Complications During Labor & Birth Flashcards
The Five P’s
Powers
Passage
Passenger
Position
Psyche
Dysfunctional labor
Ineffective uterine contractions
Maternal bearing down efforts
Powers
Alterations in pelvic structure
Passage
Fetal causes (size, presentation, anomalies, etc.)
Passenger
Maternal position during labor/birth
Position
Psychological repsonses
Psyche
Abnormal uterine contractions that prevent dilation, effacement, or descent
dysfunctional uterine contractions
Usually occurs in latent (early) labor, primary dysfunctional labor
Painful, frequent contractions w/o cervical change (dilation)
Tx: Therapeutic Rest (narcotic, e.g.; Morphine)
Hypertonic uterine contraction
Usually occurs in active labor, secondary inertia
Weakening or cessation of uterine contractions
Tx: Ambulation, oxytocin augmentation, amniotomy, etc.
Hypotonic uterine contractions
Long, difficult, or abnormal labor
dystocia
-Contractures or narrowing of pelvic diameter
-Inadequate pelvis
-Placenta, fibroids, cervical edema
Pelvic and Anatomical Dystocia
-Anomalies (anencephaly)
-CPD (cephalopelvic disproportion)
-Malposition (LOP, ROP)
-Malpresentation (breech)
-Multifetal pregnancy
Fetal causes for dystocia
Inadequate pelvis
doesn’t allow fetus to get through the birth canal
Absence of a major portion of the brain, skull, scalp
Anencephaly
If the baby is facing forward and slightly to theleft(looking toward the mother’s right thigh) it is in theleftocciput posterior (LOP) position. This presentation can lead to
more back pain (sometimes referred to as “back labor”) and slow progression of labor.
Large baby due to
-Hereditary factors
-Diabetes
-Postmaturity (still pregnant after the due date has passed)
-Multiparity (not the first pregnancy)
True or False
Staying in one position can slow down fetal decent
True
What is Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD)?
(CPD)occurs when a baby’s head or body is too large to fit through the mother’s pelvis. It is believed that true CPD is rare, but many cases of “failure to progress” during labor are given a diagnosis of CPD. If women is diagnosed in active labor then we will prep to go to OR for C-section
True or False
Hormones and neurotransmitters released in response to stress/anxiety (i.e. catecholamines) can cause dystocia.
True
Fetal Macrosomia
Birth weight
4,000-4,500g or 8.8-10 lbs
Shoulder dystocia can lead to
asphyxia
Maternal risks associated with post term pregnancy, labor, & birth after 42 weeks gestation
-Dysfunctional labor
-Interventions more likely necessary
-Birth canal trauma (macrosomia)
-Postpartum hemorrhage
-Infection
-Psychological reactions and fatigue
Fetal risks associated with post term pregnancy, labor, & birth after 42 weeks gestation
-Shoulder dystocia (macrosomia) –> Asphyxia
-Aging placenta –> oxygenation
-Oligohydramnios –> risk of cord compression
-Meconium aspiration
If a patient does not experience spontaneous labor by the 42nd week (sometimes earlier), __________ is considered the primary medical management choice
induction
Why is continuous fetal monitoring needed w/ induction?
-Amniotic fluid decreases in the post term pregnancy. Careful monitoring and interventions likely.
-At risk for variable decelerations: Low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios)
-At risk for late decelerations: Aging placenta/uteroplacental insufficiency.
The use of chemical or mechanical modalities to initiate uterine contractions (before their spontaneous onset) to bring about childbirth
This is considered when an existing maternal or fetal condition dictates the need for medical intervention
Induction of labor
Infection of placenta and amniotic fluid (most often caused by bacteria from vagina, if membranes rupture)
Chorioamnionitis