10: Labor and Post-Partum Flashcards
When does lightening occur with labor?
Within a week prior to delivery
What is lightening with labor?
Increased pressure on the pelvis and bladder causing frequent urination
What is happening with the fetus during lightening?
The head is settling into the pelvis
When are Braxton-Hicks likely?
Beginning of second trimester but more common closer to delivery
What is effacement?
Thinning of the cervix secondary to prostaglandins
What is the length of the normal cervix?
1.5-2” long
What is dilation of the cervix?
Cervix gradually opened from 0-10cm
What is station?
Relationship of the top of the baby’s head or presenting part to the spines of the pelvic bone
If the baby is stationed above the ischial spine, is it a positive or negative value?
Negative
If the baby is stationed below the ischial spine, is it a positive or negative value?
Positive
What does it mean if the station of the baby is “floating”?
-4 above the ischial spine
What does it mean if the station of the baby is “crowning”?
+4 below the ischial spine
What is the function of the mucous plug?
Prevents bacteria from getting to the uterus
What is the “bloody show”?
When the mucous plug is dislodges due to the softening of the cervix
What type of contractions happen with true labor?
Consistent, intensity increases, and contraction interval decreases
What type of contractions happen with false labor?
Inconsistent, intensity and interval does not change
How will walking effect true and false labor?
Tue labor: discomfort stays
False labor: discomfort relieved
Does the cervix dilate with false labor?
No
When is the first stage of labor?
Occurring from the onset of true labor until the cervix is completely dilated
What is early first stage labor?
4 cm dilated, 10-20 minutes between contractions
What is the active first stage of labor?
8 cm dilated, 5 minutes between contractions
What is the transition first stage of labor?
Up to 10 cm dilated, 1-2 minutes between contractions
What is the second stage of labor?
Occurring from complete cervical dilation until delivery
What is the third stage of labor?
Delivery of the placenta
What are some factors that can affect labor?
- Position of baby’s head
- Size of baby
- Pelvic anatomy
- Effectiveness of contractions
- Physical and emotional stage
- Medications
How is this baby positioned, and is it optimal?
Occiput anterior, is optimal
How is this baby positioned, and it is optimal?
Occiput posterior, is not optimal
What is the 7th leading cause of maternal deaths?
Anesthesia
What is the drug of choice for delivery?
Nubain
When is birth recommended after Nubain administration?
Birth not recommended within 4 hours of administration
What are maternal complications with Nubain?
- Decreased respiration
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slowing of labor
- Drowsiness
What are fetal complications with Nubain?
- Decreased fetal activity
- Decreased respiration
- Decreased Apgar
- Respiratory acidosis
Where are local anesthetics injected?
Perineum