CCP 342 Perinatal Anatomy and Physiology 🤰 Flashcards
Describe the difference between false and true labor
False labour (Braxton Hicks contractions)
- Small, uncoordinated uterine contractions
- No escalation of frequency or duration
- No cervical dilation or effacement
- Intact membranes
- Relieved with analgesia, ambulation and change in activity
True labour
- Cyclic coordinated contractions
- Escalation of frequency, duration and severity
- Ruptured membranes
- Progression
- Bloody show / mucus
- Plug expelled
- Cervical dilation and/or effacement (first stage of labour)
Phase 1 of labour
- The first stage of labor begins when labor starts and ends with full cervical dilation to 10 centimeters
- Multiparas, or women with a history of prior vaginal delivery, tend to demonstrate more rapid cervical dilation
Phase 2 of labour
- The second stage of labor commences with complete cervical dilation to 10 centimeters and ends with the delivery of the neonate
Phase 3 of labour
- commences when the fetus is delivered and ends w/ delivery of the placenta
- typically takes 5 to 30 minutes
- watch for: gush of blood at the vagina, lengthening of the umbilical cord, and a globular shaped uterine fundus on palpation.
Phase 4 of labour
- 1-2hr post delivery when tone of the uterus is reestablished, with uterus expelling any remaining contents.
- These phase is hastened by breastfeeding, which stimulates production of oxytocin
Clinical signs and symptoms that suggest IMMINENT delivery
- the fetus visibly emerging (crowning)
- contractions occurring less than 2 min apart
- maternal urge to push
- perineal distention or labial separation with contractions
describe External electronic fetal monitoring
- trans-abdominal pressure transducer creates tracings of fetal HR + uterine activity.
- helps confirm true labor + diagnose fetal distress.
- Fetal HR tracings have several components that can be assessed—baseline HR, variability, accelerations, decelerations
what information can be gained from antenatal Ultrasonography
- the gestational age
- biophysical profile
- amniotic fluid index
- a survey of fetal and placental anatomy
what is meant by “baseline fetal heart rate”
- This is the average fetal heart rate during a 10-minute period (in the absence of a uterine contraction) and is the most important aspect of fetal heart rate monitoring.
- Fetal bradycardia is defined as a baseline rate of less than 110 beats/min
- fetal tachycardia is defined as a baseline rate of more than 160 beats/min
define fetal bradycardia
Fetal bradycardia is defined as a baseline rate of less than 110 beats/min
define fetal tachycardia
fetal tachycardia is defined as a baseline rate of more than 160 beats/min
describe and discuss Variability in fetal heart rate
- variability can be instantaneous (beat to beat) or long term (intervals ≥ 1 minute)
- Both types of variability are indicators of fetal well-being.
- Accelerations occur during fetal movement and reflect an alert mobile fetus.
- ↓ variability may indicate fetal acidemia and hypoxemia or may be a side effect of a wide array of drugs, including analgesics, sedative-hypnotics, phenothiazines, and alcohol.
what are the 7 cardinal movements of childbirth
engagement, descent, flexion, internal rotation, extension, external rotation, and expulsion
Describe the steps in a “normal” delivery. What is your plan/role/approach as a CCP
- Call for help
- Prepare your supplies
- radiant warmer (or warm blankets/ready heat) available + heated.
- NRP adjuncts ready: towel roll, scissors, umbilical clamps, suction, airway gear, vascular access gear
- Don PPE: gloves, gown, face shield
- Monitor, oxygen, vitals, IV for mom
- Position mom: dorsal lithotomy (“frog leg position”)
- Clean: The perineum and drape with sterile towels
- Coach mom, time her contractions and breathing (consider entonox)
- Support perineum As crowning becomes noticeable!
- Cradle head (feel for cord!) Sweep your fingers around the neck!
- Deliver shoulders: Gentle downward traction on the head to help deliver the anterior shoulder
- Gentle upward traction to deliver the posterior shoulder
- Catch baby
- Clamp and cut cord
- Resuscitate neonate
- Prepare for placental delivery
- Start oxytocin: Add 20 units of oxytocin to 1 L NS and administer the solution at a rate of 10 mL/min for several minutes until the uterus remains firmly contracted and bleeding is controlled. At this point, ↓ the infusion rate to 1 to 2 mL/min.
discuss Signs of hypovolemia and shock in pregnancy
tachycardia and hypotension may be late findings in pregnancy due to the ↑ in maternal blood volume
discuss changes to respiratory dynamics in pregnancy
- The minute ventilation ↑ in pregnancy, while the total lung capacity, expiratory reserve volume, and FRC ↓.
- Clinically, this change can manifest as dyspnea, and pregnant patients are more prone to desaturation.
discuss changes to CXR that occur in pregnancy
- The gravid uterus should be shielded when performing imaging studies that use ionizing radiation
- The enlarged uterus in the 3rd trimester may prevent full inspiration when obtaining a chest X-ray
- Uterine distention during pregnancy results in an elevation of the diaphragm that can be seen on chest X-ay.
