[Exam 2] Chapter 13 - Labor and Birthing Process Flashcards
(203 cards)
It is widely believed that what cascade of events causes labor?
Uterine stretch from the fetus and amniotic fluid volume , progesterone withdrawal to estrogen dominance, increased oxytocin sensitivity, and increased release of prostaglandins
What is the estrogen-to-progesterone ratio theory?
During last trimester of pregnancy, estrogen levels increase and progesterone levels decrease. LEads to increase of myometrium gap junctions (Are proteins that connect cell membranes and facilitate coordination of uterine contractions)
What happens since Oxytocin is increasing?
This paired with increasing cortisol levels syntheize prostaglin, which lead to additional contractions, cervical softening, gap junction induction leading to dilation (enlargement of the exernal cervical os)
Uterine contractions have what two functions
To dilate the cervix and to push the fetus through the birth canal
Premonitory Signs of Labor and Cervical Changes: What occurs to the cervix?
Cervical softening and possible cervical dilation with descent of the presenting part of the pelvis occur. Can occur 1 month to 1 hour before
Premonitory Signs of Labor and Cervical Changes: Cervix length changes?
From elongated structure to a shortened, thinned segment
Premonitory Signs of Labor and Cervical Changes: Cervical collagen fiber changes?
Enzymatic rearrangement into smaller, more flexible fibers that facilitate water absorption, leading to a softer, more stretchable cervix.
Premonitory Signs of Labor and Cervical Changes: Ripening and softening of cervix essential for effacement and dilatement, which reflect what
the enhanced collagen breakdown that was previously inhibited by progesterone
Premonitory Signs of Labor and Lightening: When does this occur?
When fetal presenting part begins to descent into the true pelvis. Uterus lowers and moves into more anterior position.
Premonitory Signs of Labor and Lightening: With descent, woman usually notes what improvements?
Breathing much easier and decreas ein gastric reflux
Premonitory Signs of Labor and Lightening: Will complain of what because of this?
Complains of increased pelvic pressure, leg cramping, dependent edema in lower legs and low back discomfort
Increase in vaginal discharge and more frequent urination
Premonitory Signs of Labor and Lightening: When will this occur in primiparas?
Lightening can occur 2 or more weeks before labors. Multiparas may not occur until labor starts
Premonitory Signs of Labor and Increased Energy: What is this referred to as and where do they put this energy toward?
Nesting. Put it toward cleaning, cooking, preparing the nursery, and spending extra time with other children.
Premonitory Signs of Labor and Increased Energy: When does this occur?
24-48 hours before onset of labor. Thought to be because of increase in epinephrine bc of decrease in progesterone
Premonitory Signs of Labor and Bloody Show: Why does this happen?
Mucous plug that fills cervical canal is expelled as a result of cervical softening and increased pressure of the presenting part.
Premonitory Signs of Labor and Bloody Show: What does this appear as?
Ruptured cervical capillaries release small amount of blood that mixes with mucus, resulting in pink-tinged secretions known as bloody show
Premonitory Signs of Labor and Braxton Hicks Contractions: How does this usually feel?
Felt as a tightening or pulling sensation of the top of the uterus. Occurs in abdomen and groin and spread down before relaxing.
Lasts about 30 seconds but can persist as long as 2 minutes.
Premonitory Signs of Labor and Braxton Hicks Contractions: Where are true contractions felt?
In the lower back.
Premonitory Signs of Labor and Braxton Hicks Contractions: This aids in helping with what?
Aid in moving the cervix from a posterior to anterior position. Also soften and ripen the cervix.
Premonitory Signs of Labor and Braxton Hicks Contractions: How can these be decreased?
Walking, voiding, eating, increasing fluid intake, or changing position
Premonitory Signs of Labor and Braxton Hicks Contractions: What happens as birth draws near to uterus?
Uterus becomes more sensistive to oxytocin, and frequency and intensity of these contractions increase.
Premonitory Signs of Labor and Braxton Hicks Contractions: When should woman contact provider?
If contractions last longer than 30 seconds and occur more often than 3-6x an hour. May be preterm labor.
Premonitory Signs of Labor and Braxton Hicks Contractions: What is the late preterm range?
34 0/7 weeks to 36 6/7 weeks.
Premonitory Signs of Labor and Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes: What is PROM?
Rupture of membranes with loss of amniotic fluid prior to the onset of labor . Ococurs in 8-10% of women.