Assisting At Births Flashcards
If a woman has ruptured membranes with no signs of infection, there is no need to get labor going. What can she do instead to rest up?
Drink a strong cup of relaxant tea such as hops or valerian.
Are early decels normal?
Once head is on pelvic floor, dips of 10-20 points or down to 80bpm are not uncommon with perineal dilation. But persistent dips to 60bpm or less need immediate delivery or transport.
Does moderate bradycardia(FHT below 100) mandate immediate delivery/transport?
Yes, with moderate bradycardia or severe early decels, give mother oxygen by mask, 6L per minute.
What are hot compresses(sterile gauze pads or clean washcloths soaked in hot water) good for?
If mother is struggling with her sensations or involuntarily contracting her outlet muscles, this can help her relax/focus. They also stimulate circulation and provide relief from burning at maximum stretch.
If there is a tight nuchal cord and there is delay, what should you do?
Somersault maneuver: Hold baby’s face against mother’s thigh so the body can birth while head stays stationary.
Cutting may be the only option though.
What is normal acceleration?
At the start of a contraction, HR starts to rise, cresting at the peak and returning to baseline at the end. A rise of 15 points is a normal, healthy response, and may be greater with stronger contractions.
What is a flat baseline?
Normal acceleration absent; heart rate lacks variability.
Response: giving birthing person oxygen and transport unless birth is imminent, in which case hasten delivery.
What is tachycardia?
HR consistently above 160/170, depending on baby’s baseline.
Response: rule out maternal exhaustion and infection, hydrate the mother, and transport if not resolved.
What is bradycardia?
Heart rate below 110.
Response: if below 100, give birthing person oxygen and transport unless birth is imminent, in which case, hasten delivery.
What is variable deceleration?
Heart rate rises and falls dramatically and repeatedly during a contraction, due to periodic cord compression.
Response: change the birthing persons position, but if decelerations drop repeatedly below 80, transport.
What are late decelerations?
HR rises at beginning of contraction but drops at the peak, returning to baseline by end of contraction.
Response: there is no remedy; give oxygen and transport unless birth is imminent, in which case hasten delivery.
What is poor recovery?
If additional time is needed for HR to return to baseline after contraction ends. This should be noted in terms of seconds/minutes.
What is early decelerations?
Heart rate starts to decrease when contraction begins, reaching its lowest point at the peak of the contraction and returning to baseline at the end(mirroring the contraction, and the opposite of a normal acceleration), due to head compression.
What herbs are commonly used to help with blood loss IPP?
Angelica(brings placenta like an “angel”)
Shepherds Purse
What is guarding the uterus?
To rule out concealed separation, rest a hand on the fundus as soon as the baby is out, and recheck often until placenta delivers. Do not massage or prod, as this can result in partial separation and hemorrhage.
