Birth Imminent/ Normal Birth

Question 1

What are some presentations indicating immediate transfer?

Answer 1

• Severe vaginal bleeding
• Cord Prolapse
• Preterm or multiple births
• Continuous severe abdominal or epigastric pain
• Eclampsia
• Presentation of the baby other than head
• Shoulder dystocia
• Obvious medical/traumatic condition

Question 2

What must be done when attending a pregnant woman in labour?

Answer 2

A Maternal Assessment to ascertain whether anything abnormal is taking place

Question 3

Normal birth management?

Answer 3

FIRST STAGE
-Assess woman and scene on approach
-ABCDE
-Transfer if any critical features present
-History
-Assess for show,waters,contractions,bleeding
-If none present contact obstetric unit
-If present decide to stay or transfer using relevant criteria
SECOND STAGE
-Do not rupture membranes
-Request additional support
-Prepare for arrival of baby 
-Position woman
-Entonox
-Consider pressure to head as it births 
-Support baby as it is born and place and woman abdomen
THIRD STAGE
-Dry baby and wrap
-ABCD Baby
-Wait until cord has stopped pulsating, clamp and cut
-Encourage breast-feeding if mums choice
-Assist mum in delivery of placenta - squatting upright position
-inspect and store placenta
-Assess blood loss and manage
-Monitor observation