Normal labour Flashcards
When does “normal labour” occur?
37-42 weeks
What initiates labour?
Paracrine and autocrine signals generated by fatal, maternal and placental factors
What are the key physiological changes in the initiation of labour?
Cervix softens
Myometrial tone changes to allow for coordinated contractions
Progesterone decreases while oxytocin and prostaglandins increase to allow for labour to initiate
What are the 2 parts of stage 1 labour?
Latent
Established
What happens in latent first stage labour?
Intermittent, often irregular, painful contractions which bring about some cervocal effacement and dilation up to 4cm
What happens in established firs stage?
Regular painful contractions that result in progressive effacement and cervical dilation from 4-10cm
How long does stage 1 labour take in primigravida?
Average 8 hours
Should be No more than 18
How long does stage 1 labour take in multigravida?
Average 5 hours
Should be no more than 12 hours
What is the anticipated progress in stage 1 labour?
0.5-1cm per hour
What is stage 2 labour?
From full cervical dilatation to birth
What are the 2 stages of stage 2 labour?
Passive
Active
When is the passive phase of stage 2?
Full cervical dilation but before expulsive contraction
How long should passive stage 2 be allowed for?
About 1 hour
What is the active phase of stage 2?
Presenting part of baby is visible
Expulsive contractions with fully dilated cervix
How long does stage 2 last for in primigravida?
Birth expected within 2 hours f active stage commencing