Abnormal Labour Flashcards
What can be used as analgesia in labour?
Support Massage / relaxation techniques Inhalational agents - Entonox TENS (T10-L1, S2-S4) Water immersion IM opiate analgesia e.g. Morphine IV Remifentanil PCA Regional anaesthesia
How effective is an epidural?
Complete relief in 95%
What does an epidural do to labour?
Does not impair uterine activity, but may inhibit progress during stage 2
What is administered in an epidural?
Levobupivacaine +- Opiate
What are some complications of an epidural?
HT (20%) Dural puncture (1%) Headache Back pain Atonic bladder (40%)
What is used to assess progress in labour?
Cervical dilatation
Descent of presenting part
Signs of obstruction
What is a nulliparous delay?
<2cm dilation in 4 hours
What is a parous delay?
<2cm dilation in 4 hours or slowing in progress
What is the marker for assessing descent of the presenting part?
Ischial spines (+-3 either way)
What is the attitude in pregnancy?
Flexion/extension of passenger
What is the widest diameter in a well-flexed fetus prior to birth?
Suboccipito-bregmatic (9.5cm)
What is a partogram?
A graphic representation of the progress of labour
When does a partogram commence?
As soon as woman enters labour ward
What is included in a partogram?
FH Amniotic fluid Cervical dilatation Descent Contractions Obstruction-moulding Maternal observations
What is involved in an Intra-partum fetal assessment?
Dopper auscultation of FH
Cardiotocograph (+- STAN)
Colour of amniotic fluid
How is often is the fetal heart auscultated by Doppler during stage 1 of labour?
During and after every contraction
Every 15 mins
How is often is the fetal heart auscultated by Doppler during stage 2 of labour?
Every 5-10 mins
What are the risk factors for fetal hypoxia?
Small fetus Preterm / Post Dates Antepartum haemorrhage Hypertension / Pre-eclampsia Diabetes Meconium Epidural analgesia VBAC PROM >24h Sepsis (Temp > 38C) Induction / Augmentation of labour
What are some acute causes of fetal distress?
Abruption Vasa Praevia Cord Prolapse Uterine Rupture Feto-maternal Haemorrhage Uterine Hyperstimulation Regional Anaesthesia
What is a subacute cause of fetal distress?
Hypoxia