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