Podcast
Questions and Answers
What physiological change occurs in a mother about week 37 of her pregnancy?
What physiological change occurs in a mother about week 37 of her pregnancy?
- Progesterone levels start to decrease. (correct)
- The cervix widens substantially.
- Oxytocin levels peak.
- Estrogen levels significantly drop.
What is the effect of decreased progesterone levels in late pregnancy?
What is the effect of decreased progesterone levels in late pregnancy?
- Increased sensitivity of the uterine muscles. (correct)
- Inhibition of uterine contractions.
- Decreased estrogen production.
- Higher likelihood of premature labor.
What are Braxton Hicks contractions also referred to as?
What are Braxton Hicks contractions also referred to as?
- False labor contractions. (correct)
- Active labor contractions.
- True labor contractions.
- Prelabor contractions.
Which hormone increases in sensitivity due to the dropping levels of progesterone near term?
Which hormone increases in sensitivity due to the dropping levels of progesterone near term?
Which structure is identified as the thin membrane surrounding the fetus?
Which structure is identified as the thin membrane surrounding the fetus?
About how many weeks is a full-term pregnancy typically?
About how many weeks is a full-term pregnancy typically?
What initiates regular contractions as the due date approaches?
What initiates regular contractions as the due date approaches?
What is typically observed about the cervix during late pregnancy?
What is typically observed about the cervix during late pregnancy?
What does the mucus plug do during pregnancy?
What does the mucus plug do during pregnancy?
At what dilation of the cervix does active labor begin?
At what dilation of the cervix does active labor begin?
What is the purpose of uterine contractions after the birth of the baby?
What is the purpose of uterine contractions after the birth of the baby?
Which presentation has a higher risk during delivery?
Which presentation has a higher risk during delivery?
What happens during the expulsion phase of labor?
What happens during the expulsion phase of labor?
What is involution in the context of postpartum recovery?
What is involution in the context of postpartum recovery?
What typically occurs when the amniotic sac ruptures?
What typically occurs when the amniotic sac ruptures?
What is a Cesarean section (C-section)?
What is a Cesarean section (C-section)?
Why can a baby's skull compress during delivery?
Why can a baby's skull compress during delivery?
What role does relaxin play during pregnancy?
What role does relaxin play during pregnancy?
During the cervical dilation stage of labor, which hormone is primarily responsible for uterine contractions?
During the cervical dilation stage of labor, which hormone is primarily responsible for uterine contractions?
What is the typical diameter to which the cervix needs to dilate for vaginal birth?
What is the typical diameter to which the cervix needs to dilate for vaginal birth?
How does the process of dilation during true labor primarily occur?
How does the process of dilation during true labor primarily occur?
Which statement about the pelvic outlet during childbirth is accurate?
Which statement about the pelvic outlet during childbirth is accurate?
What process occurs as the fetus contacts the cervix during labor?
What process occurs as the fetus contacts the cervix during labor?
What is the primary mechanism by which strong uterine contractions affect the cervix during labor?
What is the primary mechanism by which strong uterine contractions affect the cervix during labor?
What is one of the main reasons relaxin is important for childbirth?
What is one of the main reasons relaxin is important for childbirth?
What events occur during the cervical dilation stage?
What events occur during the cervical dilation stage?
What happens to the pelvic bones during pregnancy due to relaxin's effect?
What happens to the pelvic bones during pregnancy due to relaxin's effect?
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Study Notes
Pregnancy and Childbirth Overview
- Full-term pregnancy typically lasts about 38-1/2 weeks, with childbirth often occurring within a week of the due date.
- Physiological changes in the mother occur as pregnancy progresses, including a drop in progesterone levels around week 37, which allows for uterine contractions.
Hormonal Changes
- Decreased progesterone levels increase the sensitivity of uterine muscles to oxytocin, stimulating contractions.
- False labor contractions, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions, may occur due to lower progesterone without actual labor signaling.
- The placenta secretes relaxin, which loosens pelvic ligaments and aids pelvic outlet widening for childbirth.
Stages of Labor
- Three main stages of labor: cervical dilation, expulsion of the baby, and delivery of the placenta (afterbirth).
- Labor can last from seven to 20 hours, depending on the progression of each stage.
Cervical Dilation Stage
- Cervical dilation must reach approximately 10 centimeters for vaginal birth.
- High levels of oxytocin trigger uterine contractions, which release prostaglandins, creating a positive feedback loop intensifying contractions.
- The cervix thins out and opens during contractions, facilitated by relaxin.
Labor Signals
- The mucus plug discharges from the cervix, indicating labor progression, and the amniotic sac may rupture, referred to as the "water breaking."
Active Labor and Expulsion Phase
- Active labor begins when the cervix dilates to four centimeters, with increasingly strong and frequent contractions.
- The expulsion phase starts when the baby's head enters the birth canal and ends with the birth of the baby.
- The newborn's skull bones are flexible, allowing the head to fit through the birth canal.
Birth and Afterbirth
- After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut, and post-delivery, the placenta is expelled from the uterus.
- Uterine contractions help detach the placenta and assist in the shrinkage of the uterus, a process known as involution, returning organs to normal positions.
Presentation and Delivery Methods
- Vertex presentation: the baby's head emerges first, allowing for a standard vaginal birth (most common).
- Breech presentation: the baby's gluteal region or legs come out first, posing higher risks and often necessitating a Cesarean section (C-section) for safer delivery.
- C-sections involve surgical incisions in the abdomen and uterus and are recommended when benefits surpass risks.
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