Labor Onset Theories and Signs
16 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What triggers the release of oxytocin during labor onset?

  • Decrease in uterine muscle stretching
  • Increase in progesterone
  • Low fetal cortisol levels
  • Pressure on the cervix (correct)

    • Which factor influences labor onset by changing the hormone balance in the body?

  • Constant levels of estrogen
  • Rising fetal cortisol levels (correct)
  • Increased levels of progesterone
  • Decreasing placental age

    • What is an indicator that labor is approaching in a pregnant woman?

  • Increased abdominal pressure
  • Frequent urination
  • Softeness of the cervix (correct)
  • Dizziness during standing

    • What is lightening in the context of labor signs?

    <p>Descent of the fetal presenting part into the pelvis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which sign of labor occurs when a woman feels energetic just before labor begins?

    <p>Increased level of activity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic best describes the contractions of true labor?

    <p>Begin irregularly but become regular and predictable (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What causes Braxton Hicks contractions to become stronger just before labor?

    <p>Hormonal changes in the body (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is referred to as the 'bloody show' during labor?

    <p>The expulsion of the mucus plug combined with blood (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What risk is associated with the rupture of membranes during labor?

    <p>Intrauterine infection (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of prostaglandins in labor onset?

    <p>They initiate contractions in conjunction with oxytocin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is most commonly true about false labor contractions?

    <p>They usually disappear with physical activity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When does lightening typically occur for primiparas?

    <p>Approximately 10 to 14 days before labor (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what point is labor typically induced after the rupture of membranes if it does not start spontaneously?

    <p>Within 24 hours (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes a physiological change associated with labor onset?

    <p>Increased release of epinephrine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of Goodell’s sign in pregnancy?

    <p>Indicates cervical ripening (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are true labor contractions typically felt first?

    <p>In the lower back (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Labor onset factors

    Labor is influenced by factors from both the mother and the fetus, including uterine stretching, pressure on the cervix, oxytocin release, hormonal changes (estrogen/progesterone ratio), placental age, fetal cortisol, and fetal membrane prostaglandin.

    Uterine stretching

    Stretching of the uterus releases prostaglandins, which help initiate contractions.

    Cervical pressure

    Pressure on the cervix stimulates oxytocin release, which works with prostaglandins to begin contractions.

    Estrogen/Progesterone ratio

    An increase in estrogen relative to progesterone stimulates uterine contractions.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Lightening

    The descent of the baby into the pelvis, often a sign of labor approaching.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Increased activity

    A surge in energy before labor, potentially due to hormonal changes.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Braxton Hicks contractions

    Strong, but false labor contractions, sometimes felt in the weeks leading up to labor.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Preliminary signs of labor

    Signs like lightening, increased activity, and Braxton Hicks contractions that indicate labor might begin soon.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Ripening cervix

    Softening of the cervix, becoming like an earlobe during pregnancy, and butter-soft at term. A sign that labor is imminent.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    True labor contractions

    Contractions that are predictable, start irregularly but become regular and begin in the lower back, sweeping around to the abdomen.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Show (bloody show)

    Pinkish mucus discharge from the vagina, caused by the expulsion of the mucus plug (operculum) and rupturing cervical capillaries.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Rupture of membranes

    Breaking of the amniotic sac, resulting in the release of fluid from the vagina, which appears as a gush or slow seeping; a sign sometimes marking the start of labor.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    False labor

    Irregular contractions that may be felt first in the abdomen and groin, and stop with rest.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Uterine contractions

    Involuntary, often painful muscle contractions that are crucial for pushing the baby out.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Mucus plug (operculum)

    A plug of mucus that fills the opening of the cervix during pregnancy, protecting the uterus from bacteria.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Differentiation of true/false labor

    A way to determine whether contractions are labor contractions or not. Checking the location (lower back moving to abdomen) and intensity.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Theories of Labor Onset

    • Labor is influenced by a combination of factors from the mother and fetus
    • Factors include:
      • Uterine muscle stretching, releasing prostaglandins
      • Pressure on the cervix, stimulating oxytocin release from the posterior pituitary
      • Oxytocin stimulation working with prostaglandins to initiate contractions
      • Change in the ratio of estrogen to progesterone (increased estrogen stimulates contractions)
      • Placental age triggering contractions at a set point
      • Rising fetal cortisol levels reducing progesterone and increasing prostaglandin formation
      • Fetal membrane production of prostaglandins stimulating contractions

    Signs of Labor

    • Preliminary signs of labor should be taught to all pregnant women
    • Lightening: Descent of the presenting fetal part into the pelvis, typically 10-14 days before labor in first-time mothers
      • Associated with shooting leg pain, increased vaginal discharge, urinary frequency due to pressure on the bladder, relief from pressure on the diaphragm and shortness of breath.
      • In later pregnancies, lightening may occur on the day of labor or after it has begun.
    • Increased activity level: Increased energy levels in the morning of labor, related to an increase in epinephrine (due to a decrease in progesterone). Epinephrine prepares the body for labor.
    • Braxton Hicks contractions: Strong contractions felt towards the end of pregnancy; can be mistaken for true labor

    Ripening of the Cervix

    • Ripening of the cervix, a sign only observable through a pelvic exam, is an integral factor
    • During pregnancy, the cervix feels softer than usual, similar to an earlobe's consistency (Goodell's sign)
    • At term, the cervix is very soft, described as "butter-soft"

    Signs of True Labor

    • Uterine Contractions: The surest sign that labor has begun
      • Productive uterine contractions (involuntary, intensity can be painful in early labor)
      • Breathing exercises can help control discomfort
    • Show: Cervix softens and ripens, the mucus plug that filled the canal during pregnancy is expelled; blood mixed with mucus produces a pink tinge (bloody show)
    • Rupture of membranes: Labor can begin with the rupture of the membranes; can be a sudden gush or a slow seeping of clear fluid from the vagina;
      • Intrauterine infection and umbilical cord prolapse are two risks associated with ruptured membranes
      • If labor hasn't started within 24 hours, induction may be necessary.

    Differentiation Between True and False Labor Contractions

    • False Labor Contractions: Irregular, localized to abdomen, can stop with activity or sleep.
    • True Labor Contractions: Regular, felt in lower back first, become more intense, continue regardless of activity, lead to cervical dilation.

    Studying That Suits You

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

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Theories of Labor Onset & Signs of Labor PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers the theories surrounding labor onset, exploring the various physiological factors that influence labor in mothers and fetuses. It also includes essential preliminary signs of labor that all pregnant women should be aware of, such as lightening and its associated symptoms.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser