Physiology Of Labour

Question 1

What is oxytocin secreted in the blood stream a response to

Answer 1

Sex, orgasm, birth, breastfeeding, touch, warmth, eating

Question 2

What is the physiological response to endorphin release

Answer 2

Feeling blissful, allows primitive brain to take over, analgesia

Question 3

If there a height level of catecholamines present during labour, what does the suppress?

Answer 3

Oxytocin and blood flow to the uterus

Question 4

Which area of the uterus does contractions come from

Answer 4

Fundus

Question 5

What is retraction of a muscle fibre

Answer 5

It’s when muscle fibres retain some of the shortening of the contraction instead of becoming completely relaxed

Question 6

What is polarity

Answer 6

Neuromuscular harmony that prevails between the two poles of the uterus through labour

Question 7

What is usually more rapid in the active stage of labour

Answer 7

Cervical dilation

Question 8

What is the transitional stage of labour

Answer 8

From cervical dilitation of around 8cm to full, before explosive contractions are felt

Question 9

Name 6 cervical and fetal changes that are manually asssessed in the profess of labour

Answer 9

The cervix moves forward 
The cervix ripens 
The cervix shortens and thins 
The cervix opens 
The fetus descended 
The fetus rotates

Question 10

Why does dilatation occur

Answer 10

As a result of uterine action and the counter pressure applied by either the intact bag or membranes and the presenting part or both

Question 11

How are hind waters maintained

Answer 11

The well flexed head fits snugly into the cervix and cuts off the fluid in front of the head

Question 12

What is fetal axis pressure

Answer 12

During each contraction the uterus rises toward and the force of the final contraction is transmitted to the upper pole of the fitness and down the long axis of the fetus and applied to the presenting part of the cervix

Question 13

Which hormones surge during the late first stage and early second stage and why

Answer 13

Catechloamines and oxytocin
(Adrenaline and non adrenaline)
This is because it increases the efficiency of the heart and lungs and allows a dramatic increase in strength to birth the baby

Question 14

Why is it vital the highest peak of oxytocin releases during the 3rd stage?

Answer 14

Vital for contraction of uterus and mother and baby attachment