First Stage of Labour Flashcards
What do high levels of oestrogen cause uterine muscle fibres to do?
Display oxytocic receptors and form gap junctions with each other
What does oestrogen stimulate the placenta to do?
Release prostaglandins that will help the cervix to soften
When is a woman said to be in established labour?
When she is experiencing regular, rhythmic contractions and her cervix is at least 4cm dilated
What is the cervical dilatation range of the latent phase of labour?
0-4cm
Approximately how long does the latent phase of labour last?
6-8 hours
What is the cervical dilatation range of the active phase of labour?
4-8cm
Approximately how long does the active phase of labour last?
6-12 hours
What is the cervical dilatation range of the transitional phase of labour?
8-10cm
A cervical dilatation rate of how many centimetres per hour is defined as normal?
0.5cm per hour
What is cervical effacement?
The inclusion of the cervical canal into the lower uterine segment
What is cervical dilatation?
Process of enlargement of the os uteri to an opening large enough to permit passage of fetus
Where do contractions start and in which direction do they spread?
In the fundus near one of the cornua, spread across and downwards
What is polarity?
The neuromuscular harmony that prevails between the two segments of the uterus throughout labour
Which uterine segment contracts strongly and retracts?
The upper segment
Which uterine segment contracts slightly and dilates?
The lower segment
