Week 5: Third stage of labour and immediate care post birth Flashcards
Define the third stage of labour
period from the birth of the baby through to delivery of the placenta and membranes and ends with the control of bleeding
Describe some physiological changes that occur post-birth
- uterus reduces in size
- placenta site is now diminished by reduces uterus
- blood is forced back into the decidua basalis by this shrinking uterus.
- Simultaneously the oblique uterine muscle
fibers constrict clamping down on the blood
vessels so that they do not drain back into the
placenta
How does the placenta detach from the uterine wall?
- As uterus shrinks
- the pressure increases within the blood
vessels the vessels burst and blood tracks
between the decidua and placenta - The leakage of blood and the diminished
surface of the placental site results in the
placenta detaching from the uterine wall - Extra weight of placenta helps to strip membranes off uterine wall
- There is formation of retro placental clot may
aid complete separation
What is a retro placental clot?
Clot that forms over the site where the placenta has just detached from.
Formation of retro placental clot may
aid complete separation of placenta from uterus.
How does the body control bleeding after birth of the placental?
Living ligatures that surround the uterus.
- Oblique muscle fibres surrounding the blood vessels contract and seal off ends of maternal vessels
Pressure
- Further contractions causes opposing walls to exert pressure on placental site
Blood clotting
- Transitory activation of the coagulation system to
intensify clot formation
- Activation of fibrinolytic system so the placental
site is covered by fibrin mesh
Placenta descends into vagina expelled by maternal
effort
What are the two ways the third stage can be managed?
Physiological management (Expectant management)
Active management
Explain physiological management, when it is safest and what it look like.
No interventions
Safest when a physiological labour & birth has occurred
- of aiming for a physiological third stage, a physiological 1st and 2nd would need to have occurred.
• Informed consent (with risks of both)
Looks like
• No clamping of cord until stopped pulsating
• Initiation of breastfeeding to initiate contraction (oxytocin) + bonding and to meet babys needs
Explain the practice of lotus birth
The spiritual practice of Lotus birth: cord is not
clamped or cut. Placenta salted and wrapped with
baby.
Explain how the placenta can be assisted to be born both actively and physiologically and what should we do post expulsion.
- Expelled by maternal effort
Assisted by maternal positioning
e. g. squatting or sitting (toilet/ relaxes/familia), by utilising the forces of gravity, will aid expulsion
- woman will usually do what feels most comfortable
- Following birth of placenta palpate the fundus to ensure it is well contracted
- Monitor PV (per vaginal) bleeding
- Takes 15 – 60mins
Always have a uterotonic drawn up ready to be given if clinically needed.
Explain active management in the second stage of labour, why is it carried out, when it is safest and what 4 key pratice points it includes.
Active management involved interventions.
Goal of active management: prevent PPH
Purpose
- Helps prevent postpartum haemorrhage (blood loss
>500ml)
- Anticipated completion fo active management 30 minutes
Active management includes:
1. The use of a uterotonic agent
- Clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord within 2-3
minutes of birth - Controlled cord traction while ‘guarding the uterus’
- Uterine massage after the expulsion of the placenta
What amount of blood is considered a post partum haemorrhage?
Postpartum haemorrhage= blood loss > 500ml
Whar are uterotonic agents and what is their role? list some examples.
- artificial hormones that stimulate string contractions
e. g. (most common)
- syntocinon
- Ergometrine
- Syntometrine (combination of the above two)
What do you need to be aware of when using ergometrine? (uterotonic caution)
- it is associated with hypertension, nausea and vomiting.
History of pre eclampsia just go with syntocinon not syntometrine or ergometrine
Describe syntocinon. Its dose, mode of action, response time and length of action.
Dose: 10 IU IM
Mode of action: rapid uterine contraction by smooth muscle tissue contraction
Response time: 2-3 mins
Length of action: 15-30 mins
Describe syntometrine. Its dose, mode of action, response time and length of action.
Dose: 1ml IM
which contains 5 IU oxytocin (half dose) and 0.5mg ergometrine
Mode of action: combines the rapid uterine action of oxytocin/syntocinon, with the sustained uterotonic effects of ergometrine
Response time: 2-3 mins
(Oxytocin/Syntocinon acts in 2-3 mins)
(Ergometrine acts in 6-7 mins)
Length of action: 2-4 hours
Describe ergometrine. Its dose, mode of action, response time, length of action and a key practice point of when it is used.
Dose: 2.5mgs IM or IV (diluted)
Mode of action: Sustained uterotonic effect on
smooth muscle
Response time 6-7 mins if given IM
Length of action: 2 - 4 hours
Usually not the drug of choice in the
management of the third stage, more so in the
management of PPH.
Explain early cord clamping and the benefits it prevents.
clamping of the cord <1 minute following
the birth of the baby
- Reduces transfer of blood to baby
- Placenta does not reduce so much in size therefore…
- Delayed separation (thus increased risk of retained placenta)
• Reduced iron stores for the infant, and increased incidence of
hypotension and intraventricular haemorrhage
• Early umbilical cord clamping (less than 1 min after birth) is not recommended unless the neonate is asphyxiated and needs to be moved immediately for resuscitation (WHO, 2012)
Explain delayed cord clamping and the benefits
Delayed cord clamping (performed approximately 1–3min after birth) for all births, while initiating
simultaneous essential neonatal care.
