Mechanism of Labour Flashcards
define labour
regular and painful uterine contractions that cause progressive dilation and effacement of the cervix
when is normal term labour
37 to 42 weeks
when is EDD
40 weeks
what is lie
the relation of the long axis of the foetus to the long axis to the mother
what is the best lie and worst lie
best = longitudinal
worst = transverse
what is presentation
the part of the body of the foetus which leads
what is the worst type of presentation
breech - esp footling
why is breech bad
high risk of shoulder dystocia
high hypoxia risk
what is position
the position of the presenting part (always baby’s occiput) in relation to a point on the maternal pelvis
where is babys occiput pointing to in:
- posterior position
- anterior position
post = coccyx
ant = pubic symphysis
what is engagement
the passage of the largest part of presenting part (head) through the pelvic brim
when is the head said to be engaged
at level of ishcial spines
what is station
the relation of the presenting part (head) to the ischial spines
define the 3 stages of labour
1 = start of contractions to fully dilated
2= 10cm to birth of foetus
3 = delivery of placenta
2 phases of first stage of labour & definitions
latent - prior to 4cm dilated
established labour - painful regular contractions, leading to at least 4cm dilated
