Stages of labour

Question 1

what is labour

Answer 1

The sequence of events that proceed birth and result in the expulsion of the foetus through the vagina

Question 2

describe two hormonal changes that prepare the mother for childbirth

Answer 2

Relaxin hormone causes the ligaments of the pelvis to become more flexible and the service to be less rigid and softer.

Oxytocin strengthens contractions of the muscles of the uterus.

Question 3

what are the main events of the early first stage of labour

Answer 3

• the amnion is still intact
• cervix dilates
• a wave of contractions travels down to the verxix
• muscle fibres shorten pulling the cervix

Question 4

what are the main events of the late first stage of labour

Answer 4

• cervix has nearly completely opened

- amnion is bulging in front of the baby’s head

Question 5

what is the second stage of pregnancy also called

Answer 5

stage of expulsion

Question 6

what are the main events of the early second stage of labour?

Answer 6

• the baby’s head turns to face its mother back

- the amnion is ruptured

Question 7

what are the main events of the late second stage of labour

Answer 7

• baby’s head appears
• its shoulders are turning to fit into the bones of the pelvis
• the face has completely facing the mother’s back

Question 8

what are the main events of the early third stage of labour

Answer 8

• The baby’s head emerges from the vagina

Question 9

what are the main events of the late third stage of labour?

Answer 9

• the afterbirth is expelled from the uterus