24 Questions
What physiological change occurs as the fetus descends further into the vagina during the expulsive phase of labor?
Pressure from the presenting part stimulates the Ferguson reflex, leading to the urge to push.
What is a characteristic of contractions during the second stage of labor?
They become stronger and longer but less frequent, allowing rest periods for both mother and fetus.
What is a common emotional response during the transition phase of labor?
Fearfulness, loss of control, and a belief that she cannot carry on.
What is the role of uterine retraction during labor?
It aids in the descent of the fetus through the birth canal.
What is the approximate dilation of the cervix during the transition phase of labor?
Between 7 and 9 cm.
What muscles aid in the propulsion of the baby downward during the second stage of labor?
Abdominal muscles and diaphragm.
What is a physical response of the perineum during the expulsive phase of labor?
It bulges and is stretched thin as it is distended by the descending fetus.
What is the frequency and duration of contractions during labor?
They occur every 2-3 minutes, with an amplitude of 60-80 mmHg, and last 60-70 seconds.
What is the anatomical definition of the second stage of labor?
The period from full dilatation of the os uteri to the birth of the baby.
What is characterized by distinctive physiological changes during the transition phase of labor?
Women typically start feeling an urge to bear down.
During which phase of the second stage of labor does the baby's head descend into the birth canal through the pelvis?
Propulsive (Passive descent) phase.
What happens during the expulsive phase of the second stage of labor?
The woman actively pushes with contractions to help expel the baby from the birth canal.
What are some factors that can influence the duration of the second stage of labor?
The position of the baby, the strength and frequency of contractions, and the mother's pelvic anatomy.
What typically happens to the cervix at the beginning of the second stage of labor?
It is fully dilated, typically around 10 centimeters.
What is the significance of the transition phase in the second stage of labor?
It is characterized by distinctive physiological changes and marks the beginning of the woman's urge to bear down.
What is the role of contractions during the expulsive phase of the second stage of labor?
The woman actively pushes with contractions to help expel the baby from the birth canal.
What is the mechanism of labor, and what is the most common presentation and position at the onset of labor?
The mechanism of labor is the series of movements that occur on the head in the process of adaptation, during its journey through the pelvis. The most common presentation is the vertex, and the most common position is either left or right occipito anterior.
What happens to the perineum and vulval opening during contractions?
During contractions, the perineum distends further, and the vulval opening becomes circular.
What is a sign that the baby is about to be born?
Crowning is a sign that the baby is about to be born.
What happens to the fetal heart rate during contractions?
The fetal heart rate slows down during contractions, but returns to normal before the next contraction.
What is engagement, and when does it typically occur in nulliparous pregnancies?
Engagement occurs when the bi-parietal diameter of the head passes the pelvic inlet. In nulliparous pregnancies, this typically occurs before the onset of active labor.
What is a common feature of maternal exhaustion during labor?
A common feature of maternal exhaustion during labor is slowed down respiration with increased perspiration.
What occurs after the baby's birth, often accompanied by a gush of liquor?
The mother heaves a sigh of relief after the baby's birth, often accompanied by a gush of liquor, which may be tinged with blood.
What is the continuous process that occurs throughout labor until the head is born?
Descent is the continuous process that occurs throughout labor until the head is born.
Study Notes
Signs of Progress
- Loss of control, belief that she cannot carry on, fearfulness, disorientation, nausea, demands for pain relief, need to shout and scream, slowing of contractions, and dozes are signs of transition.
- Vaginal examination typically reveals dilation between 7 and 9 cm.
Expulsive Phase
- The strength and consistency of the pushing urge varies in intensity, becoming more consistent over time.
- The woman usually makes a characteristic grunting noise at the height of the contraction.
- She may feel that her bowels are emptying.
- The perineum bulges and is stretched thin as it is distended by the descending fetus.
- The anus initially pouts and then dilates with contractions.
Physiology of the Second Stage of Labor
- Contractions occur every 2-3 minutes with an amplitude of 60-80 mmHg and last 60-70 seconds.
- Contractions, along with uterine retraction, aid in the descent of the fetus through the birth canal.
- Fetal axis pressure is exerted as the uterus contracts, aiding in the descent of the fetus.
- Pressure from the presenting part stimulates the Ferguson reflex, leading to the urge to push.
Secondary Powers
- Maternal pushing, aided by the secondary powers of expulsion (abdominal muscles and diaphragm), helps propel the baby downward.
Introduction
- The anatomical second stage of labor begins when the cervix is fully dilated (typically around 10 centimeters) and ends with the birth of the baby.
- The second stage is often divided into two parts: propulsive (passive descent phase) and expulsive (active pushing phase).
Second Stage Definition
- The second stage of labor is the phase of childbirth that begins when the cervix is fully dilated and ends with the birth of the baby.
- The length of the second stage of labor can vary widely from woman to woman and even from one pregnancy to another.
Mechanism of Labor
- The mechanism of labor refers to the series of movements that occur on the head during its journey through the pelvis.
- The most common presentation is the vertex, and the most common position is either left or right occipito anterior.
- Engagement occurs when the bi-parietal diameter of the head passes the pelvic inlet.
- Descent of the head occurs following engagement, and it is a continuous process occurring throughout labor till the head is born.
This quiz covers the signs of progress during the transition phase of labor, including physical and emotional changes a woman may experience. It also discusses vaginal examination results during this phase.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
