labour support Flashcards
Describe what GTPAL stands for
- Gravida = how many children at home plus her pregnancy (ie. G3 would be 2 at home and pregnant)
- Term = how many brought to term (T2)
- Preterm = how many preterm T0
- Abortion = how many miscarriages whether planned or not (A0)
- Living = how many living at home (L2)
What is a first mom and second or more time mom called?
- first time mom = primip
2. more than one = multip
What are the cm measurements for a womans cervix when in the following phases of labour:
latent
active
transition?
- latent - 0 - 3-4cm
- active - 4-7cm
- transition 8-10cm
During the latent phase approximately how long does it take for the cervix to get to 5cm?
approximately 1cm per hour. First 3-4 cm can take 5 hours for a primip.
What is it called when the cervix is thinning?
effacement
Can a woman each food at this stage and if so how much?
She can have small amounts for energy later on.
How far apart are contractions in the latent phase? And how tolerable are they?
They are anywhere from 5- 20 mins apart and can usually be tolerated quite well at this phase
How far apart are contractions during active labour?
3-5 minutes apart
How tolerable are contractions during active labour?
mom usually goes quite and not talking during contractions in this phase
Describe some observable factors of the latent phase
- vaginal discharge with pink or red tinge
2. slight chance of membrane rupturing
What should you note when the membrane ruptures?
time and colour
Describe some observable factors of the active labour phase
- increased bloody show
2. possible rupture of membrane
At what point should you decide to go to hospital during the active phase?
when contractions are 3-5min apart for 1 hour or more and lasting 30-45 secs.
What are some thing a labour support person can offer the mom?
- remain calm and quietly talk her though contractions by helping her focus on her breathing
- massage her lower back
- offer ice chips
- have her hold your hand
- help her in the shower with a warm-hot shower head
How far does the cervix dilate during transition?
8-10cm
How far apart are contractions during this phase and how long do they last?
They are 1-2 mins apart and last approx 60-90 sec. They may have double peaks.
Where is the pressure of the baby’s head?
rectum
What are some physical symptoms a mom might feel during transition?
shaking nausea sweating vomiting leg cramping
What sounds changes from the mom happen during transition?
moms become cranky and change from moaning to grunting