Comfort During Labour and Birth
Name one of the three origins of pain during labour?
Visceral, somatic and referred.
Name 3 identified hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.
The leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide is hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, including chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, proteinuria, HELLP (including hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets).
What is Braxton hicks?
Practice contractions or false labour
What is skin to skin?
Holding your baby close skin to skin contact to help promote stable heart rate, breathing and blood sugar levels. Skin to skin promotes better breast feeding and bonding with baby
Identify one factor that influences a pain response in childbirth.
Physiological factors, cultural factor, anxiety and fear, previous experience, gate-control theory of pain, supportive care, environment, childbirth preparation methods.
What is gestational diabetes and name two screening risk factors?
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the elevated glucose levels in pregnancy that is usually found in the first trimester. Screening risk factors include: being 35 years of age or older, using corticosteroid medication, obesity, pregestational diabetes, previous pregnancy with gestational diabetes, family with diabetes, specific high risk group (African, Arab, Asian, Latin-American, Indigenous or South Asian)
What is true labour contractions?
Thet get stronger, become regular and closer together, get stronger when you walk, may begin in the back and move to the front, bloody show usually present
What is Vernix Caseosa?
A white waxy substance that protects the baby's skin in utero.
What are some non-pharmacological strategies to reduce pain during labour?
Cutaneous stimulation strategies: counterpressure, light massage, walking, rocking, changing positions, acupressure, hydrotherapy, application of heat or cold
Sensory Stimulation strategies: aromatherapy, breathing techniques, music, imagery, use of focal points
Cognitive Strategies: childbirth education, relaxation, hypnosis, biofeedback
What is one major cause of bleeding in late pregnancy?
Placenta previa and premature separation of the placenta (placenta abruption), and variations in the insertion of the cord and the placenta
What is timing contractions?
The start of labour is marked by strong regular contractions or the water breaking. Start the timer, Time how long the contraction lasts and how far apart the contraction is.
What is umbilical cord care?
The umbilical cord is cut and will leave a small stump behind. Keep area dry and clean, open to air, no bath tub until stump fall off, falls off with 5-15 days, monitor for s+s of infection, use water only to clean
How do different breathing approaches during childbirth help reduce pain?
It is used as a distraction, thereby reducing the perception of pain and helping the patient maintain control.
What is the medication given to patients to prevent or control eclamptic seizures?
Magnesium Sulphate, administered as a secondary infusion or IM.
What is stage 1 of labour?
Stage 1 has 3 phases. Early, active and transition. This stage is the longest. Contractions become closer together and last longer as labour progresses and dilation increases.
What is liquid gold?
Colostrum is the first bit of milk that comes in and is very yellow in colour. This is the highest concentration of antibodies than at any other time to boost their immunity.
At what stage of labour does the epidural usually get offered?
Usually, during the late phase of the second stage of labour
What is your immediate goal with a witnessed seizure for an eclampsia patient?
Patent airway
What is assisted birth?
Forceps, vacuum, and episiotomy.
What is self care?
Rememder to always care for yourself as well. Make sure you are eating, bathing, and able to get some sleep. Ask for help when needed, rest when you can. Be kind to yourself and ask for help if you are struggling with feelings of postpartum depression or anxiety. You are not alone and there are many resources that can help you.