During Labour

Question 1

Name 3 ways the fetus adapts during labour (3mks)

Answer 1

1) The chest cavity is reduced which removed the lung fluid because of the pressure and reduced size of the chest cavity
2) it becomes more hypoxic because of an increase in CO2 and a decrease in O2 which creates an adrenaline response increasing the heart rate and amount of O2
3) Head compression also stimulates an adrenaline response because the vagus nerve is stimulated

Question 2

Describe what happens during labour to help the fetus prepare for birth
(4mks)

Answer 2

• head compression stimulates vagal nerve to increase the heart rate
• uterine contractions reduce blood flow in and blood flow out decreasing the heart rate from build up of CO2 and reduction of O2 in placental bed leading to hypoxia
• chest compression decreases lung volume and squeezes out lung fluid
• amniotic fluid cushions and lubricates fetus