- Delayed CC for approximately two minutes in
healthy term infants, will promote better iron
stores in infants in the longer term. - Delayed CC does not require delayed
administration of oxytocin in the active
management of the third stage of labour.
Define a retained placenta
If a placenta hasn’t been born within
Active management: 30mins after baby
Physiological: 60mins after baby
When should the uterotonic/oxytocic be administered?
when anterior shoulder shows or immediatley following the borth of the baby (within 1 minute)
- wait 2-3mins for ocytocic to have effect then cord can be reviewed for clamp and cut.
- clamp or cut cord
Whos role is the prep and administration of the uterotonic/oxytocics?
The secondary/receiving midwife.
Primary midwife/acousha
not their job
Explain the active management technique of CCT
Controlled cord traction
- place hand on abdomen to find fundus
- detect contractions and placental separation.
- gently but firmly pull on word in a downward motion
0 hold caord and apply tension then wait for next contraction to put on more tension.
- continually apply counter traction to the uterus with other hand.
When placenta separates
- mother will feel the urge to push again
- mother may feel same pain
- uterus begins to rise and involute
- small trickle of blood
List some signs the placenta has seperated and what can be done if none are observed?
- small trickle of blood
- mother will feel the urge to push again
- urterus contracting or rising up
- lengthening of the cord
If no signs of separation are observed
- gently begin gentle controlled cord traction in. a downwards motion whilst guarding the uterus.
What are key points of practice points for delayed cord camping?
- firm but cautious
- gentle
- clamp cord close to perineum
- hold cord and clamp in one hand
- use other hand to stabilise the uterus on abdomen ()this will also allow you to feel if it is not separated
What is the risk of controlled cord traction?
the risk is if the placenta is still attached we may cause the uterus to prolapse and come out the vagina.
- we must be honest with women either way and allow them to make the risk
What should CCT effort be stopped?
- if it doesn’t descend during 30-40 seconds
- if resistance is met
Describe the motion and hand placement when birthing the placenta
- downward traction until it is in the perineum
- then lift placenta up and continue traction
(think about the curve in the passage) - twist placenta to encapsulate all the membranes (non get stuck in uterus)
- the twist strengthens the membranes and creates a kind of rope- then we lift up and down to get out all membranes
Why is it important to get all membranes and part of the placenta out?
any left overs can cause
- bleeding
- infection
Describe the fundal rub that occurs directly after the birth of the placenta
- gently touch and palpate
- to ensure it has contracted
When is a uterine massage used?
when there is uncontrolled bleeding to cause a contraction
Estimate the amount of blood loss.
How frequently should a fundal rub be conducted?
Every 15 mins for 2 hrs
Ensure fundus does not become relaxed (soft) after you stop uterine massage
Explain the benefits and risks of active management
Reduces incidence of: – Blood loss – Postpartum haemorrhage – Prolonged third stage of labour – Maternal anaemia
Increases risk of
- maternal nausea, vomiting and raised blood pressure (when ergometrine preparations are used)
• There are no apparent clinical significant effects on
the baby
Explain the collection of blood, its use and how it is carried out.
Two clamps about 3cm apart to block blood in the cord to be used for a test.
Neccessary for
- Rh negative – Group / direct Coombes / Hb
- ensure correct tubes, labelling, pathology form, collect prior to checking placenta
- Cord pH - double clamp cord approximately 30cm
apart and collect blood using heparinised syringe and
needle
- Stem cell collection
- Cord Lactate
List some points of further care of the women post birth
- Examine genital tract for trauma
- suturing as necessary - Assess vital signs
- Assess condition of uterus
- contracted, central and below the umbilicus - Assess blood loss – measure if necessary
- Clean area and make woman comfortable
- Encourage breastfeeding
- Examine placenta and membranes
What should the genital tract be assessed for? What is a requirement for this type of check?
Perivulvar lacerations • First-degree tear • Second-degree tear • Third degree tear • Fourth-degree tear
Requirements include a new pair of sterile gloves (as
gloves will be contaminated from the birth), good lighting
and a perineal pad (combine)
Wat is a perivulvar lacertion?
- Lacerations near the clitoris or urethra are very vascular and require careful suturing
- Labial lacerations/grazes may not require suturing
Which muscles may be involved in a second-degree tear? and what is involved in a deep 2nd degree tear?
• Superficial transverse perineal muscle • Bulbospongiosus (bulbocarvenosus) • Central perineal body • Posterior margin of deep transverse perineal muscle and urogenital diaphragm
A deep 2nd degree tear can include:
• puborectalis muscle
• pubococcygeus muscle
Define a 3rd degree tear and What are the levels of a third degree tear?
