Pregnancy Labor Basics and Braxton Hicks

Study Notes

May become stronger and more frequent as pregnancy progresses
Occur primarily in the abdomen and groin and gradually spread downward
Irregular and can be decreased by walking, voiding, eating, increasing fluid intake, or changing position.
Usually, last about 30 seconds but can persist for as long as 2 minutes
Aid in moving the cervix from a posterior position to an anterior position
Help in ripening and softening the cervix

True labor is characterized by contractions occurring at regular intervals that increase in frequency, duration, and intensity
True labor contractions bring about progressive cervical dilation and effacement
False labor is a condition occurring during the latter weeks of some pregnancies when irregular uterine contractions are felt, but the cervix is not affected

The fetus (with placenta) is the passenger
Important factors include fetal head (size and presence of molding), fetal attitude (degree of body flexion), fetal lie (relationship of body parts), fetal presentation (first body part), fetal position (relationship to maternal pelvis), fetal station, and fetal engagement

Largest fetal structure, making it a vital factor in labor and birth
Bones that make up the face and cranial base are fused and essentially fixed
5 bones make up the rest of the cranium (2 frontal bones, 2 parietal bones, and the occipital bone)
- These are soft and pliable, with gaps between the plates of bone
- The gaps, membranous spaces between cranial bones, are called sutures, and the intersections of these sutures are called fontanelles
  - Sutures are important as they allow cranial bones to overlap in order for the head to adjust in shape (elongate) when pressure is exerted on it by uterine contractions or the maternal bony pelvis
Malleability of the fetal skull may decrease fetal skull dimensions by 0.5 to 1 cm
After birth, the sutures close as the bones grow and the brain reaches its full growth
Newborn may occasionally endure minor physical injury during the childbirth process involving structural or tissue impairment
- Most are temporary and self-limiting with full recovery

Braxton-Hicks contractions are irregular contractions felt in the later stages of pregnancy.
Braxton Hicks contractions are often felt in the abdomen and groin, spreading downward and relaxing.
True labor contractions are felt more commonly in the lower back.
Braxton Hicks contractions aid in preparing the cervix for birth by moving it forward and softening it.
Braxton Hicks contractions can be reduced by walking, voiding, eating, increasing fluid intake, or changing positions.
Braxton Hicks contractions typically last about 30 seconds but can persist for up to 2 minutes.
True labor is characterized by regular contractions that increase in frequency, duration, and intensity.
True labor causes progressive cervical dilation and effacement.
If contractions last longer than 30 seconds and occur more than 4-6 times an hour, seek medical evaluation to rule out preterm labor.

The fetus, along with the placenta, is considered the passenger in childbirth.
The size and shape of the fetal head, fetal attitude, fetal lie, fetal presentation, fetal position, fetal station, and engagement all impact the birthing process.
The fetal head is the largest structure and is composed of five bones: two frontal, two parietal, and the occipital.
Sutures are the gaps between the cranial bones, allowing for molding during birth.
Fontanelles are the intersections of these sutures.
The sutures allow the head to mold during childbirth, adapting to the pressure of the uterus and pelvis.
Molding is the change in shape of the fetal skull during labor, which can shorten some diameters and lengthen others.
This molding can reduce fetal skull dimensions by 0.5 to 1 cm.
After birth, the sutures close as the brain reaches full growth.
Newborn injuries can occur during childbirth, but most of these are temporary with full recovery.