Labor Flashcards
learn about signs of labor, true and false labor, fetal positions, and mechanisms of labor
what is labor? (2)
process by which the fetus and products of conception is expelled as a result of regular, progressive, frequent, strong uterine contractions
coordinated sequence of involuntary and intermittent uterine contractions
explain uterine stretch theory
it is from the idea that if hollow organs reaches the limit of content, they will expell it. with the uterus as a hollow organ, when the fetus grows into the maximum stretch of uterus, it will be delivered
what is oxytocin? what is done to stimulate it?
oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions and this hormone is stimulated by playing the nipples
explain oxytocin theory
the pressure on the cervix stimulates the pituitary to release oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions
explain prostaglandin theory
on the latter part of pregnancy, the fetal membranes and uterine decidua increase level of prostaglandin. the decreased level of progesterone also increases prostaglandin levels. the synthesis of prostaglandin stimulates uterine contractions
where is prostaglandin secreted?
lower area of fetal membrane (forebag)
what is the role of progesterone in pregnancy? (2)
maintains pregnancy
inhibits uterine contractions
progesterone deprivation theory
the increase level of estrogen and the release of cortisol (a form of estrogen) suppresses the function and the production of progesterone in the placenta. this reduction stimulates uterine contractions
aging placenta/placental age
advance placental age decreases amount of blood supply in the uterus, causing uterine contractions
what prevents progesterone production in the placenta?
cortisol
how many weeks does placental age occur?
40 weeks
what is the surest sign of labor?
uterine contractions
what is lightening?
descent of presenting part into the pelvis
when is lightening experienced in primigravida? in multipara?
primigravida - 10-14 days before labor
multipara - on the day of labor
what are experienced during lightening? (7)
pelvic pain easier breathing shooting leg pain more vaginal discharge back pain diarrhea frequent urination
what are the 5 preliminary signs of labor?
lightening slight loss of weight increased in level of activity Braxton Hicks contractions ripening of the cervix
how much weight is lost during labor? this is due to?
1-3 lbs
0.5 - 1.4 kg
this is due to decreased amount of progesterone which absorbs and holds water
what is Braxton Hicks contractions?
painless uterine contractions become strong on the last week of pregnancy
ripening of the cervix is also known as _______. and this is due to ________.
Goodell’s sign
due to increased level of estrogen and glycogen
what consistency of cervix suggests that the mother is about to go in labor?
butter soft
difference between true and false labor: uterine contractions
true: from irregular to regular
false: remains irregular
difference between true and false labor: location
true: start from lower back going towards abdomen
false: starts from abdomen and remains in abdomen and groin
difference between true and false labor: pain
true: pain continues despite activities
false: pain stops with ambulation and sleep
difference between true and false labor: frequency, intensity, and duration
true: there is increase
false: no increase
difference between true and false labor: cervical dilatation
true: achieved cervical dilatation
false: not achieved
difference between true and false labor: intervals
true: short intervals with bloody show
false: long intervals without bloody show
signs of true labor (3)
uterine contractions
bloody show/show
rupture of membrane
uterine contractions in true labor should be ______, ______, ______, and/or ______
effective, productive, strong and/or involuntary
what causes increased level of activity during labor
increased epinephrine - suggests that client is ready to labor
what is bloody show/what happens in bloody show
mixture of blood and mucus giving pinkish color
operculum will be removed causing risk to infections
what is and what to do during rupture of membrane or bag of water (4)
signals that the client is in labor
ask time of rupture
check color if clean, yellowish, etc.
check perineum because there is a risk of cord prolapse
what follows rupture of membrane?
delivery of baby
what might happen after 24 hours of rupture w/s going to hospital?
risk to intrauterine infection/s
