Induction
process of stimulating uterine contractions before spontaneous labor begins
What is an Induction of Labor?
The most common type of uterine incision, Made in the lower uterine segment, Preferred due to reduced risk of rupture in future pregnancies, Compatible with VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) in many cases
What is a Low-Transverse (horizontal) Incision?
vaginal birth assisted by instruments during the second stage of labor
What is an Operative Delivery?
Most favorable pelvis for vaginal delivery. Round pelvic inlet, Non-prominent ischial spines, Wide subpubic arch, Baby’s round head fits well
What is a Gynecoid Pelvis?
occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterine cavity
What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Strengthening contractions in labor that has already begun
What is Augmentation of labor?
Made vertically in the upper uterus, Used in emergencies (e.g., fetal distress, transverse lie, preterm delivery with underdeveloped lower segment), Higher risk of uterine rupture in future pregnancies, Not recommended for VBAC,
What is a Classical (Vertical) Incision?
surgical cuts on the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening; made to assist delivery
What is an Episiotomy?
Heart-shaped pelvis, Prominent ischial spines, Narrow pubic arch, More common in males but present in some females, Increased risk of difficult labor (dystocia)
What is an Android Pelvis?
the loss or termination of a pregnancy before 20 weeks' gestation
What is an Abortion?
the synthetic form of oxytocin, uldowhich is naturally produced by the mother’s body to stimulate uterine contractions.
What is Pitocin?
(most common for scheduled C-sections) is administered into the subarachnoid space. Has a rapid onset, allows mom to remain awake
What is Spinal Anesthesia?
a mismatch between the fetal head size/position and the maternal pelvis, preventing the baby from descending into the birth canal
an approach to optimize the physical relationship between the bodies of the mother and baby for pregnancy comfort and easier childbirth
What is Spinning Babies?
the placenta implants low in the uterus, sometimes covering or partially covering the cervix
What is a placenta previa?
More than 5 contractions in 10 minutes, averaged over 30 minutes.
What is Tachysystole?
less common for primary scheduled C/S, more often used if laboring first
What is Epidural Anesthesia?
a full-thickness tear of the uterine wall, usually during labor, and is considered an obstetric emergency
What is a Uterine Rupture?
paper to test vaginal fluid pH
Amniotic fluid = alkaline → blue
Urine = acidic → yellow/green
What is Nitrazine?
Adverse effects shown in animal studies, but no adequate studies in humans. Use only if the benefit justifies the risk
medications that help soften, thin, and begin to open the cervix by releasing prostaglandins—a hormone that naturally increases as a woman approaches labor
What are cervical ripening agents?
Used in Emergency or contraindications (e.g., platelets <80,000- 100,000 depending on provider and facility)
There is a higher risk to baby: crosses placenta, may cause neonatal sedation and plus mom misses birth experience
What is General Anesthesia?
Oozing from IV sites or recent punctures, Bleeding from gums, nose, or surgical sites, Petechiae—especially under the blood pressure cuff, Bruising (ecchymosis) and generalized bleeding, Signs of hypovolemic shock: low BP, high HR, pale and clammy skin
What are S/S of DIC
Immediate Postpartum Recovery (First 1–2 Hours After Birth)
What is the 4th Stage of labor?
refers to fetal death after 20 weeks of gestation but before delivery
What is an IUFD