Giving Birth

are labor contractions continuous or intermittent

intermittent, allowing capillary diffusion between mom and baby inbetween

what causes cervical effacement and dilation

upper uterus contraction as it pushes fetus down

what are the four things to look for regarding contractions

duration

frequency

strength

interval

primigravida

a woman who is pregnant for the first time.

multigravida

a woman who has been pregnant more than once.

in a primigravida what does the cervix look like

long, thick and closed

what are the important parts of the fetal response in the birth process

placental circulation

cardiovascular system

pulmonary system

what occurs in the fetal pulmonary system

fetal lung fluid production decreases

absorption into lung tissue increases during late pregnancy and labor

what aids in the expulsion of additional fluid

thoracic compression

what are the components of the birthing process

powers

passage

passenger

psyche

natural mechanisms of labor favor efficient passage of the fetus through the mothers pelvis

passage

presentation and position further describe the relation of the fetus to the maternal pelvis

passenger

what are the two powers of labor

uterine contractions

maternal pushing efforts

uterine contractions are the primary force moving the fetus through the maternal pelvis

first phase of labor (onset through dilation)

the woman uses her voluntary pushing efforts to propel the fetus through the pelvis

second phase of labor (dilation through birth)

the passage of birth of the fetus consists of

maternal pelvis and its soft tissues

what are the most important parts to look for regarding the passenger

fetal head

fetal lie

attitude

presentation (cephalic/breech)

position

the fetus can lie

longitudinal

transverse

degree of flexion of the head

attitude

what are the types of cephalic presentation

vertex

military

brow

face

complete flexion

vertex presentation

moderate flexion

military presentation

poor flexion (extension)

brow presentation

full extension

face presentation

what is the biggest risk associated with breech

the cord can slip out first

what are the different types of breech positions

frank breech

full breech

single-footing breech

what decreases a woman’s ability to cope with labor pain

marked anxiety, fear, fatigue

what is secreted in response to anxiety or fear

maternal catecholamines

inhibits uterine contractility and placental blood flow

maternal catecholamines

what are the theories of onset in normal labor

maternal estrogen change

prostaglandin secretion

inc oxytocin secretion + receptor increase

fetal role

stretching/pressure/irritation

what are the pre-monitory signs of labor

braxton hicks

lightening

increase in clear and nonirritating vaginal secretions

“bloody show”

energy spurt (nesting)

small weight loss

NVD

what is the conclusive difference between true and false labor

progressive effacement and dilation of the cervix

true labor differs from false labor in what 3 categories

contractions

discomfort

cervix