Normal Labour Flashcards
what are the seven cardinal movements of labour?
> descent > flexion > internal rotation of the head > crowning and extension of the head > restitution > internal rotation of the shoulders > external rotation of the head > lateral flexion
what hormonal changes initiate labour?
> decrease in progesterone
increase in oxytocin
increase in prostaglandins
what are the key physiological changes that occur to initiate labour?
> hormones
myometrial changes
cervix softens
define normal labour
process at which the foetus, placenta and membranes are expelled from the birth canal.
it occur spontaneously at 37-42 wks
describe the latent 1st stage of labour
a period where there are intermittent irregular and painful contraction bringing about cervical effacement dilation up to 4cm
describe the established first stage of labour
regular painful contractions resulting in progressive effacement and cervical dilation from 4cm
how long would you expect stage 1 labour to last in primigravida?
about 8hrs no more than 18hrs
how long would you expect stage 1 labour to last in multigravida?
about 5 hrs no more than 12hrs
when is stage 1 labour complete?
when the cervix is dilated to 10cm
what is the anticipated progress in stage 1 labour?
0.5-1cm per hour
what does stage 2 labour involve?
from full cervical dilation to the birth of the baby
what does passive second stage labour involve?
foetal descent, there is a fully dilated cervix in absence of involuntary contractions
describe active second stage labour
> presenting part is visible
expulsive contractions with full dilation of the cervix
active maternal effort
how long should 2nd stage labour last in a primigravida woman?
2 hours of active stage 2
how long should 2nd stage labour last in multigravida women?
1hr of active stage 2
