Pregnancy - 114 Flashcards
Describe the mechanism of normal labour
- Engagement and descent - head in LOL position
- Neck flexes, presenting diameter is suboccipito bregmatic (~9.5cm)
- Internal rotation, head turns to DOA
- Head delivered by extension
- Restitution, shoulders rotate into AP diameter of pelvis. LOL.
How many stages of labour are there? What are they?
3.
1st = onset of labour until cervix fully dilated
2nd = full dilation to delivery of baby
3rd = delivery of baby and expulsion of placenta and membranes
What is operculum?
A ‘show’, which is blood stained mucus discharge. 2/3 of women have this by the onset of labour.
What is engagement?
A baby is engaged if it is 2/5th or less palpable per abdomen
What does the ‘lie’ refer to?
Relation of the long axis of the foetus to the mother. Longitudinal is normal but it can be transverse or oblique.
What is the presentation?
The part of the foetus in the lower pole of the uterus. Can be breech, cephalic or vertex.
What is the position?
The relationship of the presenting part of the baby to the pelvis. E.g. LOL, DOA. DOA is normal.
What does the attitude of the foetus refer to?
The degree of flexion/extension of the foetal head.
What is the station?
The relation of the foetus’ head to the ischial spines.
+ = below the spines.
- = above the spines.
What is capult?
Oedema of the scalp
What is moulding?
Overlapping of the bones of the skull.
Name 3 drugs that can be used in labour and what they do
Syntocinon - causes rhythmical uterine contractions, also used for post partum haemorrhage.
Ergometrine - causes tetanic contractions, used for post partum haemorrhage.
Syntometrine - active management of 3rd stage of labour.
What can be defined as a term pregnancy?
Between 37-42/52 weeks
What is the thirds rule regarding medical disorders in pregnancy?
For pre-existing medical conditions. 1/3 get better, 1/3 get worse, 1/3 don’t change.
What is effacement?
Incorporation of the cervical canal into lower uterine segment from internal os down.
