Mod 2& 3 Flashcards
(86 cards)
What are premonitory signs of labor? (6)
Cervical changes lightening increased energy level Bloody show Braxton Hicks contractions spontaneous rupture of membranes
What changes does the cervix go through before labor?
Softens, effacement, dilation
Define effacement.
Progressive thinning and shortening of the cervix measured from 0 to 100%, 100% is fully effaced.
Define dilation.
Opening of the cervix during labor measured from 0 to 10 cm, 10 cm is fully dilated.
Define lightning as it relates to premonitory signs of labor.
Fetal head entering maternal pelvis
What are the two forms of lightening.
Primipara, and, multipara
When does primipara generally occur?
Up to two weeks prior to delivery.
When does mulitpara generally occur?
It may not occur until labor begins (baby drops further into pelvis)
When does an increase energy level occur as a premonitory sign of labor?
24 to 48 hours before onset of labor. It is thought to be due to increased epinephrine.
What is the bloody show?
Mucous plug is expelled causing the discharge of a small amount of blood and mucus.
What are Braxton Hicks contractions?
Contractions the woman has experienced during pregnancy become more frequent and stronger however they do not dilate the cervix and they are painless.
Define spontaneous rupture of membranes SROM.
When the membranes or bag of waters DOW rupture resulting in a setting gush or steady flow of amniotic fluid.
What is dangerous about spontaneous rupture of membranes?
The barrier to infection is gone, there’s a risk of ascending infection. Possible cord prolapse if the head is not engaged.
What is the first thing you do after spontaneous rupture of membranes?
Check fetal heart tones ASAP if in the hospital, if at home advise the mother to come to the hospital.
Define SROM.
Spontaneous rupture of membranes
Define PROM.
Premature rupture of membranes. Rupture before the onset of labor.
Define SPROM.
Spontaneous premature rupture of membranes.
Define AROM.
Artificial rupture of membranes
What is a Ferning smear?
When fluid is smeared on a slide and examined under a microscope to determine if it is amniotic fluid.
What are three ways to determine if the amniotic sac is ruptured?
Pooling of fluid in the vaginal vault, nitrazine paper (it will turn blue), ferning smear to determine amniotic fluid.
What are four things to assess for if the membrane is ruptured?
Color, odor, amount of fluid, time of rupture.
Why do you check for fetal heart times after rupture of the amniotic sac?
To monitor for cord prolapse
What are the defining characteristics of contractions in true labor?
They are regular with increasing frequency, duration, and intensity.
What are the characteristics of discomfort in true labor?
Discomfort generally radiates from the back around the abdomen.