Birth Process

Question 1

1st Stage

Answer 1

Can last 12-14 hours in first pregnancy.

3-4 contractions every 10 minutes.

No pressure in rectum, no urge to push.

May have passed blood-stained mucous show.

No speech during contractions but can speak in-between.

Question 2

2nd Stage

Answer 2

Strong urges to push.

May see presenting part.

Waters may break if not already.

Purple line visible above rectum.

Encourage mother to get into all-fours or squatting.

ONLY ENCOURAGE PUSHING WHEN PRESENTING PART VISIBLE.

Question 3

Third stage of Labour

Answer 3

Commences from birth -> expulsion of membranes.

Does not begin unti final baby is born.

Gush of blood, 200-300ml.

Mother may get urge to push.

Only cut the cord when it’s gone opaque, and stopped pulsating.

Question 4

Stages of Birth

Answer 4

1. Descent
2. Flexion
3. Internal Rotation
4. Crowning & Extension
5. Restitution and External Rotation

• Anterior shoulder now slips underneath symphysis pubis, born by lateral flexion; may need gentle axial traction but ensure not excessive.

Lift baby onto mother’s abdomen, dried fully and encourage skin-to-skin.