Labour physiology and terms Flashcards
The first stage of labour consists of 3 parts?
- A. Latent phase
- B. Active 1st stage
- C. Transition phase
4cm-10cm dilated
Describe the latent phase of labour (stage 1)
- Can be the longest (days)
- irregular contractions (short lasting and mild in tone)
- cervical changes up to 4cm dilation
Describe the active 1st stage of labour?
- regular painful contractions 3-4 within 10 minute period
- 4cm-10cm cervix
*8-12 hours in lenght
Describe the transition stage of labour?
- 8-10cm dilation
- more physical changes seen in the women
- shaking, vomiting, need to empty bowels
cervical dilation during 1st stage of labour
4-10cm
describe the second stage of labour
- from being fully dilated to birth of the baby
passive (fully dilated but no contractions)
activie (fully dilated and visible baby/maternal effort)
describe the 3rd stage of labour
from the birth of the baby -> to expulsion of the placenta and membranes
(up to 60 mins after birth)
describe engagement
the largest diameter of the foetal head fits into the largest diameter of the maternal pelvis (pelvic inlet)
normal foetal heart rate
110-160bpm
drug which inhibits lactation
cabergoline
e.g. neonatal/foetal death
drugs which enhances lactation
metoclopramide
- enhanced lactation
- Gestational age
(duration of pregnancy from the date of last menstrual period) – (weeks + days e.g. 13+ 6)
Gravida
total number of pregnancies a woman has had
primigravida
a woman is pregnant for the first time
multigravida
a woman is pregnant for at least the second time
para
the number of times a woman has given birth after 24 weeks gestation, regardless of whether foetus was alive or stillborn
nulliparous
has never given birth after 24 weeks
primiparous
given birth after 24 weeks ONCE before
multiparous
given birth after 24 weeks, TWO or more times
prevents neural tube defects
Folic acid 400mcg
what maternal blood tests are used to test for downs syndrome
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)
USS used to test for downs syndrome - measures what?
measures Nuchal translucency (thickness of of the back of the neck of foetus) > 6mm
invasive test for downs syndrome
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.
