Stages of Labour

Question 1

What is the definition of the first stage of labour?

Answer 1

Regular contractions until cervix fully dilated

Question 2

What is the latent phase of the first stage of labour?

Answer 2

Until 4cm dilated

Contractions 5-10 mins

Question 3

What is the active phase of the first stage of labour?

Answer 3

4cm dilated until 10cm

Dilatation 0.5-1cm/hr

Question 4

What is the movement of the fetal head during the active stage of the first stage of labour?

Answer 4

Descends into the maternal pelvis and the foetal neck flexes

Question 5

What is the definition of the second stage of labour?

Answer 5

Fully dilated until birth of baby

Question 6

What is the nature of the contractions during the second stage of labour?

Answer 6

2-5 minute intervals

Lasts 60-90 seconds

Question 7

What complications can occur in the first stage of labour? (3 Ps)

Answer 7

Passenger: 
- cephalopelvic disproportion
- fetal malpresentation
Passage: 
- fibroids
- cervical stenosis
Power: 
- primary uterine interia

Question 8

How long does the 2nd stage of labour last in primiparous/ multiparous women

Answer 8

Primip: 45-120 mins
Multip: 15-45 mins

Question 9

What is the mechanism of labour?

Answer 9

1. Engagement: OT
2. Descent and flexion
3. Internal rotation:
4. Extension of head
5. Restitution
6. Deliver of shoulders (through downward flexion