Week 5 Flashcards
(120 cards)
Define labour
Labour is a physiological process during which the fetus, membranes, umbilical cord and placenta are expelled from the uterus.
Ferguson’s reflex
neuroendocrine reflex in which the fetal distension of the cervix stimulates a series of neuroendocrine responses, leading to oxytocin production
Hormonal factors influencing onset of labour
Progesterone: This keeps the uterus settled, prevents gap junctions, prevents contractility
Estrogen: makes uterus contract, promotes prostaglandin
Oxytocin: initiates and sustains contractions
How does cervix ripen?
Decrease in collagen fibre alignment
Decrease in collagen fibre strength
Decrease in tensile strength of the cervical matrix
Increase in cervical decorin
5 elements of Bishop’s score
Position
Consistency
Effacement
Dilatation
Level of presenting part/station in Pelvis
Determines when it’s safe to induce labour
Stages of labour
First Stage
Latent phase up to 3-4cms dilatation
Active stage 4cms -10cms (full dilatation)
Second Stage
Full dilatation –delivery of baby
Third Stage
Delivery of baby
Describe latent phase
mild irregular uterine contractions, cervix shortens and softens, duration variable,
May last an uncomfortable few days
Describe active phase
4cms onwards to full dilatation,
Slow decent of the presenting part
Contractions progressively become more rhythmic and stronger
Normal progress is assessed at 1-2 cms per hour
Analgesia
Describe second stage of labour
Starts with complete dilatation of the cervix fully dilated =(10cms) –to delivery of the baby
Nulliparous - prolonged if >3h with reg analgesia, 2h without
Multiparous - prolonged if >2h with rgional analgesia, 1h without
Vaginal exam every 4 hours to decr risk of infection
Describe third stage of labour
Delivery of the baby to expulsion of the placenta and fetal membranes
Average duration 10 minutes but can be 3 minutes or longer
Management 3rd stage of labour
Expectant management- spontaneous delivery of the placenta
Active management: use of oxytocic drugs and controlled cord traction is preferred for lowering risk of post partum haemorrhage
Surgical - 1h prep for surgical removal of placenta under reg analgesia or GA
Describe Braxton Hicks contractions
Braxton-Hicks contractions are sometimes called “false labour” because they give the woman a false sensation that she is having real contractions.
Tightening of the uterine muscles, thought to aid the body prepare for birth
How do you know if it’s true labour?
True labour is when the timing of contractions become evenly spaced, and the time between them gets shorter and shorter (three minutes apart, then two minutes, then one).
Length of time contraction lasts also increases
3 factors influencing labour
POWER: Uterine Contraction
PASSAGE: Maternal Pelvis
PASSENGER: Fetus
Pacemaker of uterus
region of tubal ostia, wave spreads in a downward direction
Synchronisation of contractions waves from both ostia
4 types of pelvis
Gynaecoid pelvis (best for birth)
Anthropoid pelvis
Android pelvis
Platypelloid
Normal foetal position
Longitudinal Lie
Cephalic Presentation
Presents with vertex
Best if occipito-anterior presention
Flexed head
Abnormal foetal position
Presentation; breech, oblique, Transverse lie
Position; frequently “occipito –posterior”
When can sagittal suture be felt?
5-6cm dilated
Analgesia for birth
Paracetamol/ Co-codamol
TENS
Entonox
Diamorphine
Epidural
Remifentanyl
Combined spinal/epidural
Which shoulder delivered first?
Anterior
7 cardinal movements of the foetus at birth
1…Engagement
2…Decent
3…Flexion
4…Internal Rotation
5…Crowning and extension
6…Restitution and external rotation (head goes into optimum pos for shoulder)
7…Expulsion (ant shoulder first)
3 classic signs to indicate separation of placenta from uterus
Uterus contracts, hardens and rises
Umbilical cord lengthens permanently
Frequently a gush of blood variable in amount
Placenta and membranes appear at introitus
Acitve management of 3rd stage labour
Prophylactic administration of Syntometerine
OR
Oxytocin 10 units
Cord clamping/cuttting, controlled cord traction, bladder emptying