- A broadened cardiac silhouette and prominence of the pulmonary vasculature are also expected due to an increased blood volume and cardiac output.
- Pulmonary edema and cephalization are abnormal findings in pregnancy.
discuss changes to ECG that occur in pregnancy
- ECG changes expected in pregnancy may include left axis deviation, prominent Q waves in II, III, and avF, and flattened or inverted T waves in leads III and V1-V3.
discuss Cardiovascular changes that occur during pregnancy
💵💵💵MONEY SLIDE💵💵💵
- ~5wks after conception, the maternal CVS begins adapting to provide ↑ blood flow to the fetus.
- Initially, SVR begins to ↓ d/t ↑ levels of estrogen, progesterone, and prostaglandins; this vasodilation → lower systemic BP
- SVR continues to ↓ until the middle of the 2nd trimester, while the HR steadily ↑ throughout gestation until term.
- The SVR ↓ by approximately 35-40% while the heart rate ↑ by approximately 24% throughout pregnancy, leading to an average ↑ of 1.5 L/min of CO
- The stroke volume also ↑ throughout pregnancy d/t vasodilation-mediated ↑ in RAAS activation, causing an ↑ in CO and plasma volume
- As the uterus grows and IAP ↑, IVC/aorta compression can lead to a ↓ venous return → relative hypotension, especially when supine
discuss respiratory changes that occur during pregnancy
- Throughout pregnancy, progesterone ↑ the sensitivity of the respiratory center to CO2, therefore increasing the tidal volume and, to a lesser degree, the RR.
- This change leads to an ↑ in minute ventilation but can also lead to the development of dyspnea, which can be progressive throughout pregnancy
- Maternal hyperventilation → respiratory alkalosis, facilitating the transmission of fetal CO2 to the maternal circulation.
- Respiratory alkalosis → increased renal excretion of bicarbonate, shifting the oxygen dissociation curve leftward and facilitating maternal-to-fetal oxygen transmission.
- As the gravid uterus grows, intra-abdominal pressure displaces the diaphragm upwards, decreasing the TLC.
- Outward flaring of the ribs and decreased chest wall compliance also contributes to the ↓ in TLC and FRC
discuss hematologic changes that occur during pregnancy
- Erythropoietin levels ↑ in pregnancy, stimulating RBC production (This change is contingent on adequate maternal stores of iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12)
- A proportional ↑ in plasma volume (1-1.5 L on average) mediated by renin:angiotensin → a dilutional anemia of approximately 10-20 g/L.
- Platelet production increases during pregnancy, but the dilutional effects of ↑ plasma volume and ↑ platelet consumption → a relative thrombocytopenia in pregnancy
- Estrogen stimulates the production of neutrophils and results in an ↑ WBC count.
- Increased estrogen levels promote protein synthesis, thereby increasing the production of factors VII, VIII, IX, and XII, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand factor by 20-200% in pregnancy
- This hypercoagulable state of pregnancy increases the overall risk of thromboembolism but is thought to mitigate the risk of hemorrhage during delivery
discuss renal changes that occur during pregnancy
💵💵💵MONEY SLIDE💵💵💵
- The renal flow and GFR ↑ in pregnancy throughout the 1st trimester, largely d/t an ↑ CO and systemic vasodilation.
- Activation of the RAAS d/t a ↓ in SVR → volume expansion via ↑ water and Na+ reabsorption
- Disproportionate reabsorption of water over sodium → a decreased plasma osmolality and mild asymptomatic hyponatremia (Na+ levels still above 130)
- Creatinine levels ↓, while urinary protein, albumin, and glucose excretion increase.
- Proteinuria ↑ 50-100% by the 2nd trimester, but should not exceed ≥0.3 g protein in a 24-hour urine specimen (Proteinuria ≥0.3 g is concerning for pre-eclampsia)
- The ↑ in GFR throughout pregnancy may affect the renal clearance of some medications.
- Progesterone → dilation of the renal calyces, pelvis, and ureters. This dilation combined with ureteral compression by an enlarged uterus results in hydronephrosis.
- ↑ urinary stasis from relaxation of the ureteric smooth muscle ↑ the risk of UTIs, pyelonephritis, and kidney stones in pregnancy.
discuss GI changes that occur during pregnancy
- As pregnancy progresses, the enlarging uterus and stretching of the peritoneum can displace anatomic structures and the location of typical landmarks, which can alter the abdominal exam.
- Increased gastrin production and a ↓ in the lower esophageal sphincter tone 2nd to progesterone predispose pregnant patients to GERD, esophagitis, and aspiration
- Progesterone-mediated increases in gastric emptying times and ↑ gastric transit times may → nausea, vomiting, bloating, and constipation
- Smooth muscle relaxation decreases gallbladder contractility, which can → increased gallstone formation, biliary colic, and cholecystitis.
- Cholecystitis is the second most common non-OB surgical emergency during pregnancy, after appendicitis
- Liver enzyme (AST/ALT) levels are generally unaltered or ↓ during pregnancy, while alkaline phosphatase levels are ↑
discuss endocrine changes that occur during pregnancy
💵💵💵MONEY SLIDE💵💵💵
- In pregnancy, the levels of multiple hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, increase.
