Physiology of Normal Labor and Delivery

Questions and Answers

Define normal labor according to the given text.

Normal labor is the expulsion of a mature viable fetus, presenting by vertex through the birth canal, spontaneously within a reasonable time (24 hours) without interference and without fetal or maternal complications.

When does normal labor start according to the given text?

Normal labor starts when premonitory signs of labor are observed and progresses through the stages of labor.

List and describe the stages of labor as mentioned in the text.

The stages of labor include the first stage (dilation and effacement of the cervix), the second stage (pushing and delivery of the baby), and the third stage (delivery of the placenta). Each stage has specific signs and symptoms.

What are the signs and symptoms of the stages of labor according to the given text?

<p>The first stage includes regular contractions and cervical dilation. The second stage includes strong contractions, urge to push, and the baby's descent. The third stage involves the delivery of the placenta.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the mechanism of labor based on the text.

<p>The mechanism of labor involves the process of cervical dilation and effacement during the first stage, followed by descent and delivery of the baby in the second stage, and the delivery of the placenta in the third stage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Normal Labor

Normal labor is a process by which the uterus contracts to push the fetus out of the birth canal.
It typically starts when the cervix is fully effaced and dilated to 10 cm.

Stages of Labor

Stage 1: Early Labor
- Begins when the cervix starts to dilate and efface
- Lasts for several hours or days
- Contractions are mild and irregular
Stage 2: Active Labor
- Cervix dilates from 4-7 cm to 10 cm
- Contractions are stronger and more frequent
- Lasts around 4-8 hours for first-time mothers and 2-4 hours for subsequent pregnancies
Stage 3: Transition
- Cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm
- Contractions are very strong and frequent
- Lasts around 30 minutes to 1 hour
Stage 4: Pushing
- Fetus is pushed out of the birth canal
- Lasts around 1-2 hours for first-time mothers and 30 minutes to 1 hour for subsequent pregnancies

Signs and Symptoms of Labor

Early Labor
- Mild contractions
- Pelvic pressure
- Backache
- Bloody show
- Nausea and vomiting
Active Labor
- Stronger contractions
- Increased pelvic pressure
- Increased backache
Transition
- Very strong contractions
- Feeling of rectal pressure
- Feeling of needing to have a bowel movement
Pushing
- Feeling of relief after delivery