Fundamentals of Midwifery: Labor and Birth

Labor and Birth

• Full Term Pregnancy: Defined as the duration of pregnancy reaching 37 completed weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period.

• Definition of Labour: A physiological process involving a series of events that result in the expulsion of a viable fetus from the uterus, through the vagina, to the outside body.

• Initiation of Labor:

  • Labor onset results from a complex interaction between the mother and fetus.
  • Influential factors include:
    • Genetic control
    • Myometrial stretch
    • Increased estrogen levels
    • Withdrawal of progesterone
    • Oxytocin sensitivity
    • Prostaglandin levels
    • Fetal and membrane-related factors

• Normal Labour Criteria:

  • Spontaneous onset at term (between 37 to 42 completed weeks).
  • Vertex presentation of the fetus.
  • Absence of undue prolongation of the labor process.
  • Natural termination, requiring minimal assistance (e.g., episiotomy).
  • No complications affecting the health of the mother or baby.

• Normal Labour Characteristics: Described as a spontaneous, uncomplicated process resulting in the expulsion of a mature vertex-presenting fetus, followed by the delivery of the umbilical cord, placenta, and membranes.