2nd Stage of Labour Flashcards
What is the definition of the second stage of labour?
From complete dilation of the cervix to the complete birth of the baby
When does transition occur?
At the end of the first stage at around 8-9cm dilation
List SIX behavioural changes that may occur during transition?
- Less inhibited, may take clothes off
- Language becomes more earthy
- Can get easily irritated
- Gets more sweaty
- May express doubts or become more focused
- May become afraid or impatient and just want it over
Name SEVEN indications of the active second stage
- Involuntary maternal effort
- Expulsive contractions
- Baby is visible in the introitus
- Woman says the baby is coming despite any observations you have taken to the contrary
- Bulging vulva
- Pouting anus
- Rupture of membranes
What happens during the latent part of the second stage?
Contractions may ease off allowing the woman to rest a little before stronger, expulsive contractions start
What is the Ferguson Reflex?
When the descending head creates pressure which stimulates nerve receptors in the pelvic floor. This triggers a surge of oxytocin, resulting in increased contractions and the urge to push
What happens to the bladder during the second stage?
It is pushed upwards into the abdomen and the urethra becomes stretched
What happens to the rectum during the second stage?
Gets pushed in to the curve of the sacrum
For the pelvic brim, how many cm are the following diameters:
Antero-posterior
Right & Left Oblique
Transverse
Antero-posterior: 11cm
Right & Left Oblique: 12cm
Transverse: 13cm
For the pelvic cavity, how many cm are the following diameters:
Antero-posterior
Right & Left Oblique
Transverse
Antero-posterior: 12cm
Right & Left Oblique: 12cm
Transverse: 12cm
For the pelvic outlet, how many cm are the following diameters:
Antero-posterior
Right & Left Oblique
Transverse
Antero-posterior: 13cm
Right & Left Oblique: 12cm
Transverse: 11cm
How long are the submentobregmatic diameters of the fetal skull?
9.5cm
How long is the mentovertical diameter of the fetal skull?
13.5cm
How long is the suboccipitobregmatic diameter of the fetal skull?
9.5cm
How long is the occipitofrontal diameter of the fetal skull?
11.5cm
How long is the suboccipitofrontal diameter of the fetal skull?
10cm
What is meant by the mechanism of labour?
Refers to the mechanism by which the baby negotiates the birth canal
What causes flexion of the fetal head during descent?
As the head meets the resistance of the birth canal the occiput is pushed lower and the forehead is pushed up
What causes internal rotation and how much does it rotate?
The resistance of the pelvic floor causes the head to rotate 45 degrees or 1/8th of a circle