Physiology of the 3rd Stage

Question 1

How long does the third stage take?

Answer 1

Usually around 5-15 minutes but up to an hour is considered normal

Question 1

What is the definition of 3rd stage labour?

Answer 1

The period from the birth of the baby to complete expulsion of the placenta and membranes

Question 2

What is also included in third stage?

Answer 2

Relationship building between mother, baby and father
The initiation of breastfeeding
Role of the midwife is to work with not against physiological processes

Question 3

What are the hormonal changes at birth?

Answer 3

After birth the CA levels drop steeply

Mother may feel shaky or col, a warm atmosphere is needed to reduce the CA levels. Increased CA levels will inhibit oxytocin and therefore increase the risk of postpartum haemorrhage

Question 4

Why are high CA levels at birth important?

Answer 4

So the baby is wide eyed and alert for the first contact with the mother

Question 5

What are CA’s? (Catecholamines)

Answer 5

Hormones made by the adrenal glands

• Dopamine
• Norepinephrine
• Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

Question 6

Describe prolactin?

Answer 6

Major hormone of breastmilk synthesis and breastfeeding.

Levels of prolactin increase in pregnancy, although milk production is inhibited hormonally until the placenta is delivered.

Levels further increase during labour and peek at birth.

Answer 7

Oxytocin is a hormone that’s produced in the hypothalamus and released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland.

Its main function is to facilitate childbirth, which is one of the reasons it is called the “love drug” or “love hormone.”

Oxytocin, like endorphins or serotonin, is a type of hormone in your body that promotes positive feelings

Question 8

What happens after birth?

Answer 8

Activation of the brain and nervous system for both mother and baby

Intelligent learning begins at birth with skin to skin, breastfeeding and contact with her heart rhythm.