EMR Chapter 16: Childbirth

What is crowning?

Crowning is most accurately defined as the appearance of the infant's head during a contraction.

Where does the egg mature?

The egg matures in the ovary.

How does the egg travel to the uterus?

Once released, the egg travels to the uterus via the Fallopian tube.

What is the external opening of the female reproductive system called?

The external opening of the female reproductive system is called the vagina.

What is the developing infant also called?

The developing infant is also called the fetus.

What draws nutrients from the wall of the mother's uterus?

The placenta draws nutrients from the wall of the mother's uterus and delivers them to the developing fetus.

What does not usually occur during the first stage of labor?

Crowning during contractions does not usually occur during the first stage of labor.

What occurs during the second stage of labor?

Delivery of the infant occurs during the second stage of labor.

What does the third stage of labor involve?

The third stage of labor involves the delivery of the placenta.

What is a correct statement regarding pregnancy?

The length of labor is often longer in women who are first-time mothers.

What is the bloody show?

The bloody show is most accurately defined as a mucous plug mixed with blood that is expelled from the vagina.

When does the bag of waters usually break?

The bag of waters usually breaks towards the end of the first stage of labor.

What should you do if a woman's contractions are more than 5 minutes apart?

If a woman's contractions are more than 5 minutes apart, she can usually be transported to the hospital.

What should you prepare for if an expectant mother feels like she needs to move her bowels?

You should prepare for imminent delivery of the infant.

How are contractions timed?

Contractions are timed from the beginning of one to the beginning of the next.

How can you determine if the infant’s head is crowning?

You must observe the vaginal opening during a contraction to determine whether the infant's head is crowning.

How is the mother usually positioned during delivery for comfort?

The mother is usually most comfortable on her back with her knees bent and legs up and apart during delivery.

What does the use of sterile gloves during delivery protect against?

The use of sterile gloves during delivery protects the mother and infant from infections.

What should you do if splashed in the face with blood or other fluids during delivery?

You should report the incident to your medical director.

What is typically not included in a prepackaged obstetric (OB) kit?

An oxygen mask is typically not included in a prepackaged obstetric (OB) kit.

What additional item should you have in addition to a standard prepackaged OB kit?

You should also have oxygen if it is available.

What is essential in the absence of a prepackaged OB kit?

In the absence of a prepackaged OB kit, you can assist in delivering an infant with no more than gloved hands and common sense.

What should you do as the infant's head emerges?

You should support the head and advise the mother to stop pushing.

In a normal delivery, what is the sequence of shoulder delivery?

During a normal delivery, the upper shoulder delivers before the lower shoulder.

What should you do if the infant's head is covered with the amniotic sac?

You should tear it with your fingers and clear it away from the face.

What is your initial action if the umbilical cord is wrapped around the infant's neck?

Your initial action should be to attempt to slip the cord over the infant's head.

What should you do if the newborn has not taken its first breath?

You should rub its back or flick the soles of its feet.

What should you do after the umbilical cord stops pulsating?

You should tie it with gauze between the mother and the newborn.

How long does the placenta often take to deliver?

The placenta often takes between 24 and 36 hours to deliver.

What should you do if the placenta delivers before paramedics arrive?

You should keep the placenta at the same level as the infant.

What should you do if bleeding continues after delivering the placenta?

You should massage the uterus until the bleeding stops.

When should the newborn infant not remain blue?

The newborn infant should not remain blue for up to 30 minutes.

What should you do if the newborn does not begin to breathe on its own after delivery?

You should first tilt its head down and to the side to facilitate mucus drainage.

What should you do if you note a newborn's pulse is 50 beats/min?

You should begin chest compressions.

What is the term for the delivery of an incomplete or underdeveloped fetus?

The delivery of an incomplete or underdeveloped fetus is most appropriately called a spontaneous abortion.

What should you do for a 19-year-old woman at 24 weeks pregnant who has passed what looks like a fetus?

You should assess her for signs of shock, provide emotional support, and arrange for prompt transport.

What weight and gestation define a premature newborn?

A premature newborn is one that weighs less than 5 pounds or is delivered before 36 weeks of pregnancy.

What should you ensure after delivering a newborn to ensure adequate breathing and circulation?

You should next ensure that the newborn is warm.

What is the major risk associated with a prolapsed umbilical cord?

The major risk associated with a prolapsed umbilical cord is cord compression during a contraction.

What should you do if you see part of the umbilical cord protruding from the vagina?

You should elevate the mother's hips and keep the protruding cord moist.

What does it indicate if you observe the infant's buttocks as the presenting part?

It indicates a breech birth, where the infant's head is not the presenting part.

What is correct regarding the delivery of twins?

Delivery of the second infant occurs no differently from the first.

What should you do if the mother continues to bleed heavily after delivery of the placenta?

You should place a sanitary pad over her vagina, elevate her legs, and arrange for immediate transport.

Why should a pregnant patient be positioned on her left side?

This will allow venous blood to return to the heart.