birth- exam 1

Second Stage of Labor

10 cm → birth; begins at complete dilation. Descent + urge to push increase; continue maternal/fetal assessment and support position, coping, and effective pushing.

Positioning During Birth

Upright = comfort + progress; side-lying = rest + perfusion; squatting = pelvic dimensions; hands-and-knees = comfort + rotation. Choice depends on comfort, safety, and maternal-fetal assessment.

Preparing for Birth

Client = position, coping, informed support. Environment = privacy, safety, equipment readiness. Team = roles, communication, newborn readiness. Surveillance = continue maternal + fetal cues.

Birth Settings

Hospital = broad obstetric/anesthesia/operative/newborn resources. Birth center = selected low-risk patients + established transfer plan. Home birth = qualified care, careful selection + escalation plan. Safest setting fits patient risk/resources.

Third Stage of Labor

Birth → placenta; placental separation + delivery. Assist with delivery/uterotonic medication as ordered; inspect placenta + membranes for completeness; then monitor uterine tone + bleeding.

Priority Shift During Birth

Stage 2 = descent + fetal tolerance; Stage 3 = placenta + bleeding; Stage 4 = stability + hemorrhage surveillance; postpartum = recovery + complication prevention.

Fourth Stage of Labor

Immediate recovery/maternal stabilization. Assess stability (VS/overall status), uterus + bleeding (fundus/lochia/clots), bladder + perineum (position/trauma/pain), and bonding + support.

Stage 4 Assessment

Fundal tone, bladder status, and bleeding are interpreted together; maternal assessment and bonding occur together.