normal birth

Question 1

what is involved in early/passive labour?

Answer 1

irregular contractions
dilation up to 4cm
rupture of membranes and bloody mucus show

Question 2

when does the active first stage of labour begin?

Answer 2

regular contractions

dilation from 4cm up

Question 3

at what rate should the cervix dilate?

Answer 3

at least 0.5cm per hour

Question 4

what pain relief is available in labour?

Answer 4

entonox
opioids
epidural

Question 5

what shows the transition to the second stage?

Answer 5

uncontrollable urge to push
hold breath/grunt during contractions
sweating
mood change - sleepy or more focussed
external genitals/anus begin to bulge out during contractions
she feels babys head move into vagina
purple line between buttocks

Question 6

what occurs in the passive second stage?

Answer 6

full dilation but absence of contractions

usually around an hour

Question 7

what occurs in the active second stage?

Answer 7

baby is visible
full dilation
contractions

Question 8

when will the third stage of labour start?

Answer 8

after a few mins cord stops pulsating

mother feels an urge to push

Question 9

how long is the puerperium?

Answer 9

6weeks

Question 10

list 4 serious post partum complications

Answer 10

haemorrhage
pre-eclampsia/eclampsia
infection
thromboembolism