Childbirth

Question 1

What are the stages of labour

Answer 1

-Pedromal stage (pre-labour)
- stage one
-stage two
Stage three

Question 2

What is the prodromal stage

Answer 2

Pre labour
Feels similar to Braxton kicks but more painful
No change in cervix
Possible passage of mucous plug

Question 3

What is the first stage of labour

Answer 3

Begins with the onset of labour pains
Early contractions come at 5 to 15 min intervals
Effacement of cervix
Lasts until the cervix is dilated
Amniotic sac often ruptures (water breaks)

Question 4

What is the second stage of labour

Answer 4

Begins as the baby’s head enters the birth canal
Woman’s contractions become more intense and frequent
Cervix is fully dilated and effaced
Crowning
Delivery is imminent
Concludes when baby is fully delivered

Question 5

What is the third stage of labour

Answer 5

Placental stage
Period from the delivery of the baby until the placenta has fully been delivered

Question 6

What position do you put the mother in for birth

Answer 6

Semifowlers / supine lithotomy

Question 7

How long do you cut the umbilical cord

Answer 7

Clamp the cord 20cm from the infant and again 5cm after that. Cut in between them

Question 8

What are the benefits of delayed cord clamping

Answer 8

More blood transfused from the placenta (80-100ml)
Higher iron levels
Lower rates of anemia
Higher RBC count
More stem cells for development of systems

Question 9

Harmful side effects of delayed cord clamping

Answer 9

Polycythemia
Banking or cord blood possibly cannot be done
Jaundice when excess blood is broken down (bilirubin)
Circulatory overload