Labour physiology and terms

Question 1

The first stage of labour consists of 3 parts?

Answer 1

• A. Latent phase
• B. Active 1st stage
• C. Transition phase

4cm-10cm dilated

Question 2

Describe the latent phase of labour (stage 1)

Answer 2

• Can be the longest (days)
• irregular contractions (short lasting and mild in tone)
• cervical changes up to 4cm dilation

Question 3

Describe the active 1st stage of labour?

Answer 3

• regular painful contractions 3-4 within 10 minute period
• 4cm-10cm cervix
  *8-12 hours in lenght

Question 4

Describe the transition stage of labour?

Answer 4

• 8-10cm dilation
• more physical changes seen in the women
• shaking, vomiting, need to empty bowels

Question 5

cervical dilation during 1st stage of labour

Answer 5

4-10cm

Question 6

describe the second stage of labour

Answer 6

• from being fully dilated to birth of the baby

passive (fully dilated but no contractions)
activie (fully dilated and visible baby/maternal effort)

Question 7

describe the 3rd stage of labour

Answer 7

from the birth of the baby -> to expulsion of the placenta and membranes

(up to 60 mins after birth)

Question 8

describe engagement

Answer 8

the largest diameter of the foetal head fits into the largest diameter of the maternal pelvis (pelvic inlet)

Question 9

normal foetal heart rate

Answer 9

110-160bpm

Question 10

drug which inhibits lactation

Answer 10

cabergoline

e.g. neonatal/foetal death

Question 11

drugs which enhances lactation

Answer 11

metoclopramide

• enhanced lactation

Question 12

• Gestational age

Answer 12

(duration of pregnancy from the date of last menstrual period) – (weeks + days e.g. 13+ 6)

Question 13

Gravida

Answer 13

total number of pregnancies a woman has had

Question 14

primigravida

Answer 14

a woman is pregnant for the first time

Question 15

multigravida

Answer 15

a woman is pregnant for at least the second time

Question 16

para

Answer 16

the number of times a woman has given birth after 24 weeks gestation, regardless of whether foetus was alive or stillborn

Question 17

nulliparous

Answer 17

has never given birth after 24 weeks

Question 18

primiparous

Answer 18

given birth after 24 weeks ONCE before

Question 19

multiparous

Answer 19

given birth after 24 weeks, TWO or more times

Question 20

prevents neural tube defects

Answer 20

Folic acid 400mcg

Question 21

what maternal blood tests are used to test for downs syndrome

Answer 21

11-14 weeks

• Beta-HCG (higher result – greater risk)
• Pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPPA): lower result indicates greater risk

14-20 weeks
- Beta HCG (higher result)
- Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) : lower result
- Serum oestriol (lower result)

Question 22

USS used to test for downs syndrome - measures what?

Answer 22

measures Nuchal translucency (thickness of of the back of the neck of foetus) > 6mm

Question 23

invasive test for downs syndrome

Answer 23

amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a prenatal test12. During the test, a small amount of amniotic fluid is removed from the sac surrounding the fetus for testing2. The sample of amniotic fluid is removed through a fine needle inserted into the uterus through the abdomen, under ultrasound guidance2. The fluid is then sent to a laboratory for analysis2. The test is used to detect chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders in the fetus12.