Class 4 - Contractions 101

Question 1

In labour, uterine contractions usually continue to progress in terms of….

Answer 1

Frequency, intensity, and duration

Question 2

Monitoring uterine activity is assessed by…

Answer 2

Palpation
Frequency
Duration
Intensity
Resting tone

Question 3

Normal uterine activity frequency

Answer 3

≤ 5 contractions in 10 minutes, averaged over 30-minute time period
Contractions not more than every 2 minutes

Question 4

Normal uterine activity duration

Answer 4

Lasting 45-80 seconds (no more than 90 seconds)

Question 5

Normal uterine activity resting tone

Answer 5

By palpation at fungus between contractions
Minimum 30 seconds of rest between

Question 6

Normal uterine activity intensity

Answer 6

By palpation at fundus during contractions
Moderate to strong and allow for uterine relaxation

Question 7

Tachysystole

Answer 7

> 5 contractions in 10 minutes, averaged over 30-minute time period

Question 8

Frequency of assessment first stage of labour

Answer 8

Latent phase of labour: hourly or with significant change
Active labour: every 15-30 minutes

Question 9

Frequency of assessment second stage of labour

Answer 9

Passive phase: every 15-30 minutes
Active phase: every 5 minutes

Question 10

What might change the timings of frequency of assessment in first and second stages of labour?

Answer 10

Rupture of membranes
Administration of medications and anaesthesia
Changes in clinical picture/ complications or changes fetal heart pattern