Labor and Delivery

Question 1

Definition of Labor

Answer 1

Progressive cervical effacement and dilation resulting from regular uterine contractions that occur at least every 5 minutes and last 30-60 seconds

Question 2

First stage of labor:

Answer 2

effacement and dilation occur
fetal descent into pelvis
rupture of membranes (may not occur)

Question 3

What spinal nerves are affected during contractions?

Answer 3

S2-S4 thats why women will experience low back pain

Question 4

Second Stage of Labor:

Answer 4

Complete cervical dilation (10 cm)
Cardinal movements of delivery
The baby is coming out!!

Question 5

Third Stage of Labor

Answer 5

Delivery of the placenta
-separation of placenta from uterus (fresh show of blood, umbilical cord slack, fundus rises up and the uterus becomes firm and globular)

Question 6

Evaluation of perineal lacerations
1st degree-
2nd degree-
3rd degree-
4th degree

Answer 6

Perineal lacerations
1st degree- vaginal epithelium or perineal skin (skid marks)
2nd degree- extends into the subepithelial tissues but does not involve muscles
3rd degree- involves anal sphincter
4th degree-involves anal mucosa
** always sew muscle first and make sure you haven’t sewn anything together accidentally

Question 7

4th Stage

Answer 7

One hour following delivery

-monitor: BP, Pulse, Blood Loss (Tone of uterus, Tissue, Trauma)