Physiology of 3rd stage labour

Question 1

What is the definition of 3rd stage labour?

Answer 1

the period from the birth of the baby to complete expulsion of the placenta and membranes

Question 2

How long does he third stage take?

Answer 2

usually around 5-15 minutes but up to an hour is considered normal

Question 3

What is also included in third stage?

Answer 3

Relationship building between mother, baby and father
the initiation of breastfeeding
Role of the midwife is to work with not against physiological processes.

Question 4

What are the hormonal changes at birth?

Answer 4

After birth the CAs catecholamines (hormones made by the adrenal gland) levels drop steeply

Mother may feel shaky or cold a warm atmosphere is needed to reduce the CA levels. Increased CA levels with inhibit oxytocin and therefore increase the risk of postpartum haemorrhage

Question 5

Why are high CA levels at birth important?

Answer 5

so the baby is wide eyed and alert for the first contact with the mother

Question 6

Describe prolactin?

Answer 6

Major hormone of breastmilk synthesis and breastfeeding. Levels of prolactin increase in pregnancy, although milk production is inhibited hormonally until the placenta is delivered. Levels further increase during labour and peek at birth.

Question 7

Describe oxytocin?

Answer 7

love
milk ejection
contraction of uterus

significant elevations or oxytocin coincides with the expulsion of the placenta

Question 8

What happens after birth?

Answer 8

activation of the brain and nervous system for both mother and baby

intelligent learning begins at birth with skin to skin, breastfeeding and contact with her heart rhythm.