Normal Labour Flashcards
Define labour.
Labour is the process in which the fetus, placenta and membranes are expelled via the birth canal.
When does normal labour occur?
- spontaneously at term
Which two key physiological changes must occur to allow for expulsion of the fetus?
- cervix effacement
- increased myometrial tone
During the initiation of labour, which hormones decrease and increase?
- progesterone decreases
- oxytocin and prostaglandins increase
Why is birthing environment important?
- a comfortable, supportive environment supports the mother’s oxytocin production
Define the latent first stage of labour.
- a period during which there are intermittent, often irregular, painful contractions which bring about some cervical effacement and dilation up to 4cm
How long does the latent first stage of labour last
- hours to days
Define the active first stage of labour.
- regular, painful contractions that result in progressive cervical effacement and dilation from 4cm.
On average, how long does the active first stage of labour last?
- 8hrs for a primigravida
- 5hrs for a multigravida
Define the passive second stage of labour.
- mother is fully dilated, but further fetal descent in the pelvis required
Define the active second stage of labour.
- the presenting part is visible and birthing begins
For a primigravida, how long after active second stage commencing would you expect birth?
- within two hours
For a multigravida, how long after active second stage commencing would you expect birth?
- within one hour
Define the third stage of labour.
- the time from birth to the expulsion of the placenta and membranes
Describe active management of the third stage of labour.
- uterotonic drugs are used to encourage expulsion of the placenta
