Labour & post-partum Flashcards
After how many weeks gestation is it called labour?
24 weeks
What is the commonest lie of the fetus?
Longitudinal
What is the commonest presentation of the fetus?
Cephalic
What process thins the cervix?
Effacement
What does ripening of the cervix involve?
Reduction in collagen and increase in glycosaminoglycans
Which 2 hormones are involved in the increase of contractions?
Prostaglandins and oxytocin
Define Brachystasis
At each contraction the muscle fibres shorten but do not fully relax, pushing the presenting part to the birth canal
Which hormone induces labour when given medically?
Prostaglandins
When is the post-partum period?
From delivery to 6 weeks after the baby is born
What is lochia?
Discharge post-partum containing blood, mucus and uterine tissue
Name the 4 T’s of post partum haemorrhage
Tone (atony), tissue(retained placenta), thrombin and trauma
What time period does post-partum depression usually occur>
Within 4 weeks of delivery
Which hormone does suckling inhibit?
dopamine
Which hormone causes the ejection/”let-down” of milk?
oxytocin
How much milk is produced per day?
800ml
