Fetal Assessment and Vaginal Delivery Factors

This flashcard set covers essential terms and concepts related to fetal assessment and factors influencing vaginal delivery, as discussed in a recent lecture.

Passenger

Refers to the fetus in the context of vaginal delivery.

Five P's

Key factors that must work together for successful vaginal delivery: Passenger, Passageway, Powers, Position, Psychological response.

Cephalic presentation

When the baby's head is the presenting part during delivery.

Breech presentation

When the baby is positioned butt first for delivery.

Ischial spines

Bony prominences in the pelvis important for determining fetal station.

Fetal lie

The orientation of the fetus in relation to the mother, ideally longitudinal.

Station

The position of the baby's head in relation to the ischial spines of the pelvis.

Engagement

The process where the baby's head is engaged at zero station or below.

Effacement

The process where the cervix shortens during labor.

Dilation

The opening of the cervix measured in centimeters.

Attitude

The relationship of the fetal body parts to one another, ideally flexed.

ROA position

Right occiput anterior position of the fetus.

LOA position

Left occiput anterior position of the fetus.

Position of laboring patient

The mother's position during labor, important for pelvic access.

Peanut ball

A supportive device used to help improve fetal positioning and pelvic opening.

Psychological response

The emotional and mental state of the patient during labor.

Counter pressure

Technique used to relieve pain by applying pressure on the hips.

Fentanyl

A rapid-acting pain medication commonly used during labor.

Epidural

A pain management technique where medication is administered into the epidural space.

General anesthesia

A method of anesthesia used in emergencies during labor.

Local nerve block

Anesthesia administered to numb specific regions during labor.

Spinal block

A type of anesthesia injected into the spinal fluid for immediate pain relief.

TENS unit

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device used for pain management.

Warm compresses

Heat application to reduce labor pain and aid relaxation.

Hydrotherapy

Use of water for pain relief during labor.

Imagery

Mental visualization techniques used to aid relaxation during labor.

Cervical suture line

The fibrous joints between the bones of the baby's skull.

Fontanelle

Soft spots on a baby's head that allow for skull compression during birth.

Vaginal delivery

The process of delivering a baby through the vaginal canal.

Labor powers

The forces generated during labor, including contraction frequency and strength.

Primary powers

Involuntary uterine contractions that cause dilation and effacement.

Secondary powers

Voluntary abdominal and pelvic muscle contractions during pushing.

Longitudinal lie

When the fetal axis is parallel to the maternal axis.

Transverse lie

When the fetal axis is perpendicular to the maternal axis.

Engagement of the fetus

When the baby's head reaches the level of the ischial spines.

Cephalic position

The position of the fetus where the head is down.

Posterior position

When the baby’s head is positioned towards the mother's back.

Anterior position

When the baby’s head is positioned towards the front of the mother.

Fetal distress

A condition indicating that the fetus is not well, often evidenced by abnormal heart rate.

Midwife

A trained professional who assists in childbirth.

Labor stages

Phases of labor: dilation, expulsion, and placental.

Cervical assessment

Process of evaluating the cervix during labor for dilation and effacement.

Contraction frequency

How often contractions occur during labor.

Laboring positions

Different positions a laboring mother may take to facilitate delivery.

Back pain in labor

Pain experienced in the back due to fetal position during contractions.

Fetal heart monitoring

Continuous assessment of the fetal heart rate during labor.

Opiate agonists

Medications like fentanyl and morphine used for pain relief.

Rate of dilation

The speed at which the cervix opens during labor.

Maternal posture

The positioning of the mother during labor and its effect on fetal position.

Acupuncture in labor

The use of acupuncture to manage pain during labor.

Social work support in labor

Assistance from social workers for patients in need during childbirth.

Pain management options

Various methods available to alleviate pain during labor.

Physical support techniques

Methods involving physical touch to help ease discomfort during labor.

Breathing techniques

Strategies to manage pain during labor by regulating breath.

Epidural catheter placement

Insertion of a catheter into the epidural space for continuous pain relief.

Respiratory depression in newborns

Decreased breathing in newborns potentially due to maternal medication.

Braxton Hicks contractions

False contractions that do not lead to dilation.

Labor progression

Advancement of labor through dilation, effacement, and station.

Fundal pressure

Applying pressure to the fundus during labor to aid descent.

Postpartum care

Care provided to the mother after delivery.