Obstetric Anatomy and Maternal Well-being

Obstetric Anatomy

• This module covers the bony structures important for pregnant women and their unborn babies.
• Bones function to support the body and act as attachment points for muscles.
• The female pelvis supports the pregnant uterus and fetal skull during childbirth.

Conceptual Framework

• A framework for understanding factors affecting a pregnant mother's well-being.
• High levels of wellness are achieved through regular prenatal check-ups, exercise, healthy eating, a supportive environment, and good psychological development.
• Unhealthy habits, stress, and poor diet during pregnancy can negatively impact the mother's and the baby's well-being.

Premature Death

• Unhealthy behaviours during pregnancy (smoking, drinking, etc.) negatively impact a mother's psychological well-being and can lead to complications like gestational diabetes.
• Stress and poor diet during pregnancy can also cause signs and symptoms of disability.
• Untreated problems can lead to premature death of both mother and baby.

Labor

• Labor is a series of uterine contractions that expel the fetus and placenta from the uterus.
• It includes the process of delivering the baby, placenta, membranes, and umbilical cord.
• Labor is divided into stages, with the first stage focusing on cervix dilation.

First Stage of Labor

• The cervix progressively dilates, fully to 10 centimeters or 2 inches.
• This stage is divided into latent phase and active phase.
• The latent phase is the initial stage of labor. The active phase has more intense contractions.

Theories of Labor

• Labor typically begins between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy.
• Premature labor occurs before fetal maturity.
• Post-term labor occurs after the optimal time for birth, meaning a later-than-expected delivery.

Four Components of Labor

• Passage: The maternal pelvis. A proper passage is crucial for normal labor.
• Passenger: The fetus. The fetus must be able to pass through the bony pelvis.
• Powers: The forces of uterine contractions and abdominal pressure.
• Psyche: The mother's psychological state and her prior experience can influence the delivery process.

Pelvis

• The bony pelvis forms a ring comprised of two innominate bones, the coccyx, and the sacrum.
• Pelvis is divided into false pelvis and true pelvis. The true pelvis is the area the fetus travels through during labor.
• Types of Pelvis: Gynecoid, Android, Anthropoid, and Platypelloid. Each has particular dimensions that affect the normal development of labor.

Pelvic Joints

• Symphysis pubis
• Sacroiliac joints (R & L)
• Sacrococcygeal joints
• Allow the pelvis to adapt to the passing of the fetus and childbirth

Pelvic Divisions

• False Pelvis: located in the superior part of the pelvis, supports organs located above the pelvic inlet
• True Pelvis: located in the inferior part, forms the canal that the fetus passes through during labor and delivery

Pelvic Inlet and Outlet

• Pelvic inlet: Superior opening of the true pelvis.
• Pelvic outlet: Inferior opening of the true pelvis.

Pelvic Diameters

• Key measurements of the bony pelvis for assessing birthing potential.
• Anteroposterior, Transverse, and Oblique diameters are measured.

Different Pelvic Types

• Gynecoid - The most common and ideal type.
• Android - Typically found in males. Narrow pelvic dimensions.
• Anthropoid - Oval-shaped pelvis with a narrower anterior-posterior dimension and a wider transverse dimension.
• Platypelloid - Flattened pelvis, associated with higher likelihood of obstructed labor.

Fetal Skull

• The fetal skull is compressible and made of flexible bones allowing it to adapt during passage.
• Sutures: Immovable joints between skull bones. Aided by flexible fontanelles (soft spot) to mold during delivery.

Fetal Attitude

• Describing the degree of flexion of the fetal head, and its relationship to the fetal body.
• Complete flexion: Chin is at the chest.
• Moderate flexion: chin is not touching the chest
• Poor flexion: Head is hyperextended

Fetal Lie

• Describes the relationship between the long axis of the fetus and the long axis of the mother.
• Longitudinal: The top of the fetus is aligned above the top of the mother.
• Transverse: The top of the fetus is aligned to the side of the mother.

Fetal Presentation

• Fetal Part presenting first for delivery.
• Cephalic- head presents (vertex: crown presentation; face - chin)
• Breech- buttocks or feet present first
• Shoulder Presentation

Cardinal Movements

• A series of movements that the fetus takes during the labor process, aiding in descent. These movements are:
• Engagement
• Descent
• Flexion
• Internal rotation
• Extension
• External rotation
• Expulsion.

Psyche

• Psychological state of the mother that can influence the labor process.
• It can be based on past experiences or her current emotional state.

Leopold's Maneuver

• A systematic method of palpating the woman's abdomen to determine fetal presentation, position, and lie. This is a key assessment in labor.

Explore essential concepts related to obstetric anatomy and its significance for pregnant women and their unborn babies. This quiz will cover the impact of lifestyle choices on maternal and fetal health, focusing on the importance of prenatal care, nutrition, and psychological well-being during pregnancy.