Signs, Maternal Responses, and Danger Signs of Labor

Vocabulary flashcards covering preliminary and true signs of labor, maternal systemic responses, fetal responses, and danger signs during intrapartum care.

Lightening

The sinking or descent of the fetal presenting part, usually the fetal head, into the true pelvis, occurring approximately $10\text{--}14$ days before labor in primiparas and on the day of or during labor in multiparas.

Cervical Ripening

The process near term where prostaglandins soften the cervix to become 'butter soft' and tip forward, permitting shortening and dilatation.

Bloody Show

A pinkish discharge consisting of a mixture of mucus and blood expelled from the cervix as the internal cervical mucus plug is released due to cervical softening and fetal pressure.

Rupture of Membranes

The tearing of the amniotic sac resulting in a sudden gush or slow seepage of clear amniotic fluid, carrying primary risks of intrauterine infection and umbilical cord prolapse.

Braxton Hicks Contractions

Irregular, intermittent contractions felt mainly in the abdomen or inguinal region that do not cause cervical dilatation and may stop with activity or sleep.

Goodell Sign

The normal softening of the cervix during pregnancy, feeling similar in consistency to an earlobe.

True Labor Contractions

Uterine contractions that begin in the lower back and sweep forward to the abdomen, becoming regular and progressively increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity while causing cervical dilatation.

Maternal Cardiovascular Response to Labor

Physiological changes during labor including a $40\text{--}50\%$ increase in cardiac output, average blood loss of $300\text{--}500\,\text{mL}$, potential blood pressure increases during contractions, and risk of hypotension from epidural anesthesia.

Maternal Hematopoietic Response to Labor

An increase in white blood cell (WBC) count up to $25{,}000\text{--}30{,}000\,\text{cells/mm}^3$ during labor, requiring monitoring for signs of infection.

Maternal Respiratory Response to Labor

An increase in respiratory rate and a $100\%$ increase in oxygen needs during the second stage of labor, requiring nursing monitoring for hyperventilation.

Relaxin

A hormone that increases pelvic joint flexibility during labor, allowing pelvic joints to open up to $2\,\text{cm}$.

Caput Succedaneum

Boggy swelling (edema) of the soft tissues of the presenting part of the fetal head that crosses suture lines as a result of birth pressure.

Petechiae

Multiple tiny red pinpoint spots on the skin caused by pressure during birth.

Ecchymosis

Large areas of bruising manifesting as purple or bluish discoloration under the skin due to birth pressure.

Fetal Head Pressure Effect

Pressure exerted on the fetal head during uterine contractions that stimulates the vagus nerve, potentially causing fetal heart rate to decrease by up to $5\,\text{beats/min}$ (appearing as an early deceleration).

Fetal Danger Signs of Labor

Critical indicators of fetal compromise including fetal heart rate $>160$ or $<110\,\text{beats/min}$, fetal acidosis ($\text{pH} < 7.2$), meconium staining of amniotic fluid, and fetal hyperactivity.

Fetal Flexion

The bending forward of the fetal head promoted by uterine contractions, creating the most advantageous position for birth.

Psychological Stress Response in Labor

A physiological cascade where fear increases adrenaline levels, which suppresses oxytocin release and consequently decreases contraction effectiveness.

Maternal Urinary System Response to Labor

Reduction of bladder sensation and tone due to fetal head pressure, necessitating encouragement of voiding approximately every $2\,\text{hours}$ to prevent bladder overfilling.

Maternal Gastrointestinal System Response to Labor

Decreased GI activity and slower stomach emptying during labor, with some women experiencing loose bowel movements as contractions intensify.