Injury to perineum involving the anal sphincter complex:
Grade 3a tear: Less than 50% of external anal sphincter (EAS)
thickness torn
Grade 3b tear: More than 50% of EAS thickness torn
Grade 3c tear: Both external and internal anal sphincter torn
Define a fourth degree tear?
Injury to perineum involving the
external and internal anal sphincter complex and anorectal
mucosa.
Define a first degree tear
Injury to perineal skin and/or
vaginal mucosa.
Define a second degree tear
Injury to perineum involving
perineal muscles but not involving the anal
sphincter.
Describe the placenta and its key components including the fetal and maternal sides.
Flattened discoid (round coon shaped) organ - continuous with chorion
Maternal surface
– red
– attached to decidua
Fetal surface
– whitish
– covered with amnion with insertion of cord
– blood vessels visible
Cotyledons separated by sulci (furrows)
Lobules – villi
Describe each of the membranes their key features and functions
Amnion
– fetal surface
– produces prostaglandins
– amniotic fluid (liquor amnii)
Chorion
– maternal surface
– produces enzymes, prostaglandins, oxytocin and platelet-activating factor
• Grow to 28 weeks then stretch
• Contain amniotic fluid
- Increases up to 700-1000ml by 37 weeks then decreases
Which membrane produces prostaglandins, enzymes, oxytocin, amniotic fluid and platelet-activating factors?
Amnion
– fetal surface
– produces prostaglandins
– amniotic fluid (liquor amnii)
Chorion
– maternal surface
– produces enzymes, prostaglandins, oxytocin and platelet-activating facto
Describe the key components of the umbilical cord.
Attached to placental fetal surface
• 2 umbilical arteries
• 1 umbilical vein
• Wharton’s jelly - mucoid connective tissue
• Spiralled vessels longer than cord – loops – false knots
List all the factors that should be assessed in the umbilical cord
- length
- Insertion – central, eccentric, battledore or velamentous
- number of vessels – 2 arteries and 1 vein
- Thromboses
- Knots
- Presence of Wharton’s jelly
What complications can arise if Wharton’s jelly is absent or only in a small amount?
- prone cord compression
- absence of Whartons jelly is usually associated with fetal death
- ## if cord is twisted or knotted it is more likley to tighten where there is low whartons jelly due to low resistance.
Describe some abnormalities of the umbilical cord
Long
- Increased risk of fetal entanglement and cord knots.
When prolapse of the cord is more liable to occur.
Short
- Can cause prolonged second stage, cord rupture, uterine
inversion and a difficult delivery.
- Can be associated Down syndrome, fetal malformation and malpresentation.
Two vessels
The absence of a vessel may be associated with kidney
abnormalities such as the absence of a kidney
What is the normal length of an umbilical cord?
Normal cord length is about 40-70 cm
What is a true knot often associated?
How often are they found?
active fetal movements
1% of pregnancies
Result in fetal death in 6% of the pregnancies with a true knot
How do you examine the membranes?
Hold the placenta up by the cord and allow the
membranes to hang.
Examine:
- Complete / Incomplete
(ragged membranes are
incomplete)
- Lay the placenta down and tear the membranes.
Examine:
• 2 layers, amnion (fetal surface) and chorion (maternal surface)
• Vessels running through the membrane
How do you example the placenta?
- no missing parts on endges
- all vessels end smoothly on edge (if not this may indicate another part that has been left behind)
- Completeness – complete / incomplete
- Missing cotyledons
- Vessels finishing at edge of placenta or in membrane
– may indicate possible lobe left insitu - Infarcts
– Death of cotyledons/lobules
• Calcification
– White, gritty
• Other abnormalities such as tumours and nodules
Why might tissue be retained in the uterus?
What can these findings indicate? and what can be done about this?
- Incomplete separation
- Abnormal location of the placenta
- Abnormal placental implantation
- Abnormal placenta
Numerous common and uncommon findings of the
placenta, umbilical cord and membranes are associated
with abnormal fetal development and perinatal morbidity.
• The placenta should be submitted for pathologic
evaluation if an abnormality is detected or certain
indications are present
List 3 abnormal placental implantations
Placenta accreta
Placenta increta
Placenta percreta
Define placenta accreta.
Placenta implants onto the myometrium but does not penetrate the
muscle itself. This is the most common form of the condition and
accounts for around 75–78% of all cases of abnormal implantation.
Define placenta increta.
occurs when the placenta extends into the muscle of the uterine wall
and happens in around 17% of all cases.
Define placenta percreta.
the worst form of the condition and occurring in 5–7% of cases, is
when the placenta penetrates the entire uterine wall. This variant can
lead to the placenta attaching to other organs such as the bladder
Explain the placental abnormality succenturiate lobe
- Succenturiate lobe is a small portion or lobe of placenta
separated from the main body - Attached to the main placenta by blood vessels which cross
the intervening membrane, these vessels run from the edge of
the placenta.
Explain the placental abnormality circumvallate placenta
- The chorion is not attached to the edge of the placenta but to
the fetal surface at some distance from the edge - This condition can be associated with prematurity, prenatal
bleeding, abruption, multiparity and early fluid loss