normal birth Flashcards
define normal birth
Spontaneous in onset, low-risk at the start of labour and remaining so throughout labour and delivery. The infant is born spontaneously in the vertex position between 37 and 42 completed weeks of pregnancy. After birth mother and infant are in good condition. (World Health Organisation, 1997).
state seven main reasons why encouraging normal birth is important
safety, physical, psychological (less post traumatic distress), financial(cheaper than c section), colonisation of the baby, higher rates of successful breast feeding, natural bonding process
outline what happens in passive first stage of labour
irregular painful contractions, some cervical change and membranes rupture
what happens in active first stage of labour
progressive dilation from 4cm onwards at cervix, regular painful contractions
how do you monitor labour from a fetal perspective
fetal heart activity, position and descent
how do you monitor labour from a maternal perspective
• contractions • dilatation • vital signs • drugs/fluids • urine output • PV loss: liquor, blood • pain • emotional state
state 3 groups of pain relief used in labour
pharmacological, non-pharmacological and regional
what pharmacological remedies are used for pain management in labour
Entonox • opiods
what non pharmacological remdies are used for pain management in labour
water, massage, breathing relaxation
what regional remedies are used for pain management in labour
epidural
how do you know a woman is transitioning into the second stage of labour
starts to sweat, uncontrollable urge to push, purple line between buttocks as they spread apart, mood changes, feeling baby head in vagina, grunting with contractions
what happens during passive second stage
Passive second stage: Full dilatation of the cervix prior to or in the absence of involuntary expulsive contractions
“woman rest and be thankful stage” try take a break LOL
what happens during active second stage
Active second stage: - the baby is visible expulsive contractions with a finding of full dilatation of the cervix or other signs of full dilatation. baby comes out eventually
what happens during the third stage
placenta expulsion, Comprises the phase of placental separation, its descent to the lower segment and finally, its expulsion with the membrane
how much blood remains in the placenta after birth
one third of baby blood is in the placenta, immediately after birth umbilical cord will stop pulsating and it is delivered out with a few contractions, slides out easily
why does mother want to cuddle child skin to skin immediately after birth and why is it encouraged
Many women instinctively want to cuddle their newborn baby ‘skin-to-skin’ straight after birth.
This is an instinct supported by scientific research which has found that this early skin-to-skin contact has important benefits for both mums and babies, helping them both to recover from the birth and get to know one another.
what three things do women want the most during pregnancy with regards to their physical environment
to be able to walk around, clean room and not to be moved about during pregnancy
what does nulliparous mean
never had a child before
what are the difference in terms of risk for nulliparous and multiparous women in giving child birth at home or hospital
Advise low-risk multiparous women that planning to give birth at home or in a midwifery-led unit (freestanding or alongside) is particularly suitable for them because the rate of interventions is lower and the outcome for the baby is no different compared with an obstetric unit.
• Advise low-risk nulliparous women that planning to give birth in a midwifery-led unit (freestanding or alongside) is particularly suitable for them because the rate of interventions is lower and the outcome for the baby is no different compared with an obstetric unit. Explain that if they plan birth at home there is a small increase in the risk of an adverse outcome for the baby.
Define the puerperium
The puerperium is defined as the time from the end of the third stage through the first few weeks after delivery. This period is usually considered to be 6 weeks in duration.
state some of the goals of healthcare for the mother and child during the puerperium
Monitor physiological changes. • Diagnose and treat postnatal complications. • Give mother emotional support. • Establish infant feeding. • Advice about contraception
during puerperium what areas of mother body are vulnerable to infection
breast uterus abdomen perineum
