Contractions During 1st Stage of Labour

Contractions during Labour

• Braxton-Hicks contractions are false contractions that prepare the uterus for childbirth, occurring at the end of the 2nd to 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
• They are painless, not regular, and increase towards the end of the day due to fatigue, but go away with rest.
• True contractions during labour are regular and rhythmic, occurring every 10 minutes with similar intensity and duration, and progressively become stronger and more frequent.
• True contractions bring about the full dilation of the cervix and are monitored for their frequency, intensity, and duration.

Rupture of Membranes

• Rupture of the amniotic sac before 37 weeks is considered Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPRM).
• Rupture of membranes can occur towards the end of pregnancy with sudden movements of the fetus or with the onset of contractions.
• When the membranes are intact and break during labour, it's important to note the time of rupture, colour, amount, and odour of amniotic fluid.

Stages of Labour

• The 1st stage of labour starts from the onset of labour till full cervical dilatation.
• The 2nd stage of labour starts from full dilatation till the expulsion of the fetus from the birth canal.
• The 3rd stage of labour starts after the expulsion of the fetus till the expulsion of the placenta and membranes.
• The 4th stage of labour starts from the delivery of the placenta and ends 2 hours after.

1st Stage of Labour: Cervical Stage

• The latent phase of the 1st stage of labour lasts 3-8 hours, and is shorter in multiparous women.
• The active phase of the 1st stage of labour lasts 2-6 hours, and is shorter in multiparous women.
• During this stage, the mother is calmed and relieved of pain.

Onset of Labour

• The Ferguson Reflex causes a feedback cycle that repeats with greater speed and intensity until the cervix is fully dilated.
• Adrenaline (the hormone of "fight" or "flight") helps the mother to push and give birth to the baby.

Signs of Onset of Labour

• Regular uterine contractions increasing in intensity and duration.
• The appearance of "show" - a sticky, jelly-like pink mucus that closes the cervix during pregnancy and works as a barrier to protect the fetus from infections.