1st Stage Of Labour Flashcards
Define the 1st stage of labour?
The onset of regular contractions accompanied by effacement of the cervix and dilation of the os to full dilatation
Name the 3 stages of 1st stage
Latent
Active
Transition
Define the latent stage
- 1st part of 1st stage
- Cervix dilates to 0-4cm
- Cervix shortens from 3cms to 0.5cm long
Define active stage
- More rapid dilatation
- From 4-10 roughly
- Rhythmic contractions
- Usually complete when cervix is fully
Define transitional phase
Can be fully dilated at this stage - normally between 8cm and fully.
A brief lull in intensity of contractions is normal due to the body preparing to birth the fetus
What is false labor?
Can be what feels like painful and regular contractions but has no effacement or dilatation of the cervix
What are the 2 major changes during 1st stage?
- The cervix undergoes structural changes from support to birth canal
- Myometrial tone of the uterus must change to allow coordinated contractions
Onset of labour is determined by what?
Maternal and fetal hormones interacting
What maternal hormone increases in the final weeks of pregnancy
Oestrogen
The placenta releases prostaglandins which produces what…
Enzymes which digest collagen in the cervix - helps to soften it
What is the operculum?
A blood stained mucoid anything from days to hours before or after labour starts
Where does each contraction begin?
At the fundus
What does a strongly contracting fundas show good signs of?
Good expelling of the fetus
How do strong and long are contractions at the start of labour
Fairly weak lasting around 15-30 seconds
How long and strong are the contractions at the end of the 1st stage
Every 2-3 minutes, very powerful lasting 40 secs- 1.30 mins
