PBL 1 Flashcards
(90 cards)
what are 2 potential signs that labour is going to begin?
rupturing of the amniotic sac- water breaks
plug of mucus/blood may fall out of the opening to the cervix - the blood show
what is the first stage of labour?
its from the onset of contractions until they become more regular and intense
there are 2 stages to this, latent phase and active stage
what is the latent phase of labour?
the dilation of the cervix begins and the cervix becomes softer
there will be mild, irregular contractions lasting 30 seconds each
what is the active stage of the first stage of labour?
contractions are much more regular and intense (every 3 mins lasting 1 min each)
dilation of cervix reaches 10cm when there should be crowning
the cervix should be 100% effaced
when does the amniotic sac rupture if it did not rupture before labour?
in the active stage of labour due to increased intrauterine pressure caused by contractions
what does it mean if amniotic fluid comes out smelly and green?
then there eis probably meconium in amniotic fluid -this is worrying because the foetus can swallow this and meconium aspiration can cause respiratory problems
what is an amniotomy?
artificial rupturing of the amniotic membranes
what is failure to progress?
when labor slows and delays delivery of the baby.
at what cervical dilation is labour established?
4cm
how long can the latent stage of labour last?
hours to days
what is the 2nd stage of labour?
when the cervix is fully dilated until the birth of the baby
where does the power for pushing the baby out come from?
levator ani muscles
why is the baby propelled downwards into the vagina?
because the uterus is only fixed onto the cervix so the contractions will lower the fundus
if you are nulliparous, how long should it take to push the baby out?
no more than 3 hours
if you are multiparous how long should it take to push the baby out?
2 hours
why do women experience Braxton hicks?
They tone the muscles in your uterus and may also help prepare the cervix for birth.
how many contractions should you be having in 10 minutes?
3-4
why do you still experience contractions after giving birth?
as the uterus contracts to shrink back down to its original size and your body is also working to compress blood vessels in the uterus to prevent too much bleeding
why is it important that human skulls are made up on fontanelles?
as they allow for movement/overlapping to reduce the diameter of the skull as the baby moves through the birth canal
what should foetal attitude be when giving birth?
fully flexed- head to chest and limbs tucked in
what’s the most ideal foetal lie for giving birth?
longitudina;
what are the 3 types of foetal presentation
cephalic
breech
shoulder
when do babies tend to get into the cephalic position/engage?
at about 32-36 weeks
what position for babies is the best to engage in?
occiput anterior position
head down facing the back