ASSESSING FETAL HEART BEAT, Perineal Care, Labor, Maternal care

Fetal Position

The positioning of the body of a prenatal fetus, characterized by a curved back, bowed head, and bent limbs.

Fetal Attitude

Describes the relationship of fetus' body parts to one another, typically with the head tucked down to the chest and limbs drawn in.

Fetal Lie

The relation of the fetus to the long axis of the uterus; can be longitudinal, oblique, or transverse.

Normal fetal lie

Longitudinal; normal presentation is vertex, with occiput anterior being the most common.

Locating Fetal Heart Tone (FHT)

Best transmitted through the convex portion of a fetus, typically the fetal back.

Vertex Presentation

Best heard through the top of the uterus.

Breech Presentation

Best heard high in the uterus or at the umbilicus.

Cephalic Presentation

Heard loudest low in the abdomen.

ROA Position

Right occiput anterior position, heard in the right lower quadrant.

LOA Position

Left occiput anterior position, heard in the left lower quadrant.

FHT Normal Rate

The normal fetal heart rate should be 120-160 beats per minute throughout pregnancy.

Ultrasonic Doppler

Technique used to hear fetal heart sounds as early as the 10th to 11th week of pregnancy.

Nonstress Test (NST)

Measures fetal heart rate and response to movement in the third trimester to assess fetal well-being.

Increment Phase of Contraction

When the intensity of a contraction increases.

Acme Phase of Contraction

When the contraction is at its strongest.

Decrement Phase of Contraction

When the intensity of the contraction decreases.

Frequency of Contractions

Time from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next.

Duration of Contractions

Time from the beginning of one contraction to the end of the same contraction.

Interval of Contractions

Period of relaxation; time from end of one contraction to the beginning of the next.

False Labor Contractions

Irregular contractions that do not achieve cervical dilatation.

True Labor Contractions

Regular contractions that increase duration, frequency, and intensity, achieving cervical dilatation.

First Stage of Labor

Onset of true labor pains to full dilatation of the cervix, including latent, active, and transition phases.

Second Stage of Labor

Pushing stage from full dilatation of the cervix to the delivery of the baby.

5 P's of Labor

Passage, Passenger, Position, Psyche, and Power.

Engagement Mechanism of Labor

Occurs when the widest part of the fetal head enters and descends into the pelvic inlet.

Descent Mechanism of Labor

Downward movement of the fetal head through the pelvis.

Flexion Mechanism of Labor

Bending of the fetal head to reduce the diameter that needs to pass through the pelvis.

Internal Rotation Mechanism of Labor

Turning of the fetal head to align with the pelvic outlet.

Extension Mechanism of Labor

Occurs as the fetal head reaches the perineum, pivoting under the pubic bone.

Restitution (External Rotation)

The fetal head rotates back to the original position after being delivered.

Expulsion Mechanism of Labor

Delivery of the rest of the fetal body following the head.

Third Stage of Labor

Begins with birth and ends with delivery of the placenta, including placental separation and expulsion.

Fourth Stage of Labor

Puerperial stage; 4 hours after birth, focusing on postpartum observation for complications.

Assessing Fetal Well-Being

Normal FHT should occur 10-12 times per hour; less than 5 times may indicate distress.

Perineal Care Purpose

To clean vaginal or rectal secretions and prepare a clean environment for birth.

Proper Positioning for Birth

Includes lithotomy, lateral or Sims’ position, and dorsal recumbent position.