Stages of Labor
Phases of the first stage of labor
What are the latent phase, active phase, and transition phase
This pain that predominates during the first stage of labor and is located over the lower abdomen; it results in cervical changes.
What is Visceral Pain?
The 5 factors (P's) affecting the process of labor and birth
What are passenger (fetus/placenta), passageway, powers, position (maternal), psychologic response
The strength of a contraction at its peak
What is intensity?
This is when the partner experiences symptoms of pregnancy
What is Couvade?
The First stage of labor
latent, active, transition
begins with the onset of regular uterine contractions and ends with full effacement and dilation of the cervix
This form of pharmacological intervention for a laboring mother effectively relieves the pain caused by contractions BUT it does not completely remove the pressure sensations that occur when the fetus descends into the pelvis.
What is an epidural?
These 4 factors affect fetal circulation during labor
What are maternal position, maternal BP, uterine contractions, and umbilical cord flow
This is how often uterine contractions occur: the time that elapses from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction
What is frequency
Patient Advocacy
What is the RN's role during Informed Consent
Second stage of labor
From complete dilation to birth of fetus
This type of medication is given to promote sleep during the latent phase of labor
What are sedatives?
This is the descent of the fetal presenting part into the true pelvis approximately 2 weeks before term in the pregnant woman once true labor starts.
What is lightening or dropping
This is the period of rest between contractions
What is interval?
This is a rapid action medication that is short acting and given IV to laboring mothers for pain relief. This has fewer side effects than medications used prior.
What is Sublimaze (Fentanyl)?
What for RR; safety precautions as side rails up, escorting to BR.
This is the Third Stage of Labor
What is the birth of the fetus to delivery of placenta
Type of intense, sharp, burning pain that predominates during the second stage of labor; it results from stretching and distention of the perineal tissues and the pelvic floor to allow passage of the fetus.
What is Somatic Pain?
This is the process of the thinning and shortening of the cervix during the first stage of labor. Progress is expressed in percentages from 0%-100%
This is enlargement and widening of the cervical opening (os) and cervical canal that occurs during labor. Expressed in cm 1cm-10 cm
What is effacement?
What is dilation?
This is the tension of the uterine muscle between contractions
What is resting tone?
An opioid antagonist that can reverse narcotic effects, especially respiratory depression
What is Narcan (Naloxone).
This is the Fourth Stage of Labor
Recovery following birth
(homeostasis is re-established)
These are side effects that can occur with an epidural and spinal
What are hypotension, pruritis (itching), urinary retention (p 401 extended list)
This is the major factor in determining the course of birth
What is the fetal head?
Size, rigidity
This is the primary powers of labor that act involuntarily to expel the fetus and the placenta from the uterus
What are Uterine Contractions?
Most effective pharmologic pain relief for women in labor
What is an epidural?