Stages Of Labour

Question 1

Describe the first stage of labour

Answer 1

• the onset of contractions begin w/ increase in frequency, duration, and strength
• the amniotic sac generally ruptures
• the contractions are in 5 - 15 minute intervals
• effacement of cervix

Question 2

When does the first stage of labour end?

Answer 2

When the cervix if fully dilated

Question 3

How long does phase 1; early labour last?

Answer 3

A few hours to days w/ mild, irregular, and infrequent contractions

Question 4

How much dilations and effacement of the cervix occurs during phase 1; early labour?

Answer 4

3-4 cm

Question 5

How long do active labour contractions last and how often do they occur? (Duration and frequency)

Answer 5

45 - 60 seconds every 2 - 3 minutes

Question 6

Primipara or primip refers to a women who is giving birth for the first time, how long can active labour last for?

Answer 6

Up to 18 hours

Question 7

Multipara or multip are women who have given birth before. How long can active labour last for them?

Answer 7

Up to 12 hours

Question 8

What is the presentation of first stage labour?

Answer 8

• having a hard time walking and talking during contractions
• distressed
• could have vomiting and shaking
• increased blood show
• SROM (spontaneous rupture of membranes

Question 9

How are paramedics managing first stage labour?

Answer 9

Transport

Question 10

What is the bloody show?

Answer 10

The expulsion of the mucus plug and its discharge signifying impending labour

Question 11

When does the second stage of labour begin?

Answer 11

When the cervix is fully dilated and the baby’s head enters the birth canal

Question 12

When is the end of the second stage of labour?

Answer 12

When the baby is fully delivered

Question 13

In the second stage of labour, contractions are at its peak in terms of frequency and intensity. The perineum begins to _______ and indicates what?

Answer 13

The perineum begins to bulge and indicates the baby is moving downward

Question 14

What are key indicators of second stage labour and imminent birth?

Answer 14

Urge to push and crowning of the baby’s head

Question 15

What would imminent birth contractions look like for primips (frequency and duration)

Answer 15

Contractions lasting 60 -90 seconds every 2 - 3 minutes

Question 16

What would imminent birth contractions look like in multips? (Frequency and duration)

Answer 16

Strong contractions lasting 60 - 90 seconds every 5 minutes

Question 17

When does the third stage of labour begin and end?

Answer 17

Begins: baby is out
End: placenta is separated and delivered

Question 18

What are signs of placenta separation?

Answer 18

• lengthening of umbilical cord
• gush or trickle of blood
• the uterus contracting again to expel placenta

Question 19

What is the normal amount of blood loss during deliver of placenta?

Answer 19

<500 cc’s

Question 20

What happens to the fungus (top of uterus) after delivery?

Answer 20

It lowers as the uterus contracts

Question 21

What could a rising fundal height post deliver entail?

Answer 21

It can signal concealed bleeding

Question 22

What is the purpose of external uterine massage?

Answer 22

It helps the uterus contract if the uterus is not contracting. It mimics natural contractions which prevents further bleeds

Question 23

Why is oxytocin administered after delivery?

Answer 23

To facilitate uterine contractions and reduce the risk of post partum hemorrhage

Question 24

Why should you delay cord clamping?

Answer 24

Delaying the cutting of the cord until it stops pulsating can significantly benefit the newborn by providing iron stores and preventing anemia

Question 25

When should you preform uterine massage?

Answer 25

If the uterus feels soft or if there is heavy bleeding

Question 26

Why does a boggy uterus (non contracting uterus) lead to significant blood loss?

Answer 26

Because a contracted uterus helps to compress blood vessels where the placenta was attached to