NORMAL LABOUR AND ITS MANAGEMENT

Question 1

what is oestrogen’s role in labour?

Answer 1

increases oxytocin expression

Question 2

what does oxytocin do in labour?

Answer 2

stimulates the uterine muscles to contract and increases prostaglandin production

Question 3

what does vasopressin do in labour?

Answer 3

increases strength of contractions

Question 4

what do prostaglandins do in labour?

Answer 4

prepare the cervix and to help open the cervix in response to contractions.

Question 5

what is the best shaped pelvis for giving birth?

Answer 5

gynecoid

Question 6

outline how the inlet and outlet of the pelvis differ?

Answer 6

at the inlet the transverse diameter is greater than the antero-posterior diameter
at the outlet the AP diameter is greater

Question 7

where does the power to push the baby out come from?

Answer 7

levator ani muscles 9pelvic floor)

Question 8

when do women tend to feel Braxton hicks?

Answer 8

from the second trimester

Question 9

what is the importance of Braxton hicks?

Answer 9

they play a role in toning the uterine muscle in preparation for the birth proces

Question 10

what is important about a baby’s skull for giving birth?

Answer 10

it is made up of fontanelles that can all move to reduce the diameter of the skull

Question 11

what is the ideal position for baby’s head to engage in?

Answer 11

occiput anterior position

Question 12

what is the ideal position for baby’s head to engage in?

Answer 12

occiput anterior position

Question 13

what are the 4 stages of labour?

Answer 13

latent phase
active stage
second stage
third stage

Question 14

what is the latent phase of labour?

Answer 14

from the onset of contractions until the mother experiences regular contractions
cervix is 3-4cm dilated

Question 15

what is the active stage f labour?

Answer 15

when there are regular contractions
cervix is fully effaced
dilation is 10cm

Question 16

what is cervical effacement?

Answer 16

the shortening and thinning of the cervix

Question 17

what is foetal station?

Answer 17

the relationship of the presenting part to the ischial spines
measured in cms above and below the ischial spines

Question 18

what is the second stage of labour?

Answer 18

the delivery of the baby
mother pushes with pelvic floor msucles
with each contraction the presenting part is pushed downwards into the placental floor

Question 19

what is the third stage of pregnancy?

Answer 19

the delivery of placenta and membranes

Question 20

why do we give mothers synthetic oxytocin after delivery of the placenta?

Answer 20

as there are open vascular beds so the uterus needs to contract to cause haemostats and avoid postpartum haematosis

Question 21

how is delivery of the placenta carried out?

Answer 21

controlled cord traction

or by mother pushing

Question 22

what are the 7 cardinal movements of labour?

Answer 22

engagement
descent
flexion
internal rotation
extension
external rotation
expulsion

Question 23

what are the 7 cardinal movements of labour?

Answer 23

engwagement
descent
flexion
internal rotation
extension
external rotation
expulsion

Question 23

what are the 7 cardinal movements of labour?

Answer 23

engagement
descent
flexion
internal rotation
extension
external rotation
expulsion

Question 23

what are the 7 cardinal movements of labour?

Answer 23

``` engwagement descent flexion internal rotation extension external rotation expulsion ```

Question 24

what is a Partogram?

Answer 24

a composite graphical record of key data (maternal and fetal) during labour entered against time on a single sheet of paper. Relevant measurements might include statistics such as cervical dilation, fetal heart rate, duration of labour and vital signs.

Question 25

why is it important to have regular bladder emptying in labour?

Answer 25

so the bladder doesnt become overdisteded and damage the detrusor muscle as this can cause complications for urinating post fatally

Question 26

what type of analgesia can be given during labour?

Answer 26

oral analgesics e.g. paracetamol or codeine transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation entenox systemic opiates epidural

Question 27

what is Cardiotocography?

Answer 27

a technique used to monitor the fetal heartbeat and the uterine contractions during pregnancy and labour.

Question 28

what are the complications of prolonged labour?

Answer 28

``` foetal distress due to o2 deprivation inter cranial haemorrhage sepsis increased chance of instrumental use long term risk for injuries like cerebral palsy and seizure disorders ```

Question 29

what is augmentation of labour?

Answer 29

the process of stimulating the uterus to increase the frequency, duration and intensity of contractions after the onset of spontaneous labour.

Question 30

how is augmentation of labour done?

Answer 30

by giving oxytocin

Question 31

whats the differnce between augmentation of labour and induction?

Answer 31

Induction of labor is defined as the artificial process of initiating labor before spontaneous onset. Augmentation of labor is the stimulation of uterine contractions once the woman has spontaneously initiated labor- because progress is considered inadequate