Normal labor Flashcards
what does G TPAL stand for?
gravidity
parity (term, preterm, abortions, living)
definition: labor
increase in myometrial activity resulting in effacement and dilation of the uterine cervix
mean duration of human singleton pregnancy
280 days (40 wk) from first day of LMP
what is a term pregnancy?
period from 36 completed weeks (37.0) to 42.0 weeks
what is a preterm pregnancy?
onset of labor prior to 36 completed weeks
what is a postterm pregnancy?
continuing beyond 42 weeks
is labor diagnosed clinically or medically?
clinically
what are the criteria for labor diagnosis?
- regular painful contractions
- progressive cervical effacement and dilatation
- bloody show
phase 0 of labor
functional quiescence through inhibitors: progesterone, prostacyclin, relaxin
phase 1 of labor
cervical softening: slow progressive structural changes of ECM (collagen alterations)
phase 2 of labor
activation - myometrial changes, cervical ripening
phase 3 of labor
actual labor - three stages:
- oxytocin influence
- PGs, relaxin
- CRH
oxytocin really has its effect during which phase of labor?
phase 3
phase 4 of labor
- puerperium (postpartum interval)
- myometrium becomes rigid and in state of constant contraction - oxytocin influence
- uterine involution and cervical repair
what are the three mechanics of labor?
powers
passenger
passage
the ‘powers’ mechanics of labor are generated by what?
uterus
how is uterine activity described?
- frequency
- intensity
- duration