Childbirth Flashcards
Who is usually the first to know about a pregnancy?
Spouse/partner
At what stage are friends and extended family typically informed about a pregnancy?
~ 3 months pregnant
When are children usually told about a pregnancy?
At various stages, depending on age and other factors
Who is usually informed last about a pregnancy?
Employers
What are the types of leave related to childbirth?
- Pregnancy leave
- Maternity leave
- Paternity leave
What act protects against pregnancy discrimination in the workplace?
Pregnancy Discrimination Act
Which act allows for family and medical leave?
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
What are the possible places of delivery for childbirth?
- Hospital
- Birthing room in a hospital
- Birth Center
- Home
What are the two main types of childbirth?
- Medicated
- Unmedicated
What are the two methods of delivery in childbirth?
- Vaginal
- Cesarean section (C-section)
What is a significant financial consideration regarding childbirth?
Cost of childbirth
What items for the baby can vary widely in cost?
Items for the baby
What is the typical cost range for items for the baby?
$500 to thousands of dollars
What financial consideration involves expenses for the care of the child?
ChildCare
What are the signs of labor?
- Contractions
- Braxton Hicks contractions/false labor
- Burst of energy due to adrenaline
- Loosening of the mucous plug (‘bloody show’)
- Amniotic sac breaks (‘water breaking’)
Braxton Hicks contractions are often referred to as practice contractions and do not indicate true labor.
What is the first stage of labor?
Dilation of the cervix
This stage includes the process of the cervix opening to allow the baby to pass through.
What occurs during the second stage of labor?
Delivery of the baby
This stage involves pushing and the birth of the baby.
What happens in the third stage of labor?
Delivery of the placenta
This is the final stage after the baby is born, where the placenta is expelled from the uterus.
What are the characteristics of early contractions in Stage 1?
~ 30 seconds, every 15-20 minutes
Early contractions are usually mild and spaced out.
How long do middle contractions last during Stage 1?
~ 45-60 seconds, every 2-4 minutes
These contractions become stronger and closer together as labor progresses.
What is the duration of later contractions in Stage 1?
~ 90 seconds, may feel continuous (‘transition’)
This phase is often the most intense part of labor.
What happens if the pregnant person’s water hasn’t broken?
The doctor will do this manually once fully dilated
This procedure is typically done to facilitate the progression of labor.
What marks the end of Stage 1 of labor?
The cervix is fully dilated (10 cm)
Full dilation is necessary for the baby to move into the birth canal.
What is the average length of time for Stage 1 in first pregnancies?
~ 8 hours
The duration can vary significantly among individuals.
What is the first step in Stage 2 of delivery?
Baby’s head enters the birth canal
What procedure is sometimes performed during Stage 2?
Episiotomy
What position does the baby face during the crowning process?
Downward
What is observed as the baby emerges during the crowning?
Face appears from forehead to chin
How do the baby’s shoulders move during delivery?
Rotate in the pelvis to allow one to emerge at a time
What marks the end of Stage 2 of delivery?
Baby’s entire body comes out
What happens to the umbilical cord before Stage 3?
Clipped
How long after birth does Stage 3 begin?
5-30 minutes
What causes the placenta to detach from the uterus in Stage 3?
Irregular contractions
What is the term for the placenta and fetal membrane expelled after birth?
Afterbirth
What may nurses do to assist in the delivery of the placenta?
Massage the lower abdomen
Premature delivery (complications of childbirth)
Baby may not be mature enough to survive. Baby is often not in the correct position for delivery.
PROM (Premature rupture of membrane)-(complications of childbirth)
Amniotic sac breaks, but labor does not begin. Infection is a danger. Baby who is mature will be delivered. With a premature baby, drugs are given to prevent infection until delivery.
Abnormal position for delivery-(complications ofchildbirth)
Baby may be injured and uterus may rupture. Sometimes the position may be corrected; if not, the baby must be surgically removed.
Cephalopelvic (SEF-a-low-PEL-vik) disproportion (complications of childbirth)
Baby’s head is too large to pass through birthing persons pelvic bones. Baby is often surgically removed.
Umbilical cord problems (complications of childbirth)
Compression— hollow cord is wrapped around the baby’s body.
