[35] Management of Labour Flashcards
What is the primary aim of intrapartum care?
To deliver a healthy baby to a healthy mother
When does the preparation of the mother for the process of parturition begin?
Well before the onset of labour
What is it important for the mother and her partner to understand regarding labour?
What happens during the various stages of labour
How should the mother be prepared for labour during antenatal classes?
Should be introduced to strategies for dealing with pain in labour, including mental preparation with controlled respiration
How can antenatal classes help the mother with life with a baby?
Should include instructions about neonatal care and breastfeeding
When should the mother be advised to come to hospital (or call the midwife in the event of a home birth) with labour?
- Contractions are at regular 10-15 minute intervals
- When there is show
- Membranes rupture
What should the mother be encouraged to do if she is in early labour?
Take a shower and empty her bowels and bladder
What should be done on admission of women in labour?
Examination
What should be included in the examination at the start of labour?
- Full general examination
- Obstetric examination of the abdomen
- Vaginal examination
What should be included in full general examination at the start of labour?
- Temperature
- Pulse
- RR
- BP
- State of dehydration
- Urine testing
What should the urine be tested for at the start of labour?
- Glucose
- Ketones
- Protein
What should be included in obstetric examination of the abdomen at the start of labour?
- Inspection
- Palpation
- Auscultation of fetal heartbeat
What should be palpated in the abdominal examination at start of labour?
- Fetal lie
- Presentation
- Position
- Station of presenting part
How can the fetal heartbeat be auscultated at the start of labour?
Using stethoscope or Doptone device
How can infection be prevented when doing the vaginal examination at the beginning of labour?
- Clean vagina and introitus before starting
- Use aseptic technique, using sterile gloves and antiseptic cream
- Once examination has started, fingers should not be withdrawn from vagina until examination is complete
What factors need to be noted at the examination at the beginning of labour?
- Cervical factors
- Membrane factors
- Fetal factors