3.1. Labour - Normal Labour

Question 1

What is the definition of Labour?

Answer 1

The Normal Physiological Process during which the Fetus Membranes, Umbilical Cord, and Placenta are expelled from the Uterus

Question 2

How often are complications of Labour?

Answer 2

Not common - most women experience Labour without complications
WHO - Low Risk

Question 3

When does Labour normally occur, in pregnancy?

Answer 3

37-42 weeks after Conception

Question 4

How is Labour Diagnosed?

Answer 4

Clinically

Question 5

What is not Labour, but may appear like it?

Answer 5

1. Braxton Hicks - Irregular contractions, do not increase in frequency nor intensity
2. Show - Bloody Mucous Plug from Cervix
3. PROM - “Waters have broken”

Question 6

What causes the Initiation of Labour?

Answer 6

1. Physiological Factors are Largely unknown
2. Occurs when factors inhibiting contractions (and maintaining a closed cervix) diminish, and are succeeded by the actions of factors which do the opposite
3. Increase in Intracellular Free Calcium (due to Prostaglandins and Oxytocin) brings about Contractions

Question 7

Where do Labours take place?

Answer 7

1. Labour Ward
2. Midwives Unit
3. Home
4. BBA

Question 8

What are the advantages of a Midwives Unit?

Answer 8

1. Low Risk
2. Analgesia
3. Intermittent Auscultation
4. Encourage Mobility

Question 9

How many stages of Labour are there?

Answer 9

3

Question 10

What happens in the 1st Stage of Labour?

Answer 10

1. Latent and Active Phase - Begins with Regular Contractions and ends at Full Cervical Dilation
2. Initial elevation - Obs, FHR, UA, Cx, Membranes, Colour of Liquor
3. Let the woman assure the most comfortable position

Question 11

What happens in the 2nd Stage of Labour?

Answer 11

1. Passive and Active -
Begins with Full Cervical Dilation and ends with Delivery of the Fetus
2. Delivery by extension
3. Restitution and External Rotation
4. Expulsion and Delivery of Shoulders

Question 12

What are the Cardinal Movements of Labour?

Answer 12

1. Onset of Labour
2. Descent and Flexion
3. Internal Rotation - Left Occipitotransverse (LOT) to Left Occipitoanterior (LOA)
4. Internal Rotation - Left Occipitoanterior (LOA) to Occipitoanterior (OA)
5. Extension beginning
6. Extension Complete
7. Resitution - Occipitoanterior (OA) to Left Occipitoanterior (LOA)
8. External Rotation - Left Occipitoanterior (LOA) to Left Occipitotransverse (LOT)

Question 13

What happens in the 3rd Stage of Labour?

Answer 13

Period between the Delivery of the Fetus and Delivery of the Placenta and Foetal Membranes