Normal Labour Flashcards
(48 cards)
How is foetal engagement measured?
Estimated using the palm width of the five fingers of the hand. If five fingers are needed to cover the head above the pelvic brim, it is five-fifths palpable, and if no head is palapbale, it is zero fifths
When does foetal engagement occur?
- Nulliparous - 37 weeks beyond
- Multiparous - may not occur until labour
Where is the foetal engagement measured from?
Pubic symphysis
What is the following foetal position?

Right occiput transverse

What is the following foetal position?

Right occiput anterior

What is the following foetal position?

Occiput anterior

What is the following foetal position?

Left occiput anterior

What is the following foetal position?

Left occiput transverse

What is the following foetal position?

Left occiput posterior

What is the following foetal position?

Occiput posterior
What is the following foetal position?

Right occiput posterior

What are the boundaries of the pelvic inlet?
- Anterior - upper boerder of pubic symphysis
- Laterally - Ileopectineal line
- Posterior - sacral promontory

What are the boundaries of the pelvic outlet?
- Anterior - pubic arch
- Posterolaterally - sacrotuberous ligaments and ischial tuberosities
- Posterior - coccyx

What are the cardinal movements of labour?
- Transverse engagement
- Descent and flexion
- internal rotation to OA
- Crowning - extension
- Restitution - OA to LOT/ROT

What is the sequence of passage through the pelvus for a normal vertex delivery?
- Cardinal movements of labour
- External rotation of shoulders
- Delivery of the anterior shoulder
- Delivery of posterior shoulder

What are the phases of the first stage of labour?
- Latent phase
- Active phase
What is the latent phase of the first stage of labour?
The period taken for the cervix to completely efface and dilate up to 3cm
What is meant by the term effacement?
Shortening of the cervix

What is the active phase of the first stage of labour?
Dilation of the cervix from 3cm to 10 cm
What are braxton hicks contractions?
Mild, often irrgular, non-progressive contraction that may occur from 30 weeks gestation (more common after 36 weeks) and may be confused with labour
How do braxton hicks contractions differ from labour contractions?
They are non-progressive and less painful
What is meant by the station of the baby?
Relation of the presenting part to the ischial spine. If the presenting part is level with the ischial spine, the station is 0

What is the difference between station and engagement?
Station is relation of presenting part to the ischial spine, whereas engagement is the descent of the biparietal diameter through the pelvic brim. If the level of the ischial spine is level with the head, the head must be engaged

Following the commencement of the second stage of labour, how long does it normally take for birth to take place in a nulliparous women?
3 hours




