Maternity

Question 1

What are the three stages of labour?

Answer 1

1 - Onset of regular contractions to full dilation of cervix
2 - full dilation of cervix until baby is born
3 - Birth of baby until placenta and membranes delivered and bleeding controlled

Question 2

What should you consider when assessing contractions?

Answer 2

Frequency 
Length
Strength
Regularity
How is mum coping?

Question 3

What are Braxton Hicks contractions?

Answer 3

Contractions that are not labour but are often mistaken as such. They are more noticeable in late pregnancy and can be irregular and only cause mild discomfort. However this is not always the case and only time will tell if it is true or false labour.

Question 4

What are some sings that labour stage 1 has started?

Answer 4

• Show (inspect)
• Waters breaking (membrane ruptures)
• Abdominal cramps/backache (cerix stretching)
• Contractions (only time will tell if it is true or false)

Question 5

Do either the show or waters breaking always signify labour has begun?

Answer 5

No - not unless accompanied by other signs. The midwife will need to be informed.

Question 6

Normally a transfer is a good option for early stage 1, less so for late stage 1. What are some factors to consider?

Answer 6

• When did contractions start
• peri and multiparous?
• Travel time/ traffic/ weather
• Do you have a qualified cremate

Question 7

What can you expect to happen over the course of labour stage 1?

Answer 7

Anything between 8-12 hours for periparous.

• Interval between contraction decrease
• intensity of contractions increase
• increase pain
• woman may require entonox
• show/waters
• woman requires assurance, comfort, support

Question 8

What are some indications that you should not transfer and prepare for birth?

Answer 8

• Crowning

- Woman has urge to bear down

Question 9

What occurs in labour stage 2?

Answer 9

Can last a few minutes up 2 hours

• Contractions 2-3 mins apart
• urge to push
• bowel movement
• perineum bulging
• crowning

Question 10

What occurs in labour stage 3?

Answer 10

Duration 5-60 minutes

• Baby born, time noted.
• uterus contracts helping to stop bleeding
• placenta comes loose inside uterus
• Woman holds baby
• Encourage to push out placenta naturally
• Observe for signs of bleeding
• Fundus should become hard
• Placenta inspection

Question 11

What happens if the baby is born with the umbilical cord around neck?

Answer 11

Do nothing the baby will be born safely.
If however after head is born and baby does not advance after a few contraction it may be the cord is preventing birth.
-Insert finger above baby neck and if possible ease cord over baby head

Question 12

How can you maintain baby body temperature?

Answer 12

• Dry with dry towel
• put a hat on
• get room hot in advance
• skin to skin with mother
• eliminate drafts