Physiology of labour & puerperium

Question 1

Parturition

Answer 1

The action of giving birth

Question 2

What main change happens to cervix for delivery

Answer 2

It opens

Question 3

First stage of labour

Answer 3

From onset of labour pains to fully dilated

Question 4

Second stage of labour

Answer 4

Complete cervix dilation to delivery

Question 5

Stage three of labour

Answer 5

Placental separation and expulsion

Question 6

Uterine quiescence

Answer 6

Non contracting ‘quiet’ uterus

Question 7

How does progesterone maintain uterine quiescence

Answer 7

Suppression of prostaglandin production

Prevention of oxytocin release

Question 8

What does increase of oestrogen cause in the onset of labour

Answer 8

Prostaglandins to be produced

Question 9

What happens to the myometrium in labour?

Answer 9

Retraction occurs in upper segment

Lower segment thins and causes effacement and dilation of cervix

Question 10

At the peak of contraction are the muscles shorter or longer?

Answer 10

Shorter

Question 11

What keeps the cervix closed

Answer 11

Collagen and elastin

Question 12

What do prostaglandins do?

Answer 12

Reduce the amount of elastin and collagen in cervix to open it

Question 13

Fire waters rupture due to what

Answer 13

Descent of the fetal head

Question 14

Station

Answer 14

Descent of presenting part relative to the ischial spines

Question 15

7 cardinal movements of labour

Answer 15

Descent of presenting part 
Flexion
Internal rotation 
Extension 
Restitution 
External rotation
Lateral flexion

Question 16

Where does the pain of contractions occur along

Answer 16

Along the cutaneous nerve

Question 17

Where does the pain of cervical dilation occur

Answer 17

Sacral plexus

Question 18

Causes of pain

Answer 18

Myometrial hypoxia (oxygen deficiency)
Stretching of peritoneum (stomach membrane) over the fundus
Stretching of cervix

Question 19

Puerperium

Answer 19

Period following childbirth

Body returns to pre Pregnant state

Question 20

When does peurperium start

Answer 20

As soon as placenta is delivered

Question 21

Involution

Answer 21

The movement of the uterus back to its pre pregnant state

Question 22

Three types of lochia

Answer 22

Lochia rubra- blood, red

Lochia serosa- thinner, brow lochia alba-whitish