Stage 1
This is the defining feature of stage 1 of labor.
What is onset of true contractions?
This marks the beginning of stage 2 of labor.
What is cervical dilation to 10cm?
This is commonly administered after placental delivery to prevent postpartum hemorrhage.
What is oxytocin?
The measurement from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next.
What is frequency?
The most common pelvic type and ideal for vaginal birth.
What is gynecoid pelvis?
After rupture of membranes, amniotic fluid should be assessed for these two characteristics.
What are color and odor?
This occurs when the fetal head remains visible at the vaginal introitus.
What is crowning?
This characteristic of the fourth stage of labor increases the risk of postpartum hemorrhage due to displacement of the uterus and interference with contracting.
What is hypotonic bladder?
This is the longest phase of a contraction and represents the "building up" portion.
What is the increment?
Oval-shaped pelvis that may contribute to a long early labor, especially if the fetus is positioned posteriorly.
What is anthropoid pelvis?
Cervical thinning that occurs during the first stage of labor.
What is effacement?
This obstetric emergency is suspected when the head is delivered but the shoulders do not follow easily.
What is shoulder dystocia?
Retained placenta occurs when the placenta has not been delivered within this timeframe after the end of the second stage of labor.
What is 30 minutes?
This occurs when the fetus settles into the pelvic inlet and reduces pressure on the diaphragm.
What is lightening?
This heart-shaped pelvis is more common in males and associated with arrest of descent, which can lead to longer labor, use of foreceps/vacuum, or operative deliveries.
What is android pelvis?
This abnormal labor pattern occurs when contractions are more frequent than 5 in 10 minutes.
What is tachysystole?
This movement occurs as the fetal head rotates to align with the maternal anteroposterior diameter before birth.
What is internal rotation?
Vitals, fundal palpation, and lochia assessment should be done at this frequency immediately following delivery of the placenta.
What is every 15 minutes (for the first hour)?
If a patient pushes before being fully dilated, this complication may occur.
What is cervical edema?
This pelvic type is characterized by a transverse diameter that is significantly longer than the anteroposterior diameter. This can interfere with vaginal deliveries as it is difficult for the fetus to descend, and often leads to cesarean births.
What is platypelloid pelvis?
This measurement indicates the fetal head is level with the ischial spines.
What is 0 station?
This birthing position is associated with fewer episiotomies, greater uterine efficiency, and improved blood flow because of reduced pressure on the IVC from the uterus.
What is left lateral sims?
This technique is used to speed up delivery of the placenta and minimize postpartum blood loss.
What is controlled cord traction?
What is the acme?
This condition occurs when the fetal head cannot pass through the maternal pelvis due to size mismatch.
What is cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD)?