Clinical 1 Normal Labor and Delivery Flashcards
Def of labor
Progressive Cervical Effacement, Dilatation or both
due to regular uterine contractions
(occur every 5 mins & last 30-60 secs)
Cervical Effacement
“Thinning of the cervix” as it is taken up into the lower uterine segment.
Usually begins prior to labor.
Usually results in the “Bloody Show” where the mucous plug from the cervix mixes with blood.
Caput
Localized, edematous swelling of the fetal scalp. Is caused by pressure of the cervix on the presenting portion of the fetal head.
First stage of labor
From the onset of true labor to complete cervical dilatation.
2nd stage of labor
From complete cervical dilatation to birth of the baby.
Pt is fully dilated. Usually has urge to push.
Duration
Primigravids 30 min to 3 hrs. Median 50 minutes.
Multigravids 5 to 30 minutes. Median 20 minutes.
Completed when baby is born.
3rd stage
From birth of the baby to delivery of the placenta.
4th stage
From delivery of the placenta to stabilization of the patient. (Usually 6 hrs post partum. or 1 hr post partum).
LATENT PHASE-
consists of cervical effacement and early dilatation. Considered completed at 3cm dilatation.
ACTIVE PHASE
- Begins when cervix is 2-4 cm dilated in the presence of regular contractions. Consists of an acceleration, max slope & a theoretical deceleration component.
Know slide 29
KNOW IT
Management of 1st stage
May Ambulate with intermittent monitoring
I.V. Fluids Only (emergencies and pitocin)
Labs (CBC, Type and Rh, Urine for glucose and protein.
Vitals q 1-2 hours.
Analgesia ( Epidural, I.V. Morphine etc..) usually not during latent phase.
FETAL MONITORING (low risk)
every 30 minutes in active phase of Stage 1.
every 15 minutes in 2nd Stage.
With Some Obstetrical risk factors
q 15 minutes in active phase
q 5 minutes in 2nd stage.
HIGH RISK - NECESSITATES CONTINUOUS MONITORING.
If patient is on Pitocin for induction or augmentation, she should be monitored extensively.
Vaginal Exams q 2 hours in active phase or more often as warranted. (Beware the risk of chorioamnionitis if membranes are ruptured.)
Amniotomy -artificially breaking the bag of water. (when labor is advanced) Good for assessing fluid. May speed up labor.
6 cardinal movements
DESCENT FLEXION INTERNAL ROTATION EXTENSION EXTERNAL ROTATION EXPULSION
Descent
Results from the forces of the uterine contractions
is continuous until delivery of the fetus
Flexion
Natural muscle tone of the fetus
resistance from cervix, walls of the pelvis and pelvic floor
Internal rotation
when the fetal head turns anteriorly towards the symphysis pubis from the transverse or oblique diamter.
occurs at the pelvic floor when the head meets the muscular sling of the pelvic floor