Normal Labour Flashcards
What is normal labour?
It is painful uterine contractions associated with cervical effacement and dilatation
What is the latent phase?
Time taken for full cervical effacement and 3 cm of dilatation
what is the definition of the third stage of labour?
Begins with the full dilatation of the cervix to the delivery of the baby.
Spurious labour?
Uterine contractions which may be regular and painful but are not associated with cervical effacement and dilatation.
What does it mean by the membranes?
The membranes is the fused amnion and chorion - this contains the fetus, placenta and amniotic fluid. It can rupture spontaneously or is done so artificially to induce/ augment the labour process.
What is the criteria for the powers? What are three things?
- It needs to be strong
- It needs to be long enough
- often enough 3-5 times/ 10 minutes
What does it mean by Passenger? What fetal variables may influence the course of labour?
- Fetal size
- Fetal lie and presentation
- Attitude: Degree of flexion/ extension of the neck
- Postion: The relationship of the nominated presenting part to location of maternal pelvis.
The passage offers resistance to expulsion of the fetus? What are structures which offer resistance?
- bony pelvis
- Soft tissue of the birth canal
What are four important factors regarding maternal well being that we must account for whilst a woman is in labour?
- Development of infection
- Development of pre-eclampsia
- Intrapartum haermorrhage
- emotional well being ( pain control)
How long does it generally take for the first stage for a nulliparous vs a multi
first stage is generally 6-18 hours, vs 2-10 hrs in a multi
What are the indications for CTG?
- Antenatal risks: Diabetes, hypertension, suspected growth restrictions, bleeding during a pregnancy
- Intrapartum risk factors: Meconium/blood stained liquor, abnormal Fetal heart rate on intermittent auscultation
What are the time limitations of arrested descent?
Arrested descent with an epidural is greater than 3 hours for nulliparae and 2 hours for multi.
Without epidural is greater than 2 hours for nulli and 1 hour for multi
What is the active management of the third stage of labour? The delivery of the placenta?
- Prophylactic administration of oxytocic
- controlled cord traction to delivery
- early cord clamping
Name 4 different reasons why post partum haemorrhage occurs?
- atony : Functional, mechanical (retained placenta, clot)
- genital tract laceration: Vagina, vulva, perineum, cervix, uterus
- Coagulopathy: preexisting, abruption, PET, FDIU. AFE
= Uterine inversion
What is a first degree tear
Laceration involving perineal skin or vaginal mucosa
