70 Questions
Which of the following is true about the cervix during labor?
The cervix softens, shortens, and dilates during labor
What brings about contractions in the myometrial cells of the uterus?
Increased intracellular calcium
What causes the maternal urge to push during labor?
Stretching of the cervix
During labor, uterine contractions occur at intervals of 2-4 minutes and are described in terms of the frequency within a 10-minute period. What is the frequency of contractions in advanced labor?
3 in 10
What is the average duration of a first labor?
8 hours
What causes cervical softening or 'ripening' during pregnancy?
Replacement of dermatan sulphate by hyaluronic acid
What hormone maintains uterine relaxation by suppressing prostaglandin production and preventing oxytocin release?
Progesterone
Which of the following statements about the postnatal cervix is true?
The external os remains open permanently
Which of the following best describes the progression of lochia after delivery?
Lochia rubra (red) in the first week, lochia serosa (serous) in the second week, and lochia alba (yellow-white) for about 1 month
What does persistent red lochia suggest?
Delayed involution associated with infection
During the second stage of labor, the 'passive phase' refers to
The time between full dilatation and the onset of involuntary expulsive contractions.
In a normal labor, the second stage is often diagnosed when
The maternal urge to push prompts a vaginal examination.
How long should a normal active second stage last in a nulliparous woman?
No longer than 2 hours.
What is the definition of prolonged labor?
Labor lasting longer than 12 hours in nulliparous women and 8 hours in multiparous women.
What is the process called when the uterine smooth muscle cells progressively shorten and the lower segment of the uterus becomes thinner and more stretched?
Retraction
What is the role of prostaglandins and oxytocin in the uterus during labor?
Increase intracellular calcium ions
What is the main cause of the maternal urge to push during labor?
Pressure of the presenting part on the pelvic floor muscles
What is the purpose of assessing the postnatal cervix?
To diagnose retained products of conception
What is the composition of lochia during the first few days after delivery?
Red and blood-stained
What does persistent red lochia suggest?
Delayed involution
What is the average duration of the second stage of labor in nulliparous women?
2 hours
What is the recommended duration of the passive second stage of labor?
1 hour
What is the definition of precipitous labor?
Expulsion of the fetus within less than 3 hours of the onset of regular contractions
What is the duration of the puerperium period?
6 weeks
Which of the following is true about the role of prostaglandins in the uterus during labor?
Prostaglandins increase the concentration of estrogen in the myometrial cells.
What is the purpose of a cardiotocograph (CTG) during labor?
To monitor the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions.
What is the role of progesterone in maintaining uterine relaxation during pregnancy?
Progesterone suppresses the production of prostaglandins, preventing uterine contractions.
What is the purpose of vaginal examinations in diagnosing labor?
To measure the effacement and dilatation of the cervix.
Which layer of the decidua is involved in the regeneration of new endometrium after delivery?
Basal layer
What is the color of lochia during the second week after delivery?
Serous
What is the characteristic shape of the parous cervix after delivery?
Conical
Which of the following hormones increases intracellular free calcium ions in the myometrial cells of the uterus during labor?
Oxytocin
What is the process called when the uterine smooth muscle cells progressively shorten and the lower segment of the uterus becomes thinner and more stretched during labor?
Retraction
What is the main cause of the maternal urge to push during labor?
Pressure of the presenting part on the pelvic floor muscles
During the second stage of labor, the 'active second stage' is characterized by
The fetal head being low and visible
What is the recommended duration of the passive second stage of labor?
1-2 hours
What is the definition of precipitous labor?
Expulsion of the fetus within less than 3 hours of the onset of regular contractions
What is the duration of the puerperium period?
6 weeks
Which of the following is true about the role of progesterone in maintaining uterine relaxation during pregnancy?
Progesterone inhibits prostaglandin production, leading to uterine relaxation.
What is the definition of precipitous labor?
A labor that lasts less than 8 hours in nulliparous women.
What is the purpose of assessing the postnatal cervix?
To monitor the progress of cervical effacement and dilatation during labor.
What is the composition of lochia during the first few days after delivery?
Mainly blood and mucus.
Which of the following best describes the changes in the cervix after delivery?
The cervix becomes flabby and may have small lacerations
What is the characteristic shape of the cervix after delivery?
Open and funnel-shaped
What is the composition of lochia during the second week after delivery?
Serous
During labor, what brings about contractions in the myometrial cells of the uterus?
Oxytocin
What is the purpose of assessing the postnatal cervix?
