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MCN Lecture > Labor > Flashcards

Labor Flashcards

learn about signs of labor, true and false labor, fetal positions, and mechanisms of labor

1
Q

what is labor? (2)

A

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

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2
Q

explain uterine stretch theory

A

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

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3
Q

what is oxytocin? what is done to stimulate it?

A

oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions and this hormone is stimulated by playing the nipples

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4
Q

explain oxytocin theory

A

the pressure on the cervix stimulates the pituitary to release oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions

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5
Q

explain prostaglandin theory

A

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

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6
Q

where is prostaglandin secreted?

A

lower area of fetal membrane (forebag)

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7
Q

what is the role of progesterone in pregnancy? (2)

A

maintains pregnancy

inhibits uterine contractions

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8
Q

progesterone deprivation theory

A

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

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9
Q

aging placenta/placental age

A

advance placental age decreases amount of blood supply in the uterus, causing uterine contractions

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10
Q

what prevents progesterone production in the placenta?

A

cortisol

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11
Q

how many weeks does placental age occur?

A

40 weeks

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12
Q

what is the surest sign of labor?

A

uterine contractions

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13
Q

what is lightening?

A

descent of presenting part into the pelvis

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14
Q

when is lightening experienced in primigravida? in multipara?

A

primigravida - 10-14 days before labor

multipara - on the day of labor

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15
Q

what are experienced during lightening? (7)

A 
pelvic pain
easier breathing
shooting leg pain
more vaginal discharge
back pain
diarrhea
frequent urination
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16
Q

what are the 5 preliminary signs of labor?

A 
lightening
slight loss of weight
increased in level of activity
Braxton Hicks contractions
ripening of the cervix
17
Q

how much weight is lost during labor? this is due to?

A

1-3 lbs
0.5 - 1.4 kg

this is due to decreased amount of progesterone which absorbs and holds water

18
Q

what is Braxton Hicks contractions?

A

painless uterine contractions become strong on the last week of pregnancy

19
Q

ripening of the cervix is also known as _______. and this is due to ________.

A

Goodell’s sign

due to increased level of estrogen and glycogen

20
Q

what consistency of cervix suggests that the mother is about to go in labor?

A

butter soft

21
Q

difference between true and false labor: uterine contractions

A

true: from irregular to regular
false: remains irregular

22
Q

difference between true and false labor: location

A

true: start from lower back going towards abdomen
false: starts from abdomen and remains in abdomen and groin

23
Q

difference between true and false labor: pain

A

true: pain continues despite activities
false: pain stops with ambulation and sleep

24
Q

difference between true and false labor: frequency, intensity, and duration

A

true: there is increase
false: no increase

25
Q

difference between true and false labor: cervical dilatation

A

true: achieved cervical dilatation
false: not achieved

26
Q

difference between true and false labor: intervals

A

true: short intervals with bloody show
false: long intervals without bloody show

27
Q

signs of true labor (3)

A

uterine contractions
bloody show/show
rupture of membrane

28
Q

uterine contractions in true labor should be ______, ______, ______, and/or ______

A

effective, productive, strong and/or involuntary

29
Q

what causes increased level of activity during labor

A

increased epinephrine - suggests that client is ready to labor

30
Q

what is bloody show/what happens in bloody show

A

mixture of blood and mucus giving pinkish color

operculum will be removed causing risk to infections

31
Q

what is and what to do during rupture of membrane or bag of water (4)

A

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

32
Q

what follows rupture of membrane?

A

delivery of baby

33
Q

what might happen after 24 hours of rupture w/s going to hospital?

A

risk to intrauterine infection/s

MCN Lecture (2 decks)

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