Labour And Birth

Question 1

What are some sign s of impending labour

Answer 1

Lightening - foetal head descends into the maternal pelvis
Brixton hicks contractions
Bloody shows - cervix dilates and mucous plug is passed, cervical dilation - blood
Spontaneous rupture of membranes
Woman may experience diarrhoea/nausea

Question 2

Labour is defined as

Answer 2

The pregnant woman experiencing uterine contractions which increase in
Length
Strength
Frequency

Question 3

Stages of labour

Answer 3

1st - onset of regular contractions - leading to full dilatation of the cervix
2nd- full dilatation of the cervix to birth of the baby
3rd - birth of the baby to delivery of the placenta, membranes and control of bleeding
4th - delivery of placenta, membranes and control of bleeding to 1 hour post birth

Question 4

1st stage of labour

Answer 4

Onset of contractions which increase in length, strength and frequency to full dilatation of the cervix.
Usually lasts 12-