Normal Labour and the Partograph Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is the definition of labour?
Labour is the process by which the foetus, placenta, and membranes are expelled from the uterus after 28 weeks, via the birth canal.
What defines true labour?
Regular painful uterine contractions leading to progressive cervical dilatation and effacement.
Which hormones are involved in initiating labour?
Oxytocin and prostaglandins.
What is the role of the foetus in initiating labour?
The foetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis contributes by increasing foetal cortisol and stimulating labour.
What is the pelvic brim?
The boundary between the false and true pelvis.
What are the key diameters of the pelvic brim?
Anteroposterior (11 cm) and transverse (13.5 cm).
Which bones form the vault of the foetal skull?
Frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal bones.
What are the main sutures of the foetal skull?
Sagittal, coronal, lambdoidal, and frontal sutures.
What is the smallest presenting diameter in vertex presentation?
Suboccipito-bregmatic diameter (9.5 cm).
Which diameter presents in brow presentation?
Mentovertical diameter (13 cm).
What are the three stages of labour?
First stage: cervical dilatation; second: fetal expulsion; third: placental expulsion.
When does the first stage of labour begin and end?
From onset of regular contractions to full cervical dilatation (10 cm).
What are the two phases of the first stage of labour?
Latent phase and active phase.
What defines the latent phase?
Cervical dilatation <4 cm with irregular contractions.
What defines the active phase?
Cervical dilatation ≥4 cm with regular, strong contractions.
What is the normal duration of the latent phase?
Up to 8 hours.
What defines the second stage of labour?
From full dilatation to delivery of the foetus.
What is the normal duration of the second stage?
Typically <2 hours in multigravidae, <3 hours in primigravidae.
What defines the third stage of labour?
From foetal delivery to expulsion of placenta and membranes.
What are the seven cardinal movements of labour?
Engagement, descent, flexion, internal rotation, extension, restitution, external rotation.
What is a partograph?
A graphical tool used to monitor labour progress and maternal-foetal well-being.
What parameters are monitored on the partograph?
Cervical dilatation, uterine contractions, foetal heart rate, amniotic fluid, maternal vitals.
What does the alert line represent?
Expected rate of cervical dilation (1 cm/hour).
What does the action line on a partograph indicate?
Indicates delayed progress; intervention may be needed.
