NORMAL LABOUR AND ITS MANAGEMENT Flashcards
what is oestrogen’s role in labour?
increases oxytocin expression
what does oxytocin do in labour?
stimulates the uterine muscles to contract and increases prostaglandin production
what does vasopressin do in labour?
increases strength of contractions
what do prostaglandins do in labour?
prepare the cervix and to help open the cervix in response to contractions.
what is the best shaped pelvis for giving birth?
gynecoid
outline how the inlet and outlet of the pelvis differ?
at the inlet the transverse diameter is greater than the antero-posterior diameter
at the outlet the AP diameter is greater
where does the power to push the baby out come from?
levator ani muscles 9pelvic floor)
when do women tend to feel Braxton hicks?
from the second trimester
what is the importance of Braxton hicks?
they play a role in toning the uterine muscle in preparation for the birth proces
what is important about a baby’s skull for giving birth?
it is made up of fontanelles that can all move to reduce the diameter of the skull
what is the ideal position for baby’s head to engage in?
occiput anterior position
what is the ideal position for baby’s head to engage in?
occiput anterior position
what are the 4 stages of labour?
latent phase
active stage
second stage
third stage
what is the latent phase of labour?
from the onset of contractions until the mother experiences regular contractions
cervix is 3-4cm dilated
what is the active stage f labour?
when there are regular contractions
cervix is fully effaced
dilation is 10cm
what is cervical effacement?
the shortening and thinning of the cervix
what is foetal station?
the relationship of the presenting part to the ischial spines
measured in cms above and below the ischial spines
what is the second stage of labour?
the delivery of the baby
mother pushes with pelvic floor msucles
with each contraction the presenting part is pushed downwards into the placental floor
what is the third stage of pregnancy?
the delivery of placenta and membranes
why do we give mothers synthetic oxytocin after delivery of the placenta?
as there are open vascular beds so the uterus needs to contract to cause haemostats and avoid postpartum haematosis
how is delivery of the placenta carried out?
controlled cord traction
or by mother pushing
what are the 7 cardinal movements of labour?
engagement descent flexion internal rotation extension external rotation expulsion
what are the 7 cardinal movements of labour?
engwagement descent flexion internal rotation extension external rotation expulsion
what are the 7 cardinal movements of labour?
engagement descent flexion internal rotation extension external rotation expulsion
what are the 7 cardinal movements of labour?
engwagement descent flexion internal rotation extension external rotation expulsion
what is a Partogram?
a composite graphical record of key data (maternal and fetal) during labour entered against time on a single sheet of paper. Relevant measurements might include statistics such as cervical dilation, fetal heart rate, duration of labour and vital signs.
why is it important to have regular bladder emptying in labour?
so the bladder doesnt become overdisteded and damage the detrusor muscle as this can cause complications for urinating post fatally
what type of analgesia can be given during labour?
oral analgesics e.g. paracetamol or codeine
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
entenox
systemic opiates
epidural
what is Cardiotocography?
a technique used to monitor the fetal heartbeat and the uterine contractions during pregnancy and labour.
what are the complications of prolonged labour?
foetal distress due to o2 deprivation inter cranial haemorrhage sepsis increased chance of instrumental use long term risk for injuries like cerebral palsy and seizure disorders
what is augmentation of labour?
the process of stimulating the uterus to increase the frequency, duration and intensity of contractions after the onset of spontaneous labour.
how is augmentation of labour done?
by giving oxytocin
whats the differnce between augmentation of labour and induction?
Induction of labor is defined as the artificial process of initiating labor before spontaneous onset. Augmentation of labor is the stimulation of uterine contractions once the woman has spontaneously initiated labor- because progress is considered inadequate
