Stages of Labor and Postpartum Nursing Care

Vocabulary flashcards covering the stages of labor, maternal and fetal monitoring standards, delivery procedures, and postpartal recovery details based on lecture notes.

Latent Phase

The initial phase of Stage 1 labor characterized by cervical dilatation of $0\text{--}3$ cm (or $1\text{--}4$ cm) with mild uterine contractions occurring every $15\text{--}30$ minutes lasting $15\text{--}40$ seconds.

Active Phase

The middle phase of Stage 1 labor where cervical dilatation reaches $4\text{--}7$ cm, featuring moderate-intensity uterine contractions every $3\text{--}5$ minutes lasting $30\text{--}60$ seconds.

Transition Phase

The final and shortest phase of Stage 1 labor with cervical dilatation from $8\text{--}10$ cm, featuring strong uterine contractions every $2\text{--}3$ minutes lasting $45\text{--}90$ seconds.

Surest Sign of True Labor

Progressive cervical dilatation.

Surest Sign of Cervical Dilatation

Bloody show.

Normal Fetal Heart Tone (FHT)

A fetal heart rate between $120$ and $160$\,beats/min.

Fetal Tachycardia

A fetal heart rate increase above $160$\,bpm.

Fetal Bradycardia

A fetal heart rate dropping below $120$\,bpm.

Ritgen's Maneuver

A technique involving forward pressure on the perineum during delivery to assist in controlling the exit of the fetal head.

Episiotomy

A surgical incision of the perineum made to relieve pressure on the fetal head, prevent perineal tearing, and shorten the second stage of labor.

Midline Episiotomy

A surgical incision made straight down toward the rectum that allows faster healing, less pain, and less bleeding, but carries a risk of extending into the anus.

Mediolateral Episiotomy

A surgical incision made at an angle away from the midline that is associated with increased bleeding, longer healing duration, and greater pain.

Birth Process Mechanism

A positive feedback cycle in labor where fetal head pressure stretches the cervix, stimulating stretch receptors to trigger a reflex that produces stronger uterine contractions.

Shultz Mechanism

Placental separation beginning from the center (occurring in about $80\%$ of deliveries) where the shiny fetal side is delivered first.

Duncan Mechanism

Placental separation beginning from the edges (occurring in about $20\%$ of deliveries) where the raw maternal side is delivered first.

Calkins Sign

The change of the uterus into a firm, globular shape indicating that placental separation has occurred.

Controlled Cord Traction (modified Brandt-Andrews method)

A placental expulsion maneuver where the palmar surface of the left hand pushes the uterine body upward and backward above the symphysis pubis while the right hand applies steady downward and backward tension on the umbilical cord clamp.

Active Management of the 3rd Stage of Labor (AMSTL)

A evidence-based bundle comprising oxytocin administration within $2$\,min of delivery, cord clamping within $1\text{--}3$\,min, controlled cord traction with countertraction, and fundal massage.

Stage 3 of Labor

The placental stage, extending from the birth of the baby to the expulsion of the placenta, typically taking $5\text{--}30$\,minutes.

Stage 4 of Labor

The recovery stage covering the first $1\text{--}4$\,hours after placental delivery, during which maternal vital signs, fundal position, and lochia are closely monitored to prevent hemorrhage.

Lochia Rubra

Dark red postpartal discharge occurring during postpartal days $1\text{--}3$, composed of blood, fragments of decidua, and mucus.

Lochia Serosa

Pinkish-brownish postpartal discharge occurring from postpartal days $3\text{--}10$, composed of blood, mucus, and invading leukocytes.

Lochia Alba

Creamy yellow or white postpartal discharge occurring from postpartal days $10\text{--}14$ (and up to $6$\,weeks), consisting largely of mucus with a high leukocyte count.

Puerperium

The six-week period following delivery during which the maternal reproductive organs undergo physical and physiological recovery (involution).