Mechanisms of labour

Question 1

Name 3 bones which make up the innominate bone

Answer 1

ischium, ilium, pubis

Question 2

Define the false pelvis

Answer 2

forms the lower part of the abdominal wall

Question 3

Define the true pelvis

Answer 3

is the space enclosed by the pelvis inlet and outlet

Question 4

List the regions of the pelvis that the fetus must during labor

Answer 4

The inlet, pelvis cavity and outlet

Question 5

Describe the function of the pelvis floor muscles

Answer 5

They span the bottom of the pelvis and support the pelvic organs.

They distend considerable during labor allowing movement of the fetus

Question 6

4 variations of the pelvic shapes

Answer 6

Gynacoid

Android

Anthroid

Platypelloid

Question 7

List muscular fibers of the uterus responsible for labour

Answer 7

Longitudinal fibers

Mesh-like fibers

Circular fibers

Question 8

Explain fundal dominance

Answer 8

When contractions begin at the fundus and travel outwards and downwards to open cervix

Question 9

Identify 2 ways labour progress is assessed on vaginal examination

Answer 9

Cervical dilatation or effacement or station of presenting part

Question 10

Define cervical dilatation in centimeters from active labour to the onset of 2nd stage.

Answer 10

Cervical dilatation at active labour begins at 4cm. with the onset of the 2nd stage, full effacement should be reached which is usually 10 cm to allow passage of fetal head.

Question 11

1st stage

Answer 11

Painful, regular contractions leaking of amniotic fluid
Cervix fully dilated 10 cm

Question 12

2nd stage

Answer 12

Full cervical dilation and ends with birth of baby

Question 13

3rd stage

Answer 13

Begins immediately after delivery of the baby and skin to skin contact and ends with delivery of placenta

Question 14

Signs woman experience in the latent phase of labour

Answer 14

Braxton hicks: irregular and short < 60 seconds

Described as uncomfortable, not painful

No cervical dilatation

Question 15

Signs woman experience in the active phase of labour

Answer 15

Painful, regular contractions

3-4 contractions in 10 minutes (60-90 seconds)

Pressure in pelvic/rectal area with contractions

Question 16

List 3 signs that indicate a laboring client needs to come into the hospital asap

Answer 16

Passage of blood

Contractions are very strong and unbearable

Feel rectal pressure and urge to push

Question 17

Contraction and retraction

Answer 17

Unique ability for muscle fibers to shorten or retract - upper segment becomes shorter and thicker

Question 18

General fluid pressure

Answer 18

Pressure of contractions is equalized through the uterus and over the fetus

Question 19

General fluid pressure

Answer 19

Pressure of contractions is equalized through the uterus and over the fetus

Question 20

Fetal axis pressure

Answer 20

Fundal contraction is transmitted to the upper pole of the fetus, down it’s long axis and pressure is applied by the pp on the cervix

Question 21

Name the main 5 bones which make up the fetal skull

Answer 21

Frontal (2)
Parietal (2)
Occipital

Question 22

Describe the
fontanelles and
sutures

Answer 22

Sutures are cranial joints between 2 bones

Fontanelles are cranial joints between 4 bones

Question 23

Which is the most favorable presentation for a vaginal birth

Answer 23

VERTEX + FACE

Question 24

Describe the process called moulding?

Answer 24

Overlapping of the skull bones to allow the smallest diameter to pass through the pelvis

Question 25

Describe the role of oxytocin in natural labour

Answer 25

Stimulates powerful contractions that help to this and open (dilate) the cervix, more the baby down and out of the birth canal

Low levels can cause contractions to stop or slow, result in excessive

Question 26

Describe the role of prolactin

Answer 26

Central to breast milk production

Question 27

Fetal lie

Answer 27

relationship of the long axis of the fetus to the uterus or maternal spine

Question 28

Fetal presentation

Answer 28

part of the fetus that occupies the lower segment of the uterus