Childbirth (Chapter 16)

Question 1

(Childbirth) your part in the process involves _____,_______, and ______the infant as it is born

Answer 1

Helping, Guiding and Supporting

Question 2

Two indicators of an impending birth

Answer 2

• Frequency of the contractions
• Crowning (seeing the top of the baby’s head)

Question 3

First stage of labor: the pregnant woman’s body prepares for birth characterized by these conditions:

Answer 3

• Initial contractions begin
• Water breaks
• There may be a bloody show

Question 4

Second stage: The birth of the infant

Answer 4

• You will see infant’s head crowning during contractions
• No time to transport

Question 5

Third stage:

Answer 5

Delivery of the placenta (afterbirth)

Question 6

Is There Time to Reach the Hospital?

Answer 6

• Is this the woman’s first pregnancy?
• Has the woman experienced a bloody show?
• Has the bag of water broken?
• How frequent are the contractions?
  
  • Less than 3 minutes apart means delivery is going to occur soon
• Does the woman feel an urge to move her bowels?
• Is the infant’s head crowning?
• Is transportation available?

Question 7

Contractions: the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next ….what is your main job?

Answer 7

• to ASSIST

Question 8

Preparing for Delivery:

Answer 8

• Flat surface
• Elevate the woman’s hips 2 to 4 inches with pillows and blankets
• Place woman on her back with knees bent
• You can transport after childbirth and before the placenta is taken out (could take 20-30 min)
• Immediately clear the newborn’s mouth and nose using a gauze pad
• If the baby is not breathing within a few seconds:
  
  • Wipe the newborn’s mouth and nose with a gauze pad
    
    • If still not breathing, wipe again and:
      
      • Rub the infant’s back or flick the soles of the infant’s feet to stimulate breathing

1. Use a towel to dry the newborn and then wrap it in a blanket to keep it warm.
2. Place the infant on its side with the head slightly lower than the trunk.
3. When the umbilical cord stops pulsating, clamp it with the umbilical cord clamps or tie it with gauze at least six inches away from the newborn.
4. Note the time of delivery.
5. If there are multiple births, prepare for the second delivery.

Question 9

After the placenta is delivered:

Answer 9

a. Wrap it in a towel or newspaper with 3⁄4 of the umbilical cord.
b. Place it in a plastic bag and transport it to the hospital.

C. Keep it at the same level as the infant.

Question 10

Aftercare of the Mother and Newborn:

Answer 10

1. Continue to observe the mother and newborn and keep both warm.
2. About every 3-5 minutes, check the uterus for firmness.
3. Recheck the vagina for any excessive bleeding.
   * In a normal delivery, the mother will lose 300 to 500 mL (1 to 2 cups) of blood.

Question 11

Resuscitating the Newborn:

Answer 11

1. If the newborn does not breathe on its own, perform rescue breathing (1 breath every 2-3 seconds).
2. If the newborn is pulseless (or has a pulse less than 60 bpm), perform infant CPR.

Question 12

Premature Birth:

Answer 12

a. Any newborn weighing less than 5 pounds or is delivered before 36 weeks is premature.
b. Premature infants are smaller, thinner, and usually redder than full term newborns.
c. Keep premature infants warm because they lose heat rapidly

Question 13

Breech Birth:

Answer 13

The newborn’s buttocks come down the birth canal first rather than the head.