- The placenta secretes relaxin, hPL, and human chorionic gonadotropin
- Increased insulin production from β-islet cell hyperplasia and insulin resistance from HPL can manifest as gestational diabetes.
- The thyroid gland ↑ in size due to hyperplasia, and hCG can stimulate thyroid-stimulating hormone, → transient hyperthyroidism.
discuss dermatologic changes that occur during pregnancy
- Hyperpigmentation is the most common skin change noted in pregnancy. Estrogen and progesterone can cause melanocyte proliferation/hyperstimulation, primarily in previously hyperpigmented areas such as the areola, axilla, genitals, and inner thighs
- Melasma occurs in up to 75% of pregnant women, usually in a malar/mandibular region.
- Estrogen levels can → vascular proliferation and dilation in the form of spider angiomas, telectangasias, and pyogenic granulomas in pregnancy.
- Vascular compression by the gravid uterus can compress the pelvic and femoral vasculature, contributing to varicose veins.
- There are multiple dermatoses of pregnancy involving pruritus (pruritic urticarial papules/plaques in pregnancy, pruritic folliculitis in pregnancy, pemphigoid gestationis).
- This condition typically targets the scalp, anus vulva, and abdominal skin
considerations for ETI in the pregnant patient
- All pregnant patients requiring intubation should be approached as having a potentially difficult airway.
- Upper airway changes in pregnancy, including hyperemia, edema, and increased secretions, challenge airway management.
- Additionally, pregnant patients are at higher risk for desaturation.
- A smaller endotracheal tube (6.5-7.5 mm in diameter) is recommended for intubation
- the first attempt should be made by the most experienced provider.
describe the steps in a normal vaginal delivery
- Place mom in lithotomy position
- Control delivery of the baby’s head.
- Once head is delivered, check for nuchal cord. If loose, attempt reduction by slipping it over baby’s head.
- Place hands on either side of the baby’s face, pinkies to the perineum.
- Apply downward and outward traction to deliver anterior shoulder, then upward and outward traction to deliver the posterior shoulder.
- Support the delivery of rest of baby’s body.
- If infant is vigorous, keep the infant at the level of the perineum for 30-60 s after delivery. clamp + cut the umbilical cord
- Place the baby on the mother’s chest, skin-to-skin.
define Precipitous delivery
- labor that lasts no more than 3 h from the onset of regular contractions to birth
- The incidence of reported precipitous deliveries is 3-14%
Explain the process of conception
😏😏😏 ayyy
time from the onset of regular contractions to complete cervical effacement and dilation
~8hr in nulliparas
~5hr in multiparas
APGAR mnemonic
Appearance (skin colour) Pulse (heart rate) Grimace (reflex) Activity (muscle tone) Respiration
Active labour definition
period after the latent (early) stage of labour when a woman is experiences strong, regular contractions → cervical dilation from 4cms until fully dilated (10cms)
APGAR score definiton
- quick test performed at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth.
- The 1 minute score determines how well the baby tolerated the birthing process, The 5-minute score assesses how well the newborn is adapting to their new environment.
- The rating is based on a total score of 1 to 10, with 10 suggesting the healthiest infant
Appearance (skin colour) Pulse (heart rate) Grimace (reflex) Activity (muscle tone) Respiration
Primigravida definition
A woman pregnant for the first time
Primipara definition
Sometimes called the prim or primip – a woman giving birth for the first time
Nullipara definition
A woman who has not given birth to a viable child
Multipara definition
A woman who has had two or more pregnancies resulting in potentially viable offspring (>20 wks)
Gravidity definition
the number of times a woman has been pregnant. Another term used to describe gravidity is gravida
Parity definition
- the number of times a woman has birthed or completed a pregnancy (meaning the baby is no longer inside mom’s body) at 20 weeks gestation or greater
- The count includes babies born alive or stillborn at 20 weeks gestation or greater.
- Multiple babies? Just like with gravidity, we’re not counting the number of babies born/birthed. Therefore, if a mom completes a pregnancy at 20 weeks gestation or greater with twins, triplets, quadruplets etc., the parity is just ONE
Multigravida definition
a woman has been pregnant two or more times
Multipara definition
a woman has completed two or more pregnancies at 20 weeks gestation or greater
Primigravida definition
a woman has been pregnant once or is currently pregnant for the first time
Nulligravida definition
a woman has never been pregnant
Nullipara definition
a woman has never completed a pregnancy at 20 weeks gestation or greater
Stage 1 labour (cervical stage)
Starts w/ onset of regular contractions, ends w/ complete cervical effacement + dilatation.
8hr in nulliparas, 5hr in multipara’s
Stage 2 labour (expulsion stage)
- Begins once the cervix is completely effaced and dilated and continues until delivery of the fetus.
- This stage has a wide range of mean durations and is influenced by parity.
- The mean range is 36-57 min for nulliparous women and 17-19 min for multiparous women