Intra part 2 Flashcards
Involuntary uterine contraction causes progressive effacement and dilatation
Labor
Actual expulsion of the products of conception, fetus and placenta
Delivery
Birth less than 37 weeks
Pre term
Birth within 37 - 42 weeks
Term
Birth beyond 42 weeks
Post term
14 to 20 hours of labor
Primipara
8 to 14 hours of labor
Multipara
Beginning of labor, and may begin several weeks prior to labor
Impending signs of labor
Fetus settles or descends into pelvic inlet and occurs 10 - 14 hours before onset of labor.
Lightening
Settling of the presenting part into pelvic inlet
Engagement
Increased frequency of contractions which produces gnawing pain in abdomen and groin.
Increased Braxton-Hick’s Contraction
Cervix feels “butter-soft” and felt only on pelvic exam.
Ripening of the Cervix
Due to increase of epinephrine as initiated by decrease of progesterone produced by the placenta.
Sudden burst of energy of the mother
Increases prostaglandin and cortisol levels to help with contractions
Epinephrine
Neurotransmitter that prepares the mom’s body for labor work
Epinephrine
Overwhelming desire to organize and prepare the home of the coming baby
Nesting Instinct
Loss of 2-3 pounds and happens 2-3 days before onset of labor
Allowable weight loss
Fetus is already engaged in the pelvic inlet
Less active fetal movement
Contractions begin and remain irregular
False Labor
Increases intensity of contraction
True labor
Contractions begin irregularly but become regular and predictable
True labor
Pain often disappear with ambulation and sleep
False labor
Intensity of contractions does not increase
False Labor
Pain is felt first abdominally and remained confined to the abdomen and groin
False Labor
Pain continues no matter what the woman’s level of activity
True Labor
Does not achieve cervical dilatation
False Labor