Intrapartum Period Flashcards
by Prof Glinoga
The period that extends from the beginning of contractions that cause cervical dilation to the first 1 to 4/6 hours delivery of the newborn and placenta
Intrapartum
Refers to the medical and nursing care given to the pregnant woman during labor and delivery
Intrapartal Care
What are the Five (5) Theories of the Onset of Labor
- Uterine Stretch Theory
- Prostaglandin Theory
- Progesterone Deprivation
- Theory of Aging Placenta
- Oxytocin Stimulation Theory
This theory is due to the stimulation of “arachidonic acid” substance, this hormone causes contractions
Prostaglandin Theory
This theory is all about the pressure on the nerve endings and increased irritability of the uterine musculature brought about by the developed fetus cause contractions. The uterus is a hollow organ that once it is stretched to its maximum potential, it will always contract and expel content.
Uterine Stretch Theory
Steps in labor according tom Prostaglandin Theory
pain –> contraction –> cervix dilation –> expulsion of the product of conception
This theory refers to the sudden drop in this hormone near delivery stimulates labor
8-9 months (this hormone goes down)
decreased hormone –> there will be contractions –> possible labor
Progesterone Deprivation
As the placenta begins to degenerate by 36 weeks. The body perceives it as a foreign body
Theory of Aging Placenta
The production of the posterior pituitary gland of this substance will cause uterine contractions
Natural: Anterior Pituitary Gland (nipple)
Artificial: Through IV or IM, production of the posterior pituitary gland of this substance will cause uterine contractions
Oxytocin Stimulation Theory
What are the 6 P’s of Labor?
- Passenger
- Passageway
- Power
- Placenta
- Psyche
- Prayer
This suggests that any hollow organ, such as the uterus, once stretched to its maximum, will contract and expel its contents. This theory posits that the developed fetus causes uterine contractions due to pressure on nerve endings and increased irritability of uterine muscles
Uterine Stretch Theory
This theory suggests that the sudden drop in progesterone near delivery stimulates labor. The decrease in progesterone leads to uterine contractions and the onset of labor.
Progesterone Deprivation Theory
This theory proposes that prostaglandins, produced due to the stimulation of arachidonic acid, cause uterine contractions. This leads to cervical dilation and the expulsion of the fetus
Prostaglandin Theory
Refers to the fetus and its ability to pass through the birth canal
Passenger
Uterine contractions and maternal pushing efforts
Power
The bony pelvis and soft tissues through which the fetus passes
Passageways
Placental expulsion
Placenta
The mother’s mental status and stress level
Psyche
Respect for the spiritual needs of the mother
Prayer
What are the four (4) stages of labor?
- First Stage (Dilating Stage)
- Second Stage (Expulsion Stage)
- Third Stage (Placental Stage)
- Fourth Stage (Immediate Recovery Period)
What are the important measurements of the fetal head during labor?
> Biparietal diameter: 9.25 cm (largest transverse diameter)
Bitemporal diameter: 8.0 cm
Bimastoid diameter: 7.0 cm (smallest transverse diameter, quicker delivery)
Stages of Labor:
From the onset of true contractions to full cervical dilation.
First Stage (Dilating Stage)
Stages of Labor:
From full cervical dilation to delivery of the fetus.
Second Stage (Expulsion Stage)
Stages of Labor:
From delivery of the fetus to the delivery of the placenta.
Third Stage (Placental Stage)
Stages of Labor:
From delivery of the placenta to 1-4 hours postpartum
Fourth Stage (Immediate Recovery Period)
What are the three (3) phases of the First Stage of Labor?
Latent, Active, and Transitional Phase
Mnemonics
L: Labor
A: Actively
T: Transitioning
Phases of the First Stage of Labor:
Cervical dilation from 0 to 3 cm; contractions every 5-10 minutes.
Latent Phase
Phases of the First Stage of Labor:
Cervical dilation from 4 to 7 cm; contractions every 3-5 minutes.
Active Phase
Phases of the First Stage of Labor:
Cervical dilation from 8 to 10 cm; contractions every 2-3 minutes
Transitional Phase
What are the causes of labor pain?
Causes of Labor Pain includes:
> Uterine contractions
Hypoxia in the myometrium
Cervical stretching and dilation
Stretching of supporting tissues
Compression of nerve ganglia
Emotional tension due to fear
What are the phases of labor contractions?
Increment (Crescendo)
Acme (Peak)
Decrement (Decrescendo)
Phases of Labor Contractions:
The gradual buildup of contraction strength, starting from the fundus.
Increment (Crescendo)
Phases of Labor Contractions:
The height of contraction intensity, felt mostly in the abdomen.
Acme (Peak)
Phases of Labor Contractions:
The decrease in contraction strength as it ends
Decrement (Decrescendo)
What are some key interventions for pain management during labor?
Key interventions include:
> Breathing techniques
Massages
Warm baths
Aromatherapy
Prayer and mental focus exercises
Yoga and biofeedback techniques
It involves covering the mother’s anus with a sterile towel and exerting upward and forward pressure on the fetal chin during delivery, while applying gentle pressure to the emerging fetal head to control its delivery
Ritgen’s Maneuver
What are the normal fetal heart rate (FHR) parameters?
The normal fetal heart rate for a full-term fetus is between 120 and 160 beats per minute (bpm). Variations beyond this range may indicate distress
What does tachycardia in the fetus signify, and what are possible causes?
Tachycardia is when the fetal heart rate exceeds 160 bpm for over 10 minutes. Causes include early fetal hypoxia, maternal fever, or certain drugs (e.g., atropine). It’s considered serious if associated with late or severe variable decelerations
What are the characteristics of late decelerations, and what interventions are necessary?
Late decelerations are a fall in FHR after a contraction begins, often due to uteroplacental insufficiency. This is a sign of fetal distress, and interventions include positioning the mother on her left side, elevating her legs, increasing IV fluids, and administering oxygen
What is an epidural, and when is it typically administered during labor?
An epidural is a type of regional anesthesia where a catheter is placed in the space between L3-L4 vertebrae. It is typically administered during the first stage of labor after the cervix is 5-6 cm dilated and may be used throughout labor
What are the side effects of spinal anesthesia, and how does it differ from an epidural?
Spinal anesthesia is administered directly into the subarachnoid space and is usually given just before delivery. Side effects include hypotension and possible postpartum headaches, as it affects both the vagina and lower extremities. Unlike an epidural, the dura is penetrated, which can lead to cerebrospinal fluid leakage
Describe the process of fetal descent during labor.
Fetal descent refers to the downward movement of the fetus into the birth canal, primarily due to uterine contractions, pressure from the amniotic fluid, and contractions of abdominal muscles. This process is most notable during the second stage of labor
What is internal rotation, and why is it important during labor?
Internal rotation occurs as the fetal head turns to align with the mother’s pelvic inlet, moving from a transverse position to an anteroposterior one. This rotation is crucial for the fetus to pass through the birth canal efficiently
What are the key assessments performed during the fourth stage of labor?
Key assessments during the fourth stage of labor include checking the uterine fundus every 15 minutes in the first hour, monitoring vaginal discharge (lochia), blood pressure, and ensuring bladder function. It’s important to monitor for uterine atony and hemorrhage
How is uterine atony treated immediately postpartum?
Uterine atony, a condition where the uterus fails to contract properly, is treated by fundal massage, applying an ice pack to the uterus, and using medications like oxytocin to promote contraction. Nipple stimulation can also encourage uterine contraction