Week 4A Stages of Labour and Care Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for reviewing the stages of labour and related concepts.

Intrapartum period

The end of the antenatal period (pregnancy) and begins with the onset of labour and ends with the birth of the baby and the placenta.

First Stage of Labour

The physiologic process marked by the onset of uterine contractions resulting in progressive effacement and dilatation of the cervix to full dilation - 10 cm (also referred to as fully dilated).

Latent Phase

Begins with the first contraction up until the cervix is 4 cm dilated, or until contractions become regular and painful, and are approximately 1-2 minutes apart.

Active Phase

This stage is from 4 cm - 10cm dilated with more rapid dilation of the cervix, more frequent, coordinate, stronger contractions and a progressive descent of the presenting part into the pelvis.

Second Stage of Labour

The period from the end of first stage of labour where full dilatation of the cervix (10cms) is confirmed until birth of the baby.

Third Stage of Labour

Includes the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, the expulsion of the placenta and membranes from the uterus and vagina.

The Golden Hour (Fourth Stage)

The first hour (or two) after birth, vital for the health of the woman and the baby.

Passage (5 P’s)

Pelvis & other soft tissue; shape of the pelvis - gynaecoid (most favourable for birth), android, anthropoid or playtypelloid. The resistance caused by the soft tissue including: pelvic floor and perineum the birth passage e.g. uterus, vagina, cervix

Passenger (5 P’s)

Factors about the baby that can influence the progress of labour including the Position, Engagement, Lie, Attitude, Presentation, Presenting part, Size of the baby

Powers (5 P’s)

During active labour contractions come in rhythmic, regular waves, Primary uterine contractions occur in first stage. Secondary maternal effort or pushing occurs in second stage.

Psyche (5 P’s)

The woman's feelings towards labour can impact upon the progress of labour e.g. fear, anxiety, previous experience. This can also be influenced by her culture and expectations.

Problems (5 P’s)

Includes any physical, emotional or psychological stress that can cause disruption to the normal process. Anything that inhibits the natural production of oxytocin.

Effacement

The process of thinning (decreasing thickness) that the cervix undergoes before and during labour.

Dilation

The degree of opening of the cervical os.

Sterile Water Injections

Beneficial for reducing severe back pain in labour often associated with posterior position of the baby.

Partogram

In labour, observations and progress are documented on a…