Normal Labour Flashcards
Define normal labour?
Spontaneous labour at term (37-42 weeks) with fetus in vertex position resulting in a Spontaneous Vaginal Birth (SVD)
What physiological changes must occur for labour to initiate?
- Cervix softens
- Myometrial tone changes to allow for coordinated contractions
- Progesterone decrease/ Oxytocin & Prostaglandins increase
How many stages of labour are there?
3
What are the parts of Stage 1 of labour?
Latent first stage
Established first stage
What occurs during the latent first stage of labour?
Intermittent painful contractions leading to up to 4cm of dilatation
What occurs during the Established first stage of labour?
Regular Painful contraction producing progressive cervical effacement and 10cm dilatation
How long does the first stage last?
Established first stage lasts an average 8 hours primagravida and 5 multigravida
Progresses at 0.5-1cm per hour
What occurs during stage 2 of labour?
Phase from full cervical dilation to birth of baby
What occurs in the Passive 2nd stage of labour?
This is the stage after your fully dilated but before Involuntary Expulsive Contractions occur
Allow 1 hour for the fetus to descend
What occurs in the Active Second stage of Labour?
Expulsive contractions with full dilatation = Active 2nd stage
The presenting part of fetus is visible and active maternal effort is required
How long does the Active second stage of labour take?
Average 2 hours for primagravida and 1 for multigravida
What occurs during the 3rd stage of labour?
Expulsion of the placenta and membranes
What are the different ways we can handle the 3rd stage of labour?
- Active Management
- Physiological management
Whats involved in Active management of the 3rd stage?
- Uterotonic drugs
- Deferrend clamping and cutting of cord
- Controlled cord traction
Physiological means no drugs, don’t clamp till it stops pulsating and deliver placenta by maternal effort alone
How long does the 3rd stage take?
Prolonged Third Stage is a diagnosis made after 30 minutes of active management or 60 minutes of physiological management