20 Questions
What is the stage of labour that starts from the delivery of the placenta and ends 2 hours after?
4th stage
What is the cervical dilatation in the latent phase of the 1st stage of labour?
Less than 3-4cm
How long does the active phase of the 1st stage of labour last in multiparous women?
2-6 hours
What is the stage of labour that starts from the full cervical dilatation till the expulsion of the fetus from the birth canal?
2nd stage
What is the term for the rupture of membranes?
Water breaking
What is the duration of the latent phase of the 1st stage of labour in nulliparous women?
3-8 hours in multiparous women, longer in nulliparous women
What is the role of the 'show' in pregnancy?
To protect the fetus from infections
What is the hormone responsible for helping the mother push and give birth to the baby?
Adrenaline
What is the characteristic of uterine contractions during the onset of labor?
Increasing in intensity and duration
What is the mechanism that repeats the feedback cycle with greater speed and intensity until the cervix is fully dilated?
Ferguson Reflex
What is the purpose of the 'show' during the onset of labor?
To detach and come out as a sign of labor
What is the outcome of the Ferguson Reflex mechanism?
Cervix dilation accelerates
What is the main difference between Braxton-Hicks contractions and true contractions during the 1st stage of labour?
True contractions are rhythmic and progressively stronger, while Braxton-Hicks contractions are irregular and painless
When does rupture of the amniotic sac typically occur?
Towards the end of pregnancy with sudden movements of the fetus or with the onset of contractions
What is Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM) characterized by?
Rupture of the amniotic sac before 37 weeks of gestation
What should be noted when the membranes rupture during labour?
The time of rupture, colour, amount, and odour of amniotic fluid
What is the primary purpose of monitoring contractions during the 1st stage of labour?
To monitor frequency, intensity, and duration of contractions
What is a characteristic of true contractions during the 1st stage of labour?
They are rhythmic and progressively stronger
What is the typical volume of amniotic fluid when the membranes rupture towards the end of pregnancy?
1 liter
Why is it essential to monitor the colour of the amniotic fluid when the membranes rupture?
To assess the risk of infection
Study Notes
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.
Learn about Braxton-Hicks contractions, false contractions that prepare the uterus for childbirth, occurring during the 2nd to 3rd trimester of pregnancy.
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