Nursing Medications & Care in Labor

The uterus expands upward and outward as the baby grows.

The top of the uterus reaches the xiphoid process around week 36, leading to shortness of breath due to pressure on the diaphragm.

A thick, sticky mucus plug forms to block the opening of the cervix, protecting the uterus from infection.

A bluish-purple discoloration of the cervix and vagina caused by increased blood flow.

The softening of the cervix that occurs during pregnancy.

The heart pumps more blood, leading to an increase in blood volume.

The heart beats faster, typically increasing by 10-20 beats per minute.

Blood vessels expand due to hormones, reducing resistance to blood flow.

Swelling in the lower extremities, commonly caused by increased blood volume and pressure on veins.

A condition where the pregnant woman experiences low blood pressure when lying on her back, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting.

Breathing becomes more rapid in the third trimester as the growing baby puts pressure on the diaphragm.

A common complaint during pregnancy, caused by the relaxed muscles of the esophagus.

Increased hydration, physical activity, and fiber intake are key interventions to address constipation during pregnancy.

A condition that can occur during pregnancy, characterized by the separation of abdominal muscles.

Hormones play a crucial role in maintaining pregnancy and preparing the body for delivery.

A probable sign of pregnancy, where the examiner can feel the baby move inside the uterus.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection. This test screens for it during pregnancy.

Helps determine if a woman is immune to rubella (German measles). Rubella can be harmful to the fetus.

A blood test to screen for Hepatitis B, which is a viral infection that can be transmitted to the baby.

A test to detect HIV infection in the mother. Detecting HIV allows for early treatment and prevention of transmission to the baby.

A test that confirms pregnancy and helps detect conditions like gestational diabetes (GDM), gestational hypertension (GHTN), infections, or renal disease.

Tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and group B Strep (GBS). Chlamydia and gonorrhea are tested early, and GBS is tested late in pregnancy.

A test to screen for fetal anomalies (birth defects).

A blood test used to screen for gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy.

A sudden leakage of fluid from the vagina during pregnancy might signal a rupture of membranes.

Persistent or severe abdominal or epigastric pain during pregnancy warrants immediate medical attention.

A sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital warts and cervical cancer. It is not typically a complication of pregnancy, and vaccination is not recommended during pregnancy.

A test performed to monitor the fetal heart rate in response to fetal movements and uterine contractions. It is used to assess fetal well-being in high-risk pregnancies.

A comprehensive assessment of fetal well-being that combines a nonstress test with an ultrasound. It evaluates fetal movements, breathing, tone, amniotic fluid volume, and heart rate variability.

A procedure that involves taking a sample of chorionic villi (cells from the placenta) for genetic testing. It is performed in the first trimester to detect chromosomal, metabolic, and DNA abnormalities.

A procedure performed in the second and third trimesters to obtain amniotic fluid for genetic testing. It helps diagnose neural tube defects and chromosomal disorders.

A condition where the placenta attaches low in the uterus, covering the cervix. This prevents vaginal birth.

A serious condition where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall, partially or completely. It can cause bleeding, both external and internal.

A pregnancy that ends naturally before 20 weeks of gestation. It can be caused by various factors.

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tube.

A sexually transmitted infection that can cause a range of complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease, fallopian tube blockage, and premature delivery.

A sexually transmitted infection known for causing various complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease and neonatal complications like conjunctivitis and pneumonia.

A serious sexually transmitted infection with dangerous consequences like pelvic inflammatory disease and neonatal complications like sepsis and blindness.

A sexually transmitted infection that needs treatment with antibiotics. Can lead to complications like preterm labor, endometritis, and neonatal complications if untreated.

A very common vaginal discharge in women with Trichomoniasis.

A complication of ectopic pregnancy where the fallopian tube ruptures, presenting as sudden, severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding.

A type of anesthesia that blocks nerve impulses to the brain, eliminating pain perception.

A type of regional anesthesia injected into the epidural space, providing pain relief from contractions.

A type of regional anesthesia injected into the spinal fluid, blocking pain sensation below the injection site.

Drugs that reduce pain by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord.

The longest stage of labor, divided into latent, active, and transition phases.

The pushing stage, lasting from complete dilation to the delivery of the baby.

The stage from birth to delivering the placenta, typically lasting 5-20 minutes.

The recovery stage following childbirth, lasting 1-4 hours.

The baby dropping lower into the pelvis, making breathing easier but causing increased pelvic pressure.

Regular contractions that last longer than 30 seconds and are 4-6 minutes apart.

Uterine contractions and cervical changes occurring between 20 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. This is concerning because it can lead to premature delivery.

Rupture of the amniotic sac (water breaking) before labor, any time after 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Rupture of the amniotic sac (water breaking) before labor, prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy. Especially risky due to high infection risk.

Infection of the amniotic sac membranes, a serious complication that can occur with PPROM.

Pain relief medications that ease pain without completely eliminating the ability to feel contractions.

A gentle, circular stroking of the abdomen in rhythm with breathing during a contraction. Often helps manage labor pain.

Using the heel of your hand to apply pressure to the sacrum to counteract low back pain during labor.

A condition where the umbilical cord slips down ahead of the baby, potentially cutting off oxygen.

A condition that can occur with PPROM where the baby doesn't develop full lungs before delivery.

The process of the cervix opening wide enough for the baby to pass through.

Labor before 36 weeks of pregnancy.

The process of the baby moving down the birth canal.

Painful contractions caused by intense pressure on pelvic muscles as the baby descends.

A systematic method of palpating the uterus to assess the position, presentation, and engagement of the fetus.

Monitoring the fetal heart rate (FHR) during labor to assess the baby's well-being.

When the baby is in a breech position (feet or buttocks first), a Cesarean section is usually recommended due to the risk of complications.

External monitoring that uses a belt placed around the mother's abdomen to measure fetal heart rate and uterine contractions.

Internal monitoring that involves an electrode placed on the baby's scalp to provide a more accurate and direct measurement of the fetal heart rate.

Monitoring the baby's heart rate, variability, and overall pattern to determine if it's reassuring or non-reassuring, indicating potential complications.

A score used to assess the readiness of the cervix for labor induction. A score of 8 or higher indicates a good chance of successful induction.

Interventions to stimulate contractions when labor is slow to progress. Methods include Pitocin, artificial ROM (Amniotomy), and nipple stimulation.

The artificial rupture of membranes (breaking the water) to stimulate labor or speed up the process. It carries risks of infection and cord compression.

A procedure to increase the amount of amniotic fluid by infusing saline into the amniotic sac. Used to treat low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) or cord compression.

An operative delivery method that uses a vacuum device attached to the baby's head to assist with delivery. It has potential risks of scalp lacerations, cephalohematoma, and maternal vaginal injury.

An operative delivery method using forceps to assist with delivery. It can lead to maternal vaginal trauma, facial nerve palsy, and facial bruising in the baby.

An incision made in the perineum to widen the vaginal opening and facilitate delivery. It can reduce the duration of labor, prevent cerebral hemorrhage in fragile preterm infants, and aid in the birth of large infants.

A surgical procedure where the baby is delivered through an incision in the lower uterine segment of the abdomen.

A vaginal delivery after a previous Cesarean section.

Birth canal, which is the passage through which the baby must travel. Its size and shape are crucial for a successful vaginal delivery.

The fetus and placenta, which must traverse the birth canal during labor. Factors influencing the passenger include fetal head size, presentation, lie, attitude, position, and station.