Labour Flashcards
what is labour?
The period between the onset of regular and painful contractions and the delivery of the placenta
What are the main signs of labour?
- regular and painful uterine contractions
- a show (Shedding of mucous plug)
- rupture of the membranes (not always)
- shortening and dilatation of the cervix
How many stages of labour are there?
3
How long is the first stage of labour in nulliparous women?
12-14 hours
How long is the first stage of labour in subsequent pregnancies?
6-8 hours
How long is the second stage of labour in nulliparous women?
1-2 hours
How long is the second stage of labour in subsequent pregnancies?
5-60 mins
What is the third stage of labour?
Delivery of the placenta
How long is the third stage of labour?
30-60 mins
What is the latent first stage of labour?
Onset of irregular painful uterine contractions and point at which cervical effacement and 3cm dilatation is reached
How much does the cervix dilate an hour in latent first stage?
0.5cm per hour
What is the established first stage of labour?
Regular, painful contractions
And the cervix dilated from 3cm to 10cm
How much does the cervix dilate an hour in established first phase?
1cm every hour
What is the second stage of labour?
This is the interval between full dilatation of the cervix (10cm) and delivery of the baby.
How many parts are there to the second stage of labour?
2 phases
Active and passive stage of labour
What is the passive phase of the second stage of labour?
There are no involuntary expulsive contractions
What is the active phase of the second stage of labour?
The baby is visible and the woman has an involuntary urge to push or is encouraged to push
What is a safe length of time for the second stage of labour?
2 hours in nulliparous women,
1 hour in multiparous women
What medication can be used if the second stage isn’t advancing fast enough?
Oxytocin
What is the third stage of labour?
Delivery of the baby and expulsion of the placenta and membranes
What can the third stage of labour occur?
Physiological or active
How can the third stage of labour be physiological?
When delivery occurs by maternal effort alone
How can the third stage of labour be active?
When uterotonic drugs, cord clamping and controlled cord traction are used after signs of placental separation
What drug is given in the active management of the third stage of labour?
IM oxytocin
