Labor and Delivery Process

Created by

@PatientRhythm

Study Notes

Stages of Labor:
- Stage 1: Onset of contractions to 4-5 cm dilation
- Stage 2: 4-5 cm dilation to birth of the baby
- Stage 3: Delivery of the placenta
Fetal Monitoring:
- Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM): continuous monitoring of fetal heart rate
- Intermittent Auscultation (IA): periodic checking of fetal heart rate
Pain Management:
- Breathing techniques and relaxation
- Pharmacological methods (e.g., epidural anesthesia)
- Alternative methods (e.g., hydrotherapy, massage)
Complications:
- Prolonged labor
- Fetal distress
- Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)

Newborn Assessment:
- Apgar score (0-10)
- Vital signs (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate)
- Physical examination (e.g., weight, length, head circumference)
Newborn Care:
- Initial care (e.g., drying, warming, umbilical cord care)
- Feeding (breastfeeding, formula feeding)
- Vital sign monitoring
Neonatal Complications:
- Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
- Jaundice
- Infections (e.g., sepsis, meningitis)

Prenatal Visits:
- Schedule: every 4-6 weeks until 28 weeks, every 2-3 weeks until 36 weeks, and weekly thereafter
- Components: medical history, physical examination, fetal assessment, education
Prenatal Screening:
- Ultrasound (anatomy, growth, and well-being)
- Maternal serum screening (e.g., alpha-fetoprotein)
- Group B strep screening
Antenatal Education:
- Childbirth preparation
- Breastfeeding
- Postpartum care and newborn care

Postpartum Period:
- Immediate postpartum period (0-2 hours)
- Early postpartum period (2-4 hours)
- Late postpartum period (4-6 weeks)
Postpartum Complications:
- Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)
- Infections (e.g., endometritis, wound infections)
- Thrombophlebitis
Postpartum Care:
- Vital sign monitoring
- Pain management
- Breastfeeding support

Stages of Labor:
- Onset of contractions to 4-5 cm dilation is the first stage of labor
- The second stage of labor lasts from 4-5 cm dilation to birth of the baby
- The third stage of labor is the delivery of the placenta
Fetal Monitoring Methods:
- Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) continuously monitors fetal heart rate
- Intermittent Auscultation (IA) periodically checks fetal heart rate
Pain Management Options:
- Breathing techniques and relaxation are non-pharmacological methods
- Pharmacological methods include epidural anesthesia
- Alternative methods include hydrotherapy and massage
Possible Complications:
- Prolonged labor can lead to complications
- Fetal distress can occur during labor
- Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a possible complication after delivery

Newborn Assessment:
- Apgar score ranges from 0 to 10
- Vital signs include temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate
- Physical examination includes weight, length, and head circumference
Newborn Care:
- Initial care includes drying, warming, and umbilical cord care
- Feeding options include breastfeeding and formula feeding
- Vital signs are monitored regularly
Neonatal Complications:
- Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) can occur in newborns
- Jaundice is a common complication in newborns
- Infections, such as sepsis and meningitis, can occur in newborns

Prenatal Visit Schedule:
- Visits occur every 4-6 weeks until 28 weeks
- Visits occur every 2-3 weeks until 36 weeks
- Visits occur weekly thereafter
Prenatal Screening:
- Ultrasound assesses anatomy, growth, and well-being
- Maternal serum screening includes alpha-fetoprotein
- Group B strep screening is performed
Antenatal Education:
- Childbirth preparation is an essential component
- Breastfeeding education is provided
- Postpartum care and newborn care are discussed

Postpartum Period:
- The immediate postpartum period lasts 0-2 hours
- The early postpartum period lasts 2-4 hours
- The late postpartum period lasts 4-6 weeks
Postpartum Complications:
- Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) can occur
- Infections, such as endometritis and wound infections, can occur
- Thrombophlebitis is a possible complication
Postpartum Care:
- Vital signs are monitored regularly
- Pain management is provided
- Breastfeeding support is offered