Intrapartum Care

Question 1

What is the definition of labour? How is diagnosed?

Answer 1

Intrapartum Care:
Normal Labour: The onset of regular, painful uterine contractions associated with cervical effacement and dilatation.
Diagnosis of labour
• Previous definition
• Dilatation of the cervix (approximately 3 cm and effaced (thinned out))
• Ruptured membranes
Show ( small blood loss)

Question 2

Name the 3 stages of labour and their details?

Answer 2

Stage 1 Onset of labour to full dilatation (10 cm) of the cervix. It is broken into two phases:

        1. Latent : Slow progress to full cervical effacement and 3 cm dilatation of variable duration
        2. Active : Faster rate of cervical dilatation, Usually begins around 2-4 cm

Stage 2 Full dilatation of the cervix to the birth of the baby

Stage 3 Birth of the baby, until the delivery of the placenta and the membranes

Question 3

What 3 factors does labour depend on ?

Answer 3

Powers:
	• Force generated by Uterine muscle must be
		○ Strong enough
		○ Long enough
		○ Frequent enough (3-5/ 10 minutes)

Passenger: Fetal size will influence the course of the labour
• Size
• Fetal lie and presentation
• Attitude : Degree of extension/ flexion of the fetal neck
• Position: Relationship of the nominated part of the presenting part to the maternal pelvis

The passage
• Offers resistance to the expulsion of the fetus by
○ Bony pelvis
Soft tissues of the birth canal