To assess the recovery of the cervix after delivery
What causes cervical softening or 'ripening' during pregnancy?
Estrogen
During labor, uterine contractions occur at intervals of 2-4 minutes and are described in terms of the frequency within a 10-minute period. What is the frequency of contractions in advanced labor?
3 in 10
What is the average duration of a first labor?
8 hours
What is the characteristic shape of the parous cervix after delivery?
Soft and open
What is the purpose of a cardiotocograph (CTG) during labor?
To monitor fetal heart rate
What is the average duration of the second stage of labor in multiparous women?
2 hours
What is the recommended duration of the passive second stage of labor?
30 minutes
What is the definition of prolonged labor in nulliparous women?
Labor lasting more than 12 hours
What is the definition of precipitous labor?
Expulsion of the fetus within less than 3 hours of the onset of regular contractions
Which of the following best describes the color of lochia during the second week after delivery?
Pink
What is the characteristic shape of the cervix after delivery?
Funnel-shaped
What does persistent red lochia suggest?
Delayed involution
What brings about contractions in the myometrial cells of the uterus?
Oxytocin
What is the purpose of vaginal examinations in diagnosing labor?
To assess the dilation of the cervix
What causes cervical softening or 'ripening' during pregnancy?
Decreased blood flow to the cervix
What is the average duration of a first labor?
8 hours
What is the composition of lochia during the first few days after delivery?
Thick and dark red
Which of the following hormones increases intracellular free calcium ions in the myometrial cells of the uterus during labor?
Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH)
What is the purpose of a cardiotocograph (CTG) during labor?
To monitor fetal heart rate and uterine contractions
During the second stage of labor, the 'passive phase' refers to
The time between full dilatation and the onset of involuntary expulsive contractions
Which of the following best describes the changes in the cervix after delivery?
The cervix becomes shorter and incorporated into the lower segment of the uterus after delivery
What is the average duration of the second stage of labor in nulliparous women?
2 hours
What is the purpose of assessing the postnatal cervix?
To monitor uterine involution
Study Notes
Labor and Delivery
- During labor, uterine contractions occur at intervals of 2-4 minutes and are described in terms of the frequency within a 10-minute period.
- The frequency of contractions in advanced labor is 3-4 contractions per 10 minutes.
- The average duration of a first labor is 12-24 hours.
- Cervical softening or 'ripening' during pregnancy is caused by prostaglandins and estrogen.
Cervix During Labor
- During labor, the cervix undergoes significant changes, including softening, effacement, and dilatation.
- The cervix is fully dilated at 10 cm.
Maternal Urge to Push
- The maternal urge to push during labor is caused by pressure on the rectum and pelvic floor.
Post-Natal Cervix
- After delivery, the cervix returns to its normal size, but remains slightly larger than its pre-pregnancy size.
- The characteristic shape of the parous cervix after delivery is more flare-shaped.
- The purpose of assessing the postnatal cervix is to check for any abnormalities or trauma.
Lochia
- Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after delivery.
- During the first few days after delivery, lochia is red and consists of blood and decidua.
- During the second week after delivery, lochia becomes serous and yellowish.
- Persistent red lochia suggests abnormal bleeding.
Uterine Relaxation and Contraction
- Progesterone maintains uterine relaxation by suppressing prostaglandin production and preventing oxytocin release.
- Oxytocin and prostaglandins stimulate uterine contractions during labor.
- The role of prostaglandins and oxytocin in the uterus during labor is to stimulate contractions.
Labor Stages
- The second stage of labor, also known as the active second stage, is characterized by active pushing and is typically shorter in multiparous women.
- The passive second stage of labor, also known as the latent phase, typically lasts up to 2 hours.
- Prolonged labor is defined as a labor lasting more than 24 hours in nulliparous women.
- Precipitous labor is defined as a labor lasting less than 3 hours.
Cardiotocography (CTG)
- The purpose of a cardiotocograph (CTG) during labor is to monitor fetal heart rate and detect any abnormalities.
Uterine Changes During Labor
- The process called "effacement" occurs when the uterine smooth muscle cells progressively shorten and the lower segment of the uterus becomes thinner and more stretched.
- Effacement increases the diameter of the birth canal, allowing the fetus to pass through.
Puerperium Period
- The duration of the puerperium period is 6-8 weeks after delivery.
Test your knowledge on the stages of labor with this quiz! Learn about effacement, dilatation, and the second stage of labor. Challenge yourself to see how well you understand the process of childbirth.
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