Partograph Flashcards
(4 cards)
Partograph
A partograph is a graphic record of the progress of labour and relevant details of the mother and fetus.
It was developed and extensively tested by the World Health Organization (WHO 1994).
It was initially introduced as an early warning system to detect labour that was not progressing normally.
Partograph is a composite graphical record of cervical dilatation & descent of head against duration of labor in
Parameters observed on a partograph
Parameters observed include: frequency and strength of contractions,
Descent of the head in fifths palpable, the amount and colour of the
amniotic fluid draining, and maternal vitals, such as BP, pulse rate and
temperature
Objectives of partogragh
- Early detection of abnormal progress of labour.
- Prevention of prolonged labour.
- Recognize cephalopelvic disproportion long before obstructed labour.
- Assist in early decision on transfer, augmentation, or C/S
- Increase the quality and regularity of all observations of mother and fetus.
- Early recognition of maternal or fetal problems.
- Highly effective in reducing complications from prolonged labor for the mother
(PPH, sepsis, uterine rupture & its sequelae) & for newborn (death, anoxia,
infections, etc) - Reduce incidence of CS rate.
- Facilitates handover procedure
Management of labour using the partograph
Between alert and action lines:
In health center, the women must be transferred to a hospital with facilities for caesarean section, unless the
almost fully dilated and head is not high.
Observe labor progress for short period before transfer.
Continue routine observations.
ARM may be performed if membranes are still intact.
At or beyond action line
Conduct full medical assessment.
Consider intravenous infusion / bladder catheterization / analgesia.
Options - Deliver by C/section if there is fetal distress or obstructed labour.
Augment with oxytocin by intravenous infusion if there are no contraindications
