Obstetrics Part 3 - L&D Flashcards
Define labor.
Uterine contractions that cause changes in dilation, effacement, or station.
Define dilation, effacement, and station.
Di: Inc opening of the cervical os
Ef: thinning of the cervix
Sta: Location of presenting part relative to ischial spines –> above spines is -1, -2, …, below is +1, +2, …
Define and describe prodromal labor.
“False labor” –> irregular contractions that vary in duration, intensity, and intervals. Yield little to no cervical change.
List and define the six cardinal movements of labor.
Engagement: fetal presenting part enters pelvis
Descent: Presenting part descends into pelvis
Flexion: Head flexes so smallest diameter presents to pelvis
Internal Rotation: Rotation from occiput transverse to occiput anterior (sometimes occiput posterior)
Extension: Head extends as it passes beneath pubic symphysis
External Rotation: Occurs after head delivers to facilitate delivery of shoulders.
Define the stages of labor and state how long each typically lasts.
1: onset to dilation and effacement. Lasts 10-12 hrs in nulliparous woman and 6-8 hrs in multiparous.
2: full dilation to delivery. Prolonged if > 2 hrs in nulliparous and > 1 hr in multiparous.
3: after delivery of child to delivery of placenta. Normal is 5 - 30 minutes.
Describe the phases of the 1st stage of labor.
Latent: slow cervical change - onset to 2-4 cm dilation.
Active: until 9cm dilation - cervical change becomes faster.
Deceleration/Transition: cervix completes dilation
How is one determined to be in active labor and what should happen at that point?
Patient in active labor = admitted to labor unit.
Criteria: mucus plug discharge, dilation > 4cm, uterine bleeding, abnormal fetal HR pattern, regular contractions, > 80% effacement.
What is the risk of a women being admitted to the labor unit before being in active labor?
Iatrogenic interventions: epidural, oxytocin augmentation, C-section.
Define cephalopelvic disproportion.
Fetal head is too large to pass through pelvis
What are Montevideo Units and what is considered sufficient during labor?
MV units = method of measuring uterine performance during labor. > 200 MV units = sufficient.
How long of a time period without change during the active phase of labor would trigger a C-section?
2 - 4 hours
How is cervical dilation, effacement, and station determined and when should this occur?
Determined by digital cervical exam. Occur at time of admission and every 2-4 hrs during 1st stage, every 1-2 hrs during 2nd stage, and when patient feels urge to push to ensure full dilation (10cm).
If a woman chooses anesthesia during labor, when should the cervical exam happen relative to administration of the anesthesia?
Perform cervical exam prior to anesthesia
What should be assessed if the fetal HR becomes irregular during labor?
Digital cervical exam to evaluate for prolapse and uterine rupture.
What is a partogram and how is it used during labor?
Graphical representation of the progression of dilation and other vital statistics (fetal HR, duration of labor, etc.)
How does the administration of an epidural affect the timing of the 2nd stage of labor?
Prolongs second stage s/p decreased sensation to push.
Describe forceps and state when they can be used in pregnancy.
Blades shaped to accommodate the head of the baby. Use requires: full dilation, ruptured membranes, head at 2+ station or more, no evidence of cephalopelvic disproportion, knowledge of fetal position, adequate anesthesia, and empty bladder.
Describe the use of a vacuum device in pregnancy.
Cup placed on fetal scalp with suction device connected to create vacuum.
What are the risks associated with forceps and vacuum use?
Forceps: increased rate of facial nerve palsies and perineal lacerations
Vacuum: inc rate of cephalohematomas and shoulder dystocia.
List three signs the placenta has separated from uterine wall in the 3rd stage of labor.
Cord lengthening, gush of blood, uterine fundal rebound as placenta detaches.
How is delivery of the placenta managed during the 3rd stage of labor?
Gentle traction on cord and suprapubic pressure to avoid perineal trauma and uterine prolapse/inversion.
How is retention of the placenta defined and how is it managed?
Def: no delivery of placenta > 30 min after birth
Tx: Manual traction (hand in intrauterine cavity) or curettage.
What is the biggest risk factor for retained placenta?
Pre-term delivery
Describe the 4 degrees of perineal lacerations resulting from delivery.
1: involves mucosa and skin in perineal area
2: extend into deep perineal body but not anal sphincter
3: extend into or through anal sphincter
4: anal mucosa itself is entered
How are 3rd/4th degree lacerations repaired?
Several interrupted sutures
What is a buttonwall laceration?
Laceration through rectal mucosa into the vagina but with sphincter still intact.
What risks are associated with 3rd and 4th degree lacerations?
Infection, incontinence, prolapse
How is separation of a 4th degree laceration repair managed?
Abx, debridement, secondary repair
Define hypertonus and tachysystole and state what they might cause and how the condition is managed.
Hypertonus: single contraction lasting > 2 minutes
Tachysystole: > 5 contractions in 10 minute period
May caused prolonged deceleration - treated by terbutaline to relax the uterus
What findings on tocolytic monitoring indicates a non-reassuring fetal status and how is this managed?
Repetitive late decels, bradycardia, loss of variability
Tx: O2 by mask, dec IVC compression and inc uterine perfusion by turning mom on left side, d/c oxytocin.
Define an episiotomy.
Incision made in perineum to facilitate delivery - used to relieve shoulder dystocia.
T/F: Morphine is contraindicated for pain management in pregnancy.
False: morphine can be used for pain management but should not be used close to delivery.
Describe the use of a pudendal nerve block during labor.
Pudendal nerve travels posterior to ischial spine. A pudendal nerve block is commonly used in operative vaginal delivery with forceps or vacuum.
Describe the use of local anesthesia during labor.
Often used for those requiring episiotomy or repair of lacerations.
What is the location for placement of an epidural for anesthesia and when during labor is it placed?
L3-L4 during active phase of labor.
When in labor would general anesthesia be used and what are the risks of its use?
Used for urgent C-section.
Risks: maternal aspiration and maternal/fetal hypoxia.
List the reasons for delivery via C-section and state which is most common?
Most Common: failure to progress in labor - cephalopelvic disproportion
Other: multiple gestations, older patient with comorbidities, overweight, patient or clinical preference
When after C-section can a mother deliver vaginally and what is the greatest risk?
When: Kerr (low transverse) or Kronig (low vertical) incision
Risk: rupture of prior uterine scar
Describe the most common reason for a C-section.
Cephalopelvic disproportion (aka failure to progress during labor). pelvis too small, presenting part too large, contractions inadequate.
Define the obstetric conjugate.
Distance between sacral promotory and midpoint of the pubic symphysis. It is the shortest A-P diameter of the pelvis.