Labour

Question 1

What initiates labour?

Answer 1

Increased cervical pressure causes uterine lining to release prostaglandins

Question 2

What do the prostaglandins do?

Answer 2

Enhance action of oxytocin

Question 3

What causes an increase in the no. of oxytocin receptors in the myometrium & uterine lining?

Answer 3

Placental hormones

Question 4

What are Braxton-Hicks contractions?

Answer 4

Infrequent practice contractions.

Aid body in preparation for birth

Question 5

What are the layers of the uterus?

Answer 5

Endometrium
Myometrium
Serosa

Question 6

What is cervical ripening? When does it occur?

Answer 6

Growth & remodelling of cervix prior to labour

Question 7

What causes cervical ripening?

Answer 7

Placental hormones & relaxin

Question 8

What is labour?

Answer 8

Painful uterine contractions

Dilatation of cervix

Question 9

What are the 3 mechanical factors in labour?

Answer 9

Powers (uterus)
Passenger (foetal head)
Passage (pelvis & soft tissues)

Question 10

3 stages of labour?

Answer 10

1. From start of contractions to 10cm dilatation of cervix
2. Full dilatation to delivery
3. Delivery of baby to delivery of placenta

Question 11

What are the 2 hormones involved in initiating labour?

Answer 11

Prostaglandin PGF2-a

Oxytocin