Physiology of 2nd Stage Labour

Question 1

What is the definition of 2nd stage labour?

Answer 1

Traditionally defines as the time from full dilation of the cervix to the time when the baby is born

Question 2

What are the signs of second stage labour?

Answer 2

Show (blood stained music)
Position of mother
Appearance of presenting part
Typical variable declarations in fetal heart
Dilation
Anal cleft line/ purple line
Appearance of rhomboid of Michaelis

Question 3

What are the factors that force the expelling of the fetus from the uterus?

Answer 3

Activity from the myometrium (primary power)

Muscles of the abdomen and diaphragm (secondary power)

Question 4

What can the women usually experience during labour?

Answer 4

• Strong, regular and repetitive contractions
• Involuntary pushing or bearing down
• The pain in second stage of labour is often less as cervical dilation is complete, and the women is aware that progress is rapid

Question 5

What happens if the position of the head is not oxiput anterior?

Answer 5

Then during the time between the contractions the baby will recede back and rotates

Question 6

What is the passive phase?

Answer 6

Full dilation of the cervix in the absence of involuntary expulsive contractions during which descent an rotation occurs

Question 7

What is the active phase?

Answer 7

The baby is visible, and or expulsive contractions with full dilation or other signs of full dilation

Question 8

What is the Ferguson reflex?

Answer 8

A neuroendocrine reflex in which the fetal distension of the cervix stimulates a series of neuroendocrine responses, leading to oxytocin production.

When the body “expels” a baby involuntarily — that is, without forced pushing on the mothers part.