Class 4: Uncomplicated Labour and Birth Part 1 Flashcards
what is considered pretern
<37 weeks gestations
what is considered postterm
equal to or >42 weeks gestation
define: labour
- the process of moving the fetus, placenta, and membranes out of the uterus and thru the birth canal
what influences duration of labour (7)
- parity
- maternal emotions
- position
- lvl of activity
- fetal size
- presentation
- position
what is parity? how does this impact labour?
- number of pregnancies
- labor process is faster if have had more than one vaginal birth
how might maternal emotions impact labor
- stress, anxiety, and fear cause tightness = labor may take longer
labour includes.. (3)
- regular progression of uterine contractions
- effacement and progressive dilation of the cervix
- descent of the presenting part
what is the most important factor in labor management
- diagnoses of the active phase of 1st stage of labor
what change occurs to the cervix in the days/weeks prior to labor to prepare for birth? why?
- cervix begins to soften = cervical ripening
- associated w number of hormonal shifts which are imp instigators of the labour process
what changes occur r/t bleeding in the days/weeks prior to labor to prepare for birth?
- as the cervix changes, the mucus plug loosens and may be expelled fro the vagina
- this is normal, not considered antepartum bleeding
what changes occur to the presenting part in the days/weeks prior to labor to prepare for birth?
- lightening = presenting part descends into true pelvis
what contractions occur in the days/weeks prior to labor to prepare for birth?
- braxton hicks contractions
what are braxton hick contractions
- tightening, very uncomfortable contractions in your abdomen that comes and goes
what impact do braxton hicks contractions have on the cervix
- do not dilate the cervix, just part of the preparation process
what changes occur to energy occur in the days/weeks prior to labor to prepare for birth?
- nesting –> surge in energy
the onset of labor is likely due to a combo of (3)
- fetal hormones
- birther hormones
- progressive uterine distension and increased uterine pressure = irritability of muscle layer
what is the hormone of labor
- oxytocin
what is oxytocin produced by
- the posterior pituitary gland
what role does oxytocin have in labour (3)
- supports the onset of labour contractions
- stimulates uterine contracions
- aids in milk let-down
synthetic oxytocin (syntocinon) may be administered for a variety of indications such as (3)
- to induce labour contractions
- to augment labour contractions
- to support uterine contractions to control post partum bleeding from the placental site
how does oxytocin play a role in supporting uterine contractions to control postpartum bleeding from the placental site
- stops hemorrhage by pinching blood vessels which are open after birth of placenta
dosage of syntocinon depends on.. the dosage for induction/augmentation is greater or less than for postpartum bleeding?
- the timing and purpose of admin
ex. dosing for induction/augmentation is FAR less then for postpartum bleeding
what route is used for admin of syntocinon? what determines this?
- IM or IV
- depends on timing, purpose
is IV or IM syntocinon used for induction/augmentation? postpoartum bleeding?
- induction/augmenation = IV
- post partum bleeding = IM or IV