Physiology Stage 2 Of Labour

Question 1

What happens during the second stage of labour

Answer 1

• Decent - happens here which is the downwards movement of the foetus through the pelvic inlet towards the pelvic floor.
• Flexion - Foetus head rests on chest due to the resistance caused by the pelvic floor. In this position the foetal skull has a smaller diameter
• Internal rotation - allows foetal head to rotate from LOT or ROT to an OA position lying under the pubic arch
• Extension - The occiput slips beneath the pubic arch releasing the face which sweeps over the perineum
• Restitution - head rotates 1/8 of a circle either right or left
• Internal rotation- shoulders rotate from a transverse position to an anterior posterior position
• Delivery of shoulders and body- downward pressure applied to babies head anterior shoulder slips beneath the pubic arch and the posterior shoulder passes over the perineum delivering the baby.