Psychology of Childbirth Midterm 2 Review

These flashcards cover key concepts from the Psychology of Childbirth course, addressing newborn assessments, medical interventions, cultural implications, and historical contexts related to childbirth.

Babies are sensitive to pain than adults.

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What does the Vitamin K injection prevent in newborns?

Potential bleeding in the baby.

Why might babies have low levels of Vitamin K at birth?

Some Vitamin K comes from the placenta, but not enough is provided.

What antibiotic is used to prevent infections in newborns during delivery?

Erythromycin ointment.

What condition is less common and screened for, making erythromycin administration outdated?

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.

What are the two types of reactions that determine internal reactions?

Intuitive valuation and deliberate evaluation.

What is key about intuitive valuation?

It is a fast, knee-jerk reaction.

What is implicit knowledge?

Knowledge we are not aware of; 'unconscious' knowledge.

What type of memory influences our intuitive judgments?

Associative memory.

Define intuitive valuation in the context of memory.

It's an automatic, fast, and emotional response.

How does deliberate reasoning differ from intuitive valuation?

Deliberate reasoning is slow, effortful, and rule-governed.

Perceptions of risk (danger/safety) are often and culturally influenced.

socially constructed

What historical event aimed at indigenous communities is known as the Sixties Scoop?

The removal of tens of thousands of indigenous kids from families into foster care.

What percentage of BC’s indigenous foster children was there in the 1960s?

34%.

What is the main issue with the birth alerts issued to high-risk pregnant people?

Inconsistent and disproportionate use on indigenous and marginalized communities.

What did the National Inquiry into MMIWG recommend regarding birth alerts?

The abolishment of birth alerts for indigenous mothers.

What do indigenous midwives focus on in childbirth?

They emphasize birth as a normal, sacred event rather than an illness.

What impact have forced birth evacuations had on indigenous communities?

They have led to the erasure of indigenous birth knowledge and midwifery.

How has the c-section rate changed in the Nunavik region since mid-1980s?

C-section rate is now 2-3%.

Define term pregnancy according to the lecture notes.

Term pregnancy is between 37 and 42 weeks.

What do current medical guidelines recommend at 41 weeks of pregnancy?

Induction of labor to decrease perinatal mortality.

What is membrane sweeping intended to do?

To cause the release of endogenous prostaglandins and initiate labor.

What are the average effects of membrane sweeping?

May decrease length of pregnancy by 1-4 days.

What is the most commonly used method for induction of labor?

Artificial oxytocin (Pitocin) via IV drip.

What is the risk of stillbirth related to induction timing?

Risks increase after 41 weeks.

What does the umbilical cord do during childbirth?

It connects the baby to the placenta, supplying blood and oxygen.

What are potential benefits of delayed cord clamping?

Increased blood volume and fewer infants iron deficient.

What historical practice did midwives follow regarding cord cutting?

They would wait until the cord stops pulsating before cutting.

What was discovered about immediate cord clamping in the late 1700s?

It has no real justification other than custom.

What is the standard of care in obstetrics?

Practicing within established guidelines to avoid litigation.

What does active management of the third stage of labor include?

Administration of a prophylactic uterotonic drug, cord clamping, and controlled traction.

What is WHO’s guideline on cord clamping?

Delay clamping for 1-3 minutes.

What is the average time it takes for scientific research to influence medical practice?

17 years for only 14% of new discoveries to be implemented.

Who is Archie Cochrane?

A doctor who advocated for the use of randomized control trials in medicine.

What is a common allegation in obstetric claims?

Neurologically impaired infant.

Approximately of lawsuits are settled out of court.

75%

How do medico-legal pressures affect obstetricians?

They often impact their thinking and actions continuously.

How is a fetus legally recognized before birth?

As a separate entity for certain purposes in healthcare.

What did a BC Supreme Court ruling address regarding the duty of care?

Medical providers owe a duty of care to both the mother and the fetus.

What was the outcome of the Georgia case concerning a cesarean section?

The mother delivered a healthy baby without surgical intervention.

How does ultrasound technology work?

Uses soundwaves to create images by reflecting back to a probe.

What issue might arise from the use of ultrasound?

It can produce false positives or misses in diagnoses.

What is the average duration of human pregnancy according to the notes?

280 days or 40 weeks.

Define pre-term pregnancy.

Pregnancy before full 37 weeks.

What is post-term pregnancy?

Pregnancy after 42 weeks.

Why might some women have induced labor?

To avoid the risks associated with prolonged pregnancy.

What role does Associative memory play in judgments?

It helps inform our intuitive judgments based on past experiences.

Midwives historically supported childbirth practices.

Indigenous

What is the purpose of heel lancing in newborns?

To test for genetic disorders.

How did the removal of indigenous children affect communities?

Led to trauma and loss of culture and family.

What percentage of indigenous women make up the female homeless population in DTES?

45%.

What role do birth alerts play in child welfare?

Notifications for high-risk pregnancies to alert welfare authorities.

1800s maternal advice manuals influenced pregnancy perceptions by orchestrating and expectations.

timelines

What medical procedure is a form of intervention concerning childbirth practices?

Induction of labor with synthetic oxytocin.

Explain the term 'C-sections rate' in the context of Nunavik.

2-3% C-section rate indicates low surgical birth interventions.

What is meant by 'cultural erasure' in terms of childbirth?

Loss of indigenous birthing practices and knowledge due to forced evacuations.

What does 'delayed cord clamping' potentially improve for infants?

Greater blood volume and reduced iron deficiency in the newborn.

How should the evidence-practice gap in healthcare be addressed?

By increasing the speed and efficiency of incorporating new evidence into practice.

What is a common intervention in active management of third stage labor?

Administration of a uterotonic drug to mitigate postpartum hemorrhage.

What does the term 'indigenous midwifery' encompass?

Culturally relevant practices supporting indigenous families during childbirth.