Labor and Hormonal Changes Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What hormonal change occurs as part of the process leading to labor?

Increase in fetal cortisol

Decrease in progesterone (correct)

Increase in progesterone

Decrease in estrogen

Which hormone is released in response to the decrease in progesterone during labor?

Oxytocin (correct)

Estrogen

Prolactin

Luteinizing hormone

What mechanical factor contributes to the initiation of labor?

Expansion of the cervix

Over stretching of the uterus (correct)

Contraction of the diaphragm

Increased fetal movement

What roles do prostaglandins play in the labor process?

Stimulate uterine contractions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones increases in relation to progesterone as labor approaches?

Oxytocin Signup and view all the answers

What effect do myometrial contractions have on sympathetic nerves?

They decrease oxytocin release. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of oxytocin in relation to myometrial receptors?

Oxytocin binds to receptors to induce myometrial contractions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding oxytocin release?

Myometrial contractions decrease oxytocin release. Signup and view all the answers

When oxytocin binds to its receptors, what is the resulting activity in the myometrium?

It induces myometrial contractions. Signup and view all the answers

How does sympathetic nerve activation affect the relationship between myometrial contractions and oxytocin?

It creates a negative feedback loop that decreases oxytocin release. Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of the fourth stage of labor?

Around 1 hour Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored during the fourth stage of labor?

Both the mother and fetus unless complications arise Signup and view all the answers

Which factors can influence the length of labor?

Parity and birth interval Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the muscle fibers during contraction according to the provided information?

They retain some shortening instead of relaxing completely. Signup and view all the answers

What follows the fourth stage of labor?

Transfer to the postpartum unit Signup and view all the answers

How does the upper uterine segment change during the contraction process?

It shortens and thickens. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the muscle fibers' behavior during the contraction process?

They may not completely relax after contraction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key reason for monitoring the mother and fetus during the fourth stage of labor?

To detect any arising complications Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the contraction have on the upper uterine segment's capacity?

There is a decrease in capacity for expulsion. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about muscle fibers during contraction is true?

They maintain a degree of tension that alters their length. Signup and view all the answers

What does crowning refer to in the second stage of labor?

When the head is on the perineum Signup and view all the answers

How long can the second stage of labor last for a primigravida (first-time mother)?

Up to 3 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a sign associated with the second stage of labor?

Fully dilated cervix Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is likely to influence the duration of the second stage of labor?

Whether the mother has had previous births Signup and view all the answers

What is a common occurrence alongside the everted anus during the second stage of labor?

Expulsion of stool Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes true labor contractions?

Progressive increase in frequency and intensity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about false labor pain?

Irregular in nature Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between true labor and the membranes?

Membrane bulging occurs Signup and view all the answers

How does true labor pain respond to sedation?

Not relieved Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is essential in care during the first stage of labor?

Emotional support and birth plan Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Labour Process

Labour is the process where the fetus, placenta, and membranes are expelled through the birth canal after 24 weeks of pregnancy, facilitated by regular uterine contractions.
This process leads to progressive effacement and dilation of the cervix.

Cervical Dilation

Cervical dilation is the widening and stretching of the cervix beyond its normal dimensions.
Measured in centimeters (0-10cm).

Cervical Effacement

Cervical effacement involves softening, thinning, and shortening of the cervix.
Expressed as a percentage (0-100%).

Stages of Labour

There are four stages of labor.

First Stage

Begins with the onset of true labor and continues until complete cervical dilation (from 0cm to 10cm).
Latent Phase: Dilation from 0-3 cm. Mild, regular contractions.
Active Phase: Dilation from 4-7 cm. 5-8 minutes apart, Moderate-Strong contractions lasting 45-60 seconds.
Transitional Phase: Dilation from 8-10 cm. Strong contractions, 1-2 minutes apart, lasting 60-90 seconds.

Second Stage

Begins when the cervix is fully dilated and ends with the birth of the baby.
Signs include an urge to push, bulging of the perineum, possibly expulsion of stool, and an open vaginal introitus.
Crowning occurs when the infant's head is visible at the vaginal opening.
Duration varies, potentially 1-3 hours.

Third Stage

Begins after the birth of the baby and ends with the delivery of the placenta and membranes.
Usually takes 5-30 minutes.
Signs of placental separation include lengthening of the umbilical cord, a sudden gush of blood, and a change in the uterus shape to a hard, globular form at the umbilicus.

Fourth Stage

Post-delivery, lasts approximately 1 hour, focusing on monitoring the mother and baby for any complications. The mother is moved to the post-partum unit.

Factors Affecting Labor Length

Parity (number of previous pregnancies)
Birth interval (time between births)
Psychological status
Maternal pelvic shape
Presentation (position of the fetus)
Contractions
Fetus position

The Passenger

Fetus, umbilical cord, and the placenta.
The fetal head is the widest diameter and crucial for delivery.
The fetal skull is comprised of 8 bones connected by suture lines allowing for molding during birth.
Fontanels, soft spots on the skull, help determine the position of the fetus during labor.

The Power

The power refers to the strength and effectiveness of uterine contractions.
Contractions must be adequate to initiate and continue labor

The Passage

The female pelvis.
Adequate size and shape of the pelvis are essential.
Shape varies (e.g., gynecoid, android, anthropoid).
Specific diameters (e.g., antero-posterior, transverse) are important in the birthing process.

Measurement of Labour

Cervical dilation: measured in centimeters.
Cervical effacement: measured as a percentage.
Duration of labour stages: varies based on parity (first-time pregnancy or subsequent)

Signs of True Labor

Regular, painful uterine contractions
Show (blood-stained mucus discharge)
Rupture of membranes (water breaking)

Signs of False Labor

Irregular uterine contractions
No cervical change (dilation or effacement)
No rupture of membranes

Monitoring for Fetal Well-being

Fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring is essential.
Apgar scores are evaluated to assess fetal health at one and five minutes after birth.
Interventions, such as blood sampling, may be necessary if fetal distress is suspected.

Care in stages of labour

Emotional support provided to help mother through various stages of labour
Details of maternal history and appropriate birth plan should be collected.
Complete physical examination
Routine observations such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and fetal heart rate monitoring are performed.
Attention to hydration, diet, comfort measures

Leopold's Maneuvers

Used to determine fetal position and location within the maternal pelvis.

Partograph

Tool to monitor maternal and fetal wellbeing during the active phase of labor.
Helps in decision-making if complications arise.

Contractions

The frequency, duration and strength of uterine contractions.

CTG trace

A graph showing patterns of FHR and uterine contractions for evaluation.

Interpretation of CTG

Analyzing FHR patterns (early, late, variable decelerations, accelerations, baseline rate)
Detects and diagnoses fetal distress
Determines needed interventions

Care during the Third and Fourth Stages

Active management of the third stage of labour.
Delivery of the placenta using controlled techniques (e.g., oxytocin).
Care of the mother (e.g., uterine massage), monitoring of bleeding
Postpartum care: monitoring for complications, interventions, and discharge protocol

Care of the newborn

Clearance of mouth and nose.
Apgar scoring at 1 and 5 minutes.
Assessment of heart rate, respiratory rate, muscle tone, color, and reflex irritability.
Umbilical cord care.
Assessment of any congenital anomalies, including weight and gestational age determination.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on the hormonal changes and physiological processes that lead to labor. This quiz covers key hormones like oxytocin and progesterone, their roles, and factors affecting the labor stages. Challenge yourself with questions about the mechanisms and duration of labor.