WEEK SIX - infant and toddler development

What is childbirth?

the process through which a baby and placenta are delivered from the uterus

What marks the beginning of labour?

Regular uterine contractions that cause the cervix to dilate.

What is effacement?

The cervix becoming softer, shorter, and thinner.

What is cervical dilation?

The opening of the cervix, measured in centimeters.

How many centimeters dilated must a person be for a vaginal birth?

10 cm.

What happens during Stage 1 (latent labour)?

The cervix dilates from 0–10 cm.

What are the signs of Stage 1 labour?

Contractions become stronger and closer together.

Which stage of labour is usually the longest?

Stage 1 (latent labour).

What happens during Stage 2 (active labour)?

The baby is delivered.

How long can Stage 2 last during a first birth?

Up to 3 hours.

How long can Stage 2 last during a second birth?

Up to 2 hours.

How does an epidural affect labour?

It can slow down the labour process.

What occurs during Stage 3 of labour?

The placenta is delivered.

How long after birth is the placenta typically delivered?

Within 30 minutes.

What helps expel the placenta after birth?

Uterine contractions.

How can healthcare professionals help deliver the placenta?

They may encourage breastfeeding and continued pushing.

Name six medical interventions that may occur

Epidural anesthesia, labour induction, fetal monitoring, assisted vaginal delivery, episiotomy, C-section

What is one method of labour induction?

Medically rupturing the amniotic sac.

What is an assisted vaginal delivery?

A delivery using forceps or vacuum extraction.

What is an episiotomy?

A surgical incision that enlarges the vaginal opening for birth.

Why are medical interventions used during childbirth?

They may be elective, medically necessary, or used in emergencies.

What are six potential birth complications

Preterm birth, abnormal fetal presentation (breech), prolonged/stalled labour, fetal well-being concerns, umbilical cord complications, placental complications

What is a preterm birth?

A birth that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

What is umbilical cord compression?

When the umbilical cord is squeezed, reducing blood flow.

What is umbilical cord prolapse?

When the cord moves ahead of the baby during birth.

What is placental abruption?

When the placenta separates from the uterine wall before birth.

How was childbirth typically managed in ancient societies?

Home births supported by family members and traditional birth attendants.

Who usually assisted with births in ancient societies?

Women, including traditional birth attendants.

What birth position was preferred in ancient societies?

Upright birth positions.

How did childbirth change in the late 1800s?

It became more medicalized.

What was one benefit of childbirth becoming medicalized?

Improved identification and treatment of complications.

What was one drawback of medicalized childbirth?

Authority shifted from families to medical practitioners.

How did birth positions change in the late 1800s?

People were expected to stay in bed during delivery.

What became the norm between the 1950s and 1970s?

Physician-directed hospital births.

How did birth plans improve childbirth during the 1950s–1970s?

They returned more authority to the pregnant person.

What childbirth trend is common today?

Families have more childbirth options and skin-to-skin contact is encouraged.

What is the APGAR assessment?

A newborn assessment completed at 1 and 5 minutes after birth.

What score range does the APGAR assessment use?

0–10.

What is the purpose of the APGAR assessment?

To evaluate a newborn's physical condition.

What does the "A" in APGAR stand for?

Appearance (skin colour).

What does the "P" in APGAR stand for?

Pulse (heart rate).

What does the "G" in APGAR stand for?

Grimace (reflex response).

What does the second "A" in APGAR stand for?

Activity (muscle tone).

What does the "R" in APGAR stand for?

Respiration (breathing).

What is the rooting reflex?

Turning toward touch near the mouth.

What is the purpose of the sucking reflex?

To support feeding.

What is the Moro reflex?

A protective startle response.

What is the palmar grasp reflex?

Closing the hand or fingers around an object.

What is the Babinski reflex?

Toes fan out when the sole of the foot is stroked.

Which sense is weakest at birth?

Vision.

How far can newborns typically see?

About 8–12 inches.

Can newborns recognize familiar voices?

Yes.

How developed is hearing at birth?

It is typically fully developed.

How does skin-to-skin contact benefit newborns?

It helps regulate body temperature.

How does touch support development?

It promotes attachment.

What taste do newborns generally prefer?

Sweet flavours.

What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)?

The sudden death of an apparently healthy infant during sleep.

What is recommended to reduce SIDS risk? (4)

Placing infants on their backs, firm sleep surface, avoid loose bedding, smoke free enviroment

What is postpartum depression (PPD)?

A serious mood disorder that can occur after childbirth.

How do baby blues differ from postpartum depression?

Baby blues are temporary, while postpartum depression is more severe and persistent.

What emotional symptom is common in postpartum depression?

Persistent sadness and guilt

What relationship-related symptom may occur in postpartum depression?

Difficulty bonding with the baby.

What serious thoughts may occur with postpartum depression?

Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby.