Normal labour Flashcards

1
Q

What is labour?

A

The process in which the fetus, placenta, and membranes are expelled via the birth canal

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2
Q

What gestation does labour normally occur at?

A

37-42 weeks

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3
Q

What kind of birth does labour result in?

A

Spontaneous vaginal birth

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4
Q

What key physiological changes occur in labour to allow birth to happen?

A

Softening of the cervix
Myometrial tone changes to allow coordinated contractions
Progesterone decreases whilst oxytocin and prostaglandins increase to allow labour to initiate

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5
Q

What is stage I of labour?

A

The point of labour when contractions begin and causes dilation of the cervix

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6
Q

What is the rate of dilation of the cervix?

A

0.5-1cm per hour

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7
Q

When is the first stage of labour completed?

A

When the cervix is fully dilated

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8
Q

What is the maximum dilation of the cervix?

A

About 10 cm

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9
Q

What is Stage II of labour?

A

The period from full cervical dilation to the birth of the baby

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10
Q

What is a primagravida birth?

A

Birth when it is the first time being pregnant/giving birth

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11
Q

What is multigravida birth?

A

The woman has given birth at least once before this birth

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12
Q

How long would a primagravida birth be expected to take within active second stage?

A

Within 2 hours

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13
Q

How long would a multigravida birth be expected to take within active second stage?

A

Within 1 hour

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14
Q

What is stage III of labour?

A

The time from the birth of the baby to the expulsion of the placenta and membranes

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15
Q

What is involved in active management of the third stage of labour?

A

Routine use of uterotonic drugs
Optimal cord clamping
Controlled cord traction

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16
Q

When would prolonged third stage of labour be diagnosed?

A

If third stage is not completed within 30 minutes under active management or 60 minutes under physiological management

17
Q

What is done to monitor progress?

A
Maternal observations
Abdominal palpation
Vaginal examination
Monitoring of fluids
Auscultation  of the fetal heart
Palpation of uterine muscle contractions
18
Q

What is done in maternal observations?

A

Pulse, blood pressure, resp rate

19
Q

What are the 3 types of fetal lie?

A

Longitudinal
Transverse
Oblique

20
Q

What happens to the fetus through labour?

A
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
21
Q

What is the best lie for the fetus to have?

A

Longitudinal lie with cephalic presentation