Labor Theories and Components Flashcards
The series of coordinated uterine contractions that expel a fetus and placenta from the uterus.
Labor
his theory suggests that pressure from uterine muscles stretching triggers the release of prostaglandins.
Uterine Stretch Theory
According to this theory, pressure on the cervix stimulates the release of oxytocin, which triggers uterine contractions.
Oxytocin Theory
This theory involves a decrease in progesterone levels, which elevates the prostaglandin level, causing uterine contractions.
Prostaglandin Theory
Refers to the bony pelvis and the soft tissues of the cervix, vagina, and perineum, through which a fetus must travel during labor.
Passage
Different shapes and dimensions of the pelvis, such as gynecoid, android, anthropoid, and platypelloid.
Pelvic Types
Denotes the body part that will first contact the cervix or be born first, including cephalic (vertex), breech, face, and shoulder presentations.
Fetal Presentation
The relationship between the long axis of the fetal body and the mother’s body, which can be longitudinal (cephalic or breech) or transverseq
Fetal Lie
Describes the degree of flexion a fetus assumes during labor, affecting the presentation.
Fetal Attitude
The specific relationship of the fetal reference point to the maternal pelvis, described using a three-letter abbreviation (e.g., LOA, ROA).
Fetal Position
Indicates how far the presenting part of the fetus has descended into the pelvis, with -4 to +4 being the typical range.
Station
The involuntary uterine contractions responsible for effacement and dilation of the cervix.
Primary Power
Voluntary muscle contractions (maternal abdominal muscles) during the second stage of labor
Secondary Power
How often uterine contractions occur.
Frequency
The time interval from the beginning of a contraction to its end.
Duration
