MModule 2 Labor and Birth: The Details Flashcards
when is a woman in labor?
when she has contractions and a cervical change
What hormones play a role in starting labor?
prostaglandins and oxytocin
What is the bloody show?
pink or brown mucousy discharge, sign of labor
Can you still see mucusy discharge after losing your mucus plug?
yes. it’s normal
what is effacement?
the shortening of the cervix in length during labor
what is dilation?
the opening of the cervix during labor
What two phases is the first stage of labor broken into?
The latent phase and the active phase
What happens during the active phase of labor?
cervix is dilating from 5-10cm
baby is moving down into pelvis
most often done in hospital (if it’s a hospital birth)
What happens during the latent phase of labor?
cervix is dilating from 0-5cm
mild, irregular contractions that get closer together and stronger with time
ideally done at home
How long can the latent phase of labor be?
hours, days, or even weeks
What is the second stage of labor?
begins with complete cervical dilation (10cm) and ends with birth of baby
what is the third stage of labor?
period between delivery of baby and delivery of your placenta
How long can the third stage of labor last and why?
up to 30 minutes; after that considered prolonged and doctor will have to go in and remove placenta manually
Why do providers give pitocin during the third stage of labor?
to prevent bleeding
what is maternal morbidity?
problems after pregnancy
what is maternal mortality?
death after pregnancy
what is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and maternal mortality?
severe bleeding after childbirth
When a woman’s water breaks, what could brown or green coloration mean?
Could be a sign of meconium in the amniotic fluid
What does it mean if a woman is GBS positive?
There is bacteria present in the vagina that could harm the baby
Can a woman who is GBS positive continue to labor at home if her water breaks?
No. She has to go to the hospital so provider can start antibiotics, because risk of infection increases after water breaks.
what is fetal monitoring?
checking on baby during labor by monitoring baby’s heartbeat and mamas contractions
Why do providers do fetal monitoring?
Can help detect if baby is in distress so they can attempt to fix it
what is a normal heart rate for a baby on the fetal monitor?
120-160 beats per min
What is the most common method of fetal monitoring in the US?
electronic fetal monitoring
what are the two types of electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) and how do they differ?
There is external and internal EFM methods.
External monitoring is two belts around belly with two transducers, one for baby’s heart rate and one for contractions.
Internal monitoring is something gently screwed into baby’s head for heartbeat, and then a catheter in uterus for contractions.
What is intermittent fetal monitoring (auscultation)?
providers check you
