Maternity Unit #2: Labor Pain, Anesthesia, and Childbirth Methods

This flashcard set covers the factors influencing labor pain, methods of childbirth preparation, anesthetics, and the components and phases of the birth process.

Pain threshold

Also known as pain perception, it is the least amount of sensation that someone perceives as painful.

Pain Tolerance

The amount of pain one is willing to endure.

Gate Control Theory

A theory explaining how pain impulses reach the brain for interpretation, supporting nonpharmacological methods of pain control by "opening" or "closing" the gate.

Endorphins

Natural morphine-like substances released during labor.

Narcotic (opioid) analgesics

Pain relief medications such as demerolate and fetanyl that should be avoided if birth is anticipated within 1 hour.

Narcan

A narcotic antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioids.

General Anesthesia adverse effects (Neonate)

Respiratory depression that may necessitate aggressive resuscitation.

Dick-Read Method

A method of childbirth preparation based on the idea that fear and tension cause pain, using relaxation to stop the cycle.

Bradley Method

Originally called "husband-coached childbirth," it was the first method to include the father and allows for slow abdominal breathing and relaxation.

Lamaze Method

A psychoprophylactic method of childbirth preparation that uses mental conditioning and breathing to occupy the patient's mind.

Effleurage

A technique that involves stroking the abdomen in circular movements during contractions to stimulate large-diameter nerve fibers and block painful stimuli.

Sacral Pressure

Firm pressure applied against the lower back to help relieve the pain of back labor.

Powers

One of the 4 "P's" of the birth process that influences labor and causes the cervix to dilate.

Passage

One of the 4 "P's" of the birth process referring to the patient's pelvis and soft tissue.

Passenger

One of the 4 "P's" of the birth process consisting of the fetus, placenta, amniotic membrane, and fluid.

Psyche

One of the 4 "P's" of the birth process referring to the patient's entire being.

Dilate

The opening effect of uterine contractions on the cervix.

Efface

The thinning effect of uterine contractions on the cervix.

Increment

The phase of a contraction characterized by a period of increasing strength.

Peak

The phase of a contraction characterized by the period of greatest strength.

Decrement

The phase of a contraction characterized by a period of decreasing strength.