stages of labor

Question 1

1st stage of labor

Answer 1

contractions become more intense, nothing stops them, and they are close together
- cervix changes from thick long structure to thin

Question 2

latent phase (1st stage of labor)

Answer 2

• 0-3 cm dilation and effacement
• can last 5-8 hours
• can generally cope with discomfort and use of non- pharmacological interventions
• dont need to be in hospital yet

Question 3

latent phase contractions (frequency, duration, intensity)

Answer 3

• progression from 10-30 min to occuring every 5-7 min
• last 30-40 seconds
• progress from mild to moderate (25-40)

Question 4

active phase (1st stage of labor)

Answer 4

• 4-7 cm dilation
• can last 2-4 hours
• difficulty coping
• can see dystocia at this point

Question 5

active phase contractions (frequency, duration, intensity)

Answer 5

• every 2-3 min
• last 40-60 seconds
• progress from moderate to strong (50-70)

Question 6

transition phase (1st stage of labor)

Answer 6

• 8-10 cm dilation
• rectal pressure
• lasts around 3 hours or less
• coping is erratic and depends on position and support

Question 7

transition phase contractions (frequency, duration, intensity)

Answer 7

• every 1.5-2 min
• last 60-90 seconds
• strong by palpation (70-90)

Question 8

2nd stage of labor

Answer 8

birth of baby but cap at 2 hours
- cervix is fully dilated
- bloody show, bulging perineum
- urge to bear down
- 15 min-3 hours
- never leave room during this stage

Question 9

2nd stage contractions (frequency, duration, intensity)

Answer 9

• every 1.5-2 min
• last 60-90 seconds
• strong by palpation (70-100)

Question 10

number of pushes with each contraction

Answer 10

3

Question 11

3rd stage of labor

Answer 11

delivery of the placenta
- fetal APGAR

Question 12

4th stage of labor

Answer 12

delivery of placenta to 4 hours postpartum

Question 13

measurements of frequency of contractions

Answer 13

measure from increment to end of resting (beginning of new contraction)

Question 14

duration of contractions measurement

Answer 14

measure from increment to end of decrement (right before resting)

Question 15

descent

Answer 15

station in relation to mothers ischial spines
- can range from -5 to +5 (+5 means babies head is crowning and -5 means you would not be able to feel)

Question 16

cervidil (method of induction)

Answer 16

prostaglandins placed behind posterior fornix of cervix

Question 17

foley catheter (method of induction)

Answer 17

inserted into cervix to help it dilate

Question 18

Bishop’s score

Answer 18

determines what method of induction is used

Question 19

1st degree tear

Answer 19

skin and structures superficial to muscles

Question 20

2nd degree tear

Answer 20

muscles of perineum

Question 21

3rd degree tear

Answer 21

through to anal sphincter

Question 22

4th degree tear

Answer 22

involves anterior rectal wall

Question 23

episiotomy

Answer 23

incision in perineum to enlarge vaginal outlet