Prolapsed— cord slips into the birth canal and is trapped between the baby and canal.
The umbilical cord supplies oxygen. A baby who is deprived of oxygen may be born with cerebral palsy, visual problems, and brain damage, or may even die. If the cord cannot be returned to the proper position, the baby is surgically removed.
Asphyxia (as-FIX-eeuh) (complications of childbirth)
Oxygen supply is cut off due to problems with the placenta or umbilical cord, which can cause brain damage or death. After birth, breathing problems may result if lungs contain fluid or waste materials. Chest massage, drugs, respirators can be used to stimulate breathing.
Meconium (mih-KO-nee-uhm) aspiration (complications of childbirth)
If the baby passes a stool before birth, the meconium in the amniotic fluid may be swallowed or aspirated (breathing it in), and the baby may be covered in meconium. Swallowing sterile meconium is not a problem. Aspirating it will cause the baby to have mild to severe breathing problems, which can last for years. Doctors attempt to suction meconium from the baby’s nose and mouth before the first breath.
Postpartum bleeding (complications of childbirth)
The uterus should contract and squeeze the blood vessels shut that supplied blood to the uterus during pregnancy. Massage and hormones are given to help the uterus return to its original size. In rare cases, surgery may be needed to close the blood vessels and stop bleeding.
What is the purpose of manual assistance during vaginal deliveries?
To rotate the unborn baby into the correct position or to free the shoulder if caught after the head is delivered
Manual assistance techniques include ‘verson’ and using forceps.
What is vacuum extraction in the context of childbirth?
A method where suction is used to attach a cuplike device around the baby’s head to gently pull the baby down the birth canal
This technique is part of operative assistance during vaginal deliveries.
What is a Cesarean section (C-section)?
A surgical procedure where the abdomen and uterus are opened to remove the baby
The incisions are closed like any other surgery.
What are some medical reasons for performing a C-section?
Various medical reasons can necessitate a C-section
C-sections carry the same risks as other major surgeries.
What are some risks associated with subsequent C-sections?
They may raise risks for future complications
These complications can include issues related to the uterus or placenta.
What bonding practices do most hospitals encourage after birth?
Rooming-in arrangements, which facilitate bonding between parents and babies
The first hour after birth is considered a sensitive time for bonding.
What is skin-to-skin contact?
A practice where the baby is placed on the parent’s chest immediately after birth
This method promotes bonding and has numerous benefits for both babies and parents.
What are the first medical care steps taken for a newborn?
Clamping of the umbilical cord, measuring height and weight, and conducting the Apgar test
Other steps include administering antibiotic drops, monitoring temperature, and giving a Vitamin K injection.
What does the Apgar test assess?
The baby’s pulse, breathing, muscle tone, responsiveness, and skin color
This test is performed shortly after birth to evaluate the newborn’s health.
What is the purpose of the Vitamin K injection for newborns?
To help with blood clotting
This injection is crucial in preventing bleeding disorders in newborns.
What are common blood tests performed on newborns?
Tests for anemia, jaundice, and developmental disorders such as PKU, hypothyroidism, Galactosemia, and sickle-cell anemia
Hearing and heart tests are also commonly conducted.
Fill in the blank: The first hour after birth is perhaps the most _______ time for parents to bond with their babies.
sensitive
This period is critical for establishing early connections.
What is the Neonatal Behavior Assessment Scale also known as?
The Brazelton scale
What age range does the Neonatal Behavior Assessment Scale test?
Newborns and babies up to two months of age
What does the Neonatal Behavior Assessment Scale determine regarding a baby?
Problems with the following:
* Interacting with the environment
* Handling motor processes
* Controlling their physical state
* Responding to stress
What defines high-risk newborns?
Babies who are born premature, have a low birthweight, or have another high-risk condition
Where are high-risk newborns typically admitted for care?
Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
What type of care do high-risk newborns receive in the NICU?
Immediate, specialized, round-the-clock care and treatment
What type of care policies do NICUs in the United States implement today?
Family-centered care policies
What do family-centered care policies in NICUs encourage?
Parental presence in the NICU and parental involvement in the newborn’s care and treatment
