normal l&d Flashcards
station
measurement of the presenting part (in cm) above and below the maternal ischial spine
fetal position
relationship and orientation of the presenting fetal part to the maternal pelvis
fetal attitude
degree of extension/flexion of the fetal head during cephalic presentation
engagement and descent
when the widest transverse diameter of the head passes through the pelvic inlet and the presenting part begins to descend into the birth canal
Braxton hicks contractions
false labor not associated with cervical dilation
lightening
fetal head descending into the pelvis causing a change in the abdomen’s shape and sensation that the baby has “become lighter”
bloody show what is it and when does it happen
passage of blood-tinged cervical mucus late in pregnancy
occurs when the cervix begins thinning (effacement)
internal rotation
fetal vertex moves from occiput to a position where the sagittal suture is parallel to the anteroposterior diameter of the pelvis
stage I of labor start and end
onset of labor with true contractions to full dilation of cervix (10 cm)
latent phase of labor
cervix effacement with gradual cervical dilation
stage II of labor
time from full cervical dilation until delivery of the fetus
stage III
postpartum until delivery of the placenta (0-30min)
stage IV of labor
the 1-2 hours after delivery when mother is assessed for complications
what stimulates the uterus to contract?
oxytocin which stimulates the placenta to make prostaglandins to further contract uterus
puerperium what is it and what happens during it?
6-8 weeks after birth of baby
uterine involution, discharge, beginning of lactation
