Normal Labour Flashcards
What is the definition of normal labour?
Spontaneous in onset
Low risk at the start of labour and remaining so throughout labour and delivery
Infant born spontaneously in the vertical position
Between 37-42 completed weeks of pregnancy
How long is labour for prims?
12-18 hours
How long is labour for multips?
6-8 hours
What are Braxton Hicks?
Irregular
Don’t increase in frequency or intensity
What is show?
Bloody mucous plug from cervix
What causes contractions to start?
Prostaglandins and oxytocin increases intracellular free calcium which stimulates uterine contractions
How many stages of labour are there?
3
What is the first stage of labour?
Begins with regular contractions and ends at full dilatation
What are the initial observations made in the first stage of labour?
Obs FHR UA Colour of liquor Membranes
What is moulding?
Frontal folds push over the parietal bones
What head position of the baby’s head gives the smallest diameter?
Occipital anterior
What is the second stage of labour?
Starts with full cervical dilatation and ends with delivery of foetus
What group of women should not have a prolonged second stage of labour?
Women with cardiac problems
What may prolong the second stage of labour?
Epidural anaesthesia
What is the third stage of labour?
Period between delivery of foetus and delivery of placenta and foetal membranes
