Obs n Gynae Flashcards
(540 cards)
define preterm labour
<37 weeks gestation
define prolonged labour
no definite time period
cervical dilatation <2 cm in 4 hours during active labour
describe the first stage of labour
onset to contractions to full dilatation
early latent phase = cervix becomes effaced, shortens and dilates up to 4 cm
active phase = 4 cm cervical dilatation to full dilatation (10 cm)
describe the 2nd stage of labour
full dilatation to delivery of fetus
passive stage = full dilatation prior to or in absence of persistent involuntary expulsive contractions
active stage = when baby is visible OR persistent involuntary expulsive contractions/active maternal effort with a finding of full dilatation
describe the 3rd stage of labour
delivery of fetus to delivery of placenta and membranes
how long can the 3rd stage of labour last
usually 5-10 minutes after delivery
> 30 minutes = abnormal
how long does labour normally last
first labour = average 8 hours
subsequent labours = average 5 hours
when is delay in labour diagnosed
nulliparous: active second stage has reached 2 hours
multiparous: active second stage has reached 1 hour
what is the difference between physiological and active management of the 3rd stage of labour
physiological: uterotonic drugs (oxytocin) are not used, cord not clamped until pulsations have ceased, placenta is delivered by maternal effort
active management: use of oxytocin before cord stops pulsating, bladder catheterisation, deferred clamping and cutting of the cord, controlled cord traction after signs of separation of the placenta
what are the signs that indicate separation of the placenta and membranes
uterus contracts, hardens and rises
umbilical cord lengthens permanently
gush of blood variable in amount
placenta and membranes appear at introitus
when should you change from physiological to active management of 3rd stage of labour
excessive bleeding or haemorrhage
failure to deliver placenta within 1 hour
patient’s desire to shorten 3rd stage
what are clinical signs of onset of labour
regular, painful contractions which increase in frequency and duration and produce progressive cervical dilatation
passage of blood-stained mucus from the cervix is associated with onset of labour nut not an indicator
rupture of membranes not always at start of labour
what is the definition of prelabour rupture of membranes
> 4 hours between rupture of membranes and onset of painful contractions
can be preterm or term
what are Braxton hicks contractions
non-labour contractions towards the end of gestation
which hormones are involved the initiation of labour
decreased progesterone
increased oestrogen and prostaglandin
oxytocin promotes PG release and initiates/sustains contractions
what are special features of uterine myocytes
contract and shorten, and return to precontraction length
contain ion channels that influence the influx of calcium ions into the myocytes and promote contraction of myometrial cells
affected directly by hormones such as relaxin, activin A (cAMP)
describe changes in the cervix leading up to labour
contains myocytes and fibroblasts
towards terms, there is a decrease in collagen (becomes softer and stretchy)
increased hyaluronic acid reduces the affinity of fibronectin for collagen and affinity of hyaluronic acid for water causes cervix to soften and stretch
what are the cardinal movements of labour
engagement descent flexion internal rotation extension external rotation expulsion
describe engagement (1st cardinal movement)
passage of widest diameter of the presenting part to a level below the plane of the pelvic inlet
engagement is measured in fifths (proportion of fatal head that is unpalpable)
describe descent (2nd cardinal movement)
downward movement of the presenting part through the pelvis
describe flexion (3rd cardinal movement)
flexion of the fatal head occurs passively as the head descends due to the shape of the bony pelvis and resistance by soft tissues
describe internal rotation (4th cardinal movement)
rotation of the presenting part from its original position (usually transverse with regard to the birth canal) to the anterior position as it passes through the pelvis
describe extension (5th cardinal movement)
occurs once the fetus has reached the introitus, and the base of occiput is in contact to the inferior margin of the pubic symphysis
describe external rotation/restitution (6th cardinal movement)
return of the fetal head to the correct anatomical position in relation to the fatal torso and shoulders