11 Questions
What is the definition of uterine contractions?
Periodic, rhythmic, and involuntary muscular contractions of the uterus that occur during labour.
What is the main difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labour contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions are mild and irregular, while true labour contractions are strong and regular.
How do the frequency, duration, and intensity of uterine contractions change as labour progresses?
The frequency of contractions increases, the duration of contractions increases, and the intensity of contractions increases.
What hormone is released by the posterior pituitary gland to stimulate uterine contractions?
Oxytocin.
What hormone-like substances produced by the placenta and fetal membranes stimulate uterine contractions?
Prostaglandins.
What is the primary purpose of uterine contractions during labour?
To dilate the cervix and move the fetus down the birth canal.
What is the duration of the active labor stage, and what changes can be observed in uterine contractions during this stage?
The duration of the active labor stage is 4-8 hours. During this stage, contractions become stronger, more frequent, and longer.
What is the main characteristic of uterine contractions during the transition phase of labor?
The main characteristic of uterine contractions during the transition phase is that they become very strong, frequent, and long.
What is the purpose of uterine contractions during the expulsion phase of labor, and what is the duration of this phase?
The purpose of uterine contractions during the expulsion phase is to help push the fetus through the birth canal. The duration of this phase is 1-2 hours.
How does the frequency and intensity of uterine contractions change from the early labor stage to the active labor stage?
In early labor, contractions are mild, irregular, and infrequent, whereas in active labor, contractions become stronger, more frequent, and longer.
What is the primary difference in fetal movement between the early labor stage and the transition phase?
In early labor, fetal movement is normal, whereas in the transition phase, fetal movement becomes minimal.
Study Notes
Uterine Contractions
- Definition: Uterine contractions are periodic, rhythmic, and involuntary muscular contractions of the uterus that occur during labour.
-
Types:
- Braxton Hicks contractions: Mild, irregular contractions that occur during pregnancy, preparing the uterus for labour.
- True labour contractions: Strong, regular contractions that occur during labour, helping to dilate the cervix and move the fetus down the birth canal.
-
Characteristics:
- Frequency: Contractions occur every 10-30 minutes, increasing in frequency as labour progresses.
- Duration: Contractions last around 30-70 seconds, increasing in duration as labour progresses.
- Intensity: Contractions increase in intensity as labour progresses.
-
Regulation: Uterine contractions are regulated by:
- Oxytocin: Hormone released by the posterior pituitary gland, stimulating uterine contractions.
- Prostaglandins: Hormone-like substances produced by the placenta and fetal membranes, stimulating uterine contractions.
4 Stages of Labour
Stage 1: Early Labour (Latent Phase)
- Duration: 6-12 hours
-
Characteristics:
- Cervical dilation: 0-3 cm
- Contractions: Mild, irregular, and infrequent
- Fetal movement: Normal
Stage 2: Active Labour (Active Phase)
- Duration: 4-8 hours
-
Characteristics:
- Cervical dilation: 4-7 cm
- Contractions: Stronger, more frequent, and longer
- Fetal movement: Decreased
Stage 3: Transition (Transition Phase)
- Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
-
Characteristics:
- Cervical dilation: 8-10 cm
- Contractions: Very strong, frequent, and long
- Fetal movement: Minimal
Stage 4: Expulsion (Pushing Phase)
- Duration: 1-2 hours
-
Characteristics:
- Cervical dilation: 10 cm
- Contractions: Strong, frequent, and coordinated with pushing efforts
- Fetal movement: None
- Delivery: Fetus is delivered through the birth canal
Uterine Contractions
- Definition: Periodic, rhythmic, and involuntary muscular contractions of the uterus during labour.
-
Types:
- Braxton Hicks: Mild, irregular contractions during pregnancy, preparing the uterus for labour.
- True labour: Strong, regular contractions during labour, helping to dilate the cervix and move the fetus down the birth canal.
Characteristics of Uterine Contractions
- Frequency: Every 10-30 minutes, increasing in frequency as labour progresses.
- Duration: 30-70 seconds, increasing in duration as labour progresses.
- Intensity: Increasing in intensity as labour progresses.
Regulation of Uterine Contractions
- Oxytocin: Hormone released by the posterior pituitary gland, stimulating uterine contractions.
- Prostaglandins: Hormone-like substances produced by the placenta and fetal membranes, stimulating uterine contractions.
4 Stages of Labour
Stage 1: Early Labour (Latent Phase)
- Duration: 6-12 hours.
- Cervical dilation: 0-3 cm.
- Contractions: Mild, irregular, and infrequent.
- Fetal movement: Normal.
Stage 2: Active Labour (Active Phase)
- Duration: 4-8 hours.
- Cervical dilation: 4-7 cm.
- Contractions: Stronger, more frequent, and longer.
- Fetal movement: Decreased.
Stage 3: Transition (Transition Phase)
- Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Cervical dilation: 8-10 cm.
- Contractions: Very strong, frequent, and long.
- Fetal movement: Minimal.
Stage 4: Expulsion (Pushing Phase)
- Duration: 1-2 hours.
- Cervical dilation: 10 cm.
- Contractions: Strong, frequent, and coordinated with pushing efforts.
- Fetal movement: None.
- Delivery: Fetus is delivered through the birth canal.
Learn about the different types of uterine contractions that occur during pregnancy and labour, including Braxton Hicks contractions and true labour contractions.
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