Childbirth Process and Newborn Assessment

Stages of Labor

Four phases of childbirth: dilation, expulsion, placenta delivery, recovery.

1st Stage of Labor

Longest stage; cervical dilation to 10 cm.

Cervical Effacement

Thinning and shortening of the cervix.

2nd Stage of Labor

Delivery of the fetus; lasts 10-40 minutes.

Crowning

Fetal head visible at vaginal opening.

3rd Stage of Labor

Delivery of placenta and fetal membranes.

4th Stage of Labor

Recovery phase; monitoring mother's health.

Natural Birth

Fetus emerges head-first without intervention.

Breech Birth

Buttocks appear first during delivery.

Transverse Birth

Fetus positioned crosswise in uterus.

Instrument Birth

Use of tools for difficult deliveries.

Caesarian Section

Surgical removal of fetus through abdomen.

Low Birthweight

Weight < 2,500 grams (5.5 pounds).

Very Low Birthweight

Weight < 1,500 grams (3 pounds, 5 ounces).

Hypoxia

Insufficient oxygen leading to brain damage.

Anoxia

Total lack of oxygen causing severe damage.

Cerebral Palsy

Disorder caused by brain injury, affecting movement.

Prematurity

Birth before 37 weeks of gestation.

Postmaturity

Birth after 42 weeks of gestation.

APGAR Score

Assessment tool for newborn's health at birth.

Brazelton Scale

Neonatal behavioral assessment scale for newborns.

Developmental Lag

Delayed physical and cognitive milestones.

Birth Trauma

Injury sustained during childbirth.

Facial Paralysis

Nerve damage causing loss of facial movement.

Brachial Plexus Palsy

Nerve injury affecting arm movement.

Key Assumptions

Infants are capable and communicate purposefully.

Behavioral Items

28 behavioral and 18 reflex items assessed.

Development Tasks

Four vital tasks for newborn growth.

Autonomic System Function

Includes respiration and temperature regulation.

State Organization

Levels from quiet sleep to full cry.

Social Interaction

Newborns are social beings ready to communicate.

APGAR

Assessment tool for newborn health at birth.

Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale

Evaluates newborn's behavioral responses.

Pull-to-Sit

Test for head control in infants.

Cuddliness

Infant's response to being held.

Self-Quieting Activity

Infants soothe themselves, e.g., thumb sucking.

Vital Signs

Normal ranges: Temp 36.5-37.5°C, Pulse 120-160 bpm.

Neonatal Period

First 4 weeks of life.

Mongolian Spot

Bruise-like marks, common in Black and Asian infants.

Erythema Toxicum

Red skin areas with yellow-white papules.

Caput Succedaneum

Swelling of scalp tissue from delivery.

Cephalhematoma

Hemorrhage under the skull, does not cross sutures.

Neural Tube Defects

Congenital defects from improper neural tube closure.

Anencephaly

Failure of cranial folds to close, severe brain damage.

Craniosynostosis

Premature skull suture closure, causes skull deformity.

Down's Syndrome

Trisomy 21, characterized by distinct physical traits.

Epstein Pearls

Gingival cysts found in newborns' mouths.

Breath Sounds

Assessment of lung function and respiratory patterns.

Surfactant

Substance preventing alveolar collapse in lungs.

Fluid Shifts

Changes in body fluids reduce pulmonary resistance.

Initiation of Respiration

Triggered by chemical, mechanical, thermal, and sensory factors.

Heart Rate

Normal range is 30-80 beats per minute.

Murmurs

Abnormal heart sounds indicating potential issues.

Dextrocardia

Heart positioned on the right side of the chest.

Abdominal Masses

Presence of abnormal growths in the abdomen.

Organomegaly

Enlargement of organs, often detectable on examination.

Omphalocele

Congenital defect with abdominal contents outside body.

Gastroschisis

Evisceration of abdominal contents through wall defect.

Prune Belly Syndrome

Characterized by absent abdominal muscles and cryptorchidism.

Cryptorchidism

Undescended testicles, common in males.

Hypospadias

Abnormal positioning of the urinary meatus.

Syndactyly

Abnormal fusion of fingers or toes.

Polydactyly

Presence of extra fingers or toes.

Talipes Equinovarus

Commonly known as clubfoot, a congenital deformity.

Spina Bifida

Congenital defect involving incomplete closure of the spine.

Hypertrichosis

Excessive hair growth associated with spina bifida.

Average Neonate Weight

Typically ranges from 2,500 to 3,000 grams.

Neonatal Respiration Rate

Normal range is 40-50 breaths per minute.

Neonatal Heartbeat

Faster than adults, indicating higher metabolic rate.

Cranial Proportions

Head is ¼ of total body length at birth.

Visual Capacity

Fixed focal length of 8-12 inches.

Optic Nystagmus

Ability to follow moving objects with eyes.

Tactile Sensitivity

Well-developed, especially on skin surface.

Neonatal Sleep Patterns

Newborns sleep 14-17 hours daily, mostly REM.

Behavioral States

Includes quiet sleep, active sleep, and alert states.

Vocalization

Crying is primary form of communication.

Organic Sensitivity

Physiological responses fully developed at birth.

Reflexes

Involuntary responses crucial for survival.

Emotional Development

Beginnings of individuality and temperament observed.