis have to come from multidisciplinary sources (Shields and Rangarjan, 2013, p. 24). It is best to have a sufficient number of these measures that have been appropriately risk-adjusted so that they can then be measured to provide a continuous feedback to research on the subject. The development of a proper analysis of complications that arise from the use of cinnamon sticks requires uninterrupted measurement and understanding in concurrence with the treatment process and patient characteristics. Since in this type of research, the individual conducting it is not allowed to make judgments about the respondents, a thorough study shall be made to ensure that only the most accurate information concerning the complications that arise because of the use of cinnamon sticks to induce labor is collected. The researcher will be aware of the sensitivity of the issue and because of this awareness, the observations made when conducting the research will add to its quality since the information received will be accurate (Yu et al, 2011). During the process of making the research findings the researcher will make sure that she includes herself and her informants so that the credibility of the research can be advanced through the researcher’s personal experience. This format will work towards making the research process more visible and alive to those with no prior knowledge concerning the research, and it will eventually enable the researchers and participants to be viewed as real people in future. Since change is a process that is ongoing, it is necessary for the researcher to make frequent adjustments so that there is no loss of focus during the research. There is much that is learned as new information which will be expanded on in the need to understand cinnamon more. First, it is noted that there is new change in the environment and people try the much they can to adapt to the new changes. Therefore, there is much new information shown by the study. It is important noting that the commonness with which cinnamon sticks are used is not the overall representative information and cannot be considered as fully representative of the behaviors of the women when they use cinnamon sticks (Babbie, 2007).This theoretical review therefore strongly informed the study involved in the work through introducing the fact that collection of information on use of the sticks is not a full indication of the characteristics of the targeted information. Replication of many/or one of the studies is indicative of the fact that sufficient objective information is contained in it. That means that there is a strong relationship between the objectives and what is contained in the information. For the purposes of approval of the information, a different population is importantly to be considered especially in use of the primary research data collection methods. Many of the studies do not therefore represent full information and an updated study will suffice to zip the gap and this can be done at primary levels. References Akilen, R., Tsiami, A., Devendra, D., et al. (2012). Cinnamon in glycaemic control: Systematic r review and Meta-Analysis. Clin Nutr, 31, 609-615. Babbie, E. (2007). The Practice of Social Research (11th edition). Belmont, CA: Thompson, W Wadsworth. Brains, C., Willnat, L., Manheim, J. & Rich, R. (2011). Empirical Political Analysis: Q Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods. New York, NY: Longman. Deegan, J.C. (2005). Australian Financial Accounting. New South Wales: McGraw Hill A Australia Pty Ltd. p.1184. Hobson, K. (2011). Too many babies being delivered early for no good reason. Wall Street J Journal. blogs.wsj.com/health/2011/01/26/too-many-babies-being-delivered-early-for-no- g good-reason-report/ Khan, A. et al. (2003). Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People With Type 2 Diabetes. D Diabetes Care, 26(12), 3215-3218. Matan, N., Rimkeeree, H., Mawson, A.J., et al (2006). Antimicrobial activity of cinnamon and c clove oils under modified atmosphere conditions. Int J Food Microbiol, 107(2), 180-5. Maxwell, J. (2009). Designing a qualitative study. In L. Bickmam and D. Rog (eds). The Sate H Handbook of Applied Social Science Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Nahas, R., & Moher, M. (2009). Complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of t type 2 diabetes. Can Fam Physician, 55, 591-596. Onwuegbuzie, A.J., Leech, N.L., Slate, J.R., Stark, M., Sharma, B., Frels, R., Harris, K. & C Combs, J.P. (2012). An Exemplar for Teaching and Learning Qualitative Research. The Q Qualitative Report, 17(1), 16-77. Shields, P. & Rangarjan, N. (2013). A Playbook for Research Methods: Integrating Conceptual F Frameworks and Project Management. Stillwater, OK: New Forums Press. Sinuff, T., Cook, D.J. & Giacomini, M. (2007). How qualitative research can contribute to r research in the intensive care unit. Journal of critical care, 22(2), 104-11. MedlinePlus. n.d.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health. C Cassia cinnamon. Retrieved from h http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/1002.html Woehrlin, F., Fry, H., Abraham, K., et al. (2010). Quantification of flavoring constituents in c cinnamon: high variation of coumarin in cassia bark from the German retail market and in a authentic samples from Indonesia. J Agric Food Chem, 58, 10568-10575. Yu, C.H., Jannasch-Pennell, A. & DiGangi, S. (2011). Compatibility between Text Mining and Q Qualitative Research in the Perspectives of Grounded Theory, Content Analysis, and R Reliability. The Qualitative Report, 16(3), 730-744. Read More