Labor and Delivery Chapter 7

There are definite signs that a woman is about to go into labor:

I. Early signs of labor1. Show or “bloody show”

a plug of mucus has closed off the lower part of the uterus in the cervix. This becomes loose and the woman notices a few drops of blood

It can be as early as a few days before labor actually begins.

2. “Water Breaks” A trickle or a gush from the vagina—

this means that the sack holding the amniotic fluid has broken

3. Contractions The tightening and releasing of the

muscle of the uterus

II. Signs of False Labor: 1. They are not regular or

rhythmic 2. They do not become

increasingly stronger 3. They end if the woman walks

around

Stages of LaborStage 1When it begins: with the first painWhen it ends: when the cervix is fully

dilated called transitionLength of stage: 12-18 hoursDescription: contractions get stronger and

longer lasting about 60 seconds and are about 5-6 minutes apart

Other info: pain relief can be given

Stage 2When it begins: when cervix is dilatedWhen it ends: birth of babyLength: few minutes to several hoursDescription: baby moves through birth

canal as mom pushesOther info: may use forceps/ may

perform episiotomy

• Stage 3• When it begins: after birth• When it ends: after placenta, cord,

sac delivered• Length: few min. to ½ hour• Description: mom pushes and

afterbirth is delivered

Coping with Labor• Relax as much as possible• Use special breathing exercises

learned in the childbirth classes • Change positions –maybe standing or

walking will help• Choose a pain medication

What is transition?• Transition completes the work of the

1st stage. The cervix becomes fully dilated to a size of 10 cm or approx. 4 inches

• The baby’s head can now slip out of the uterus and into the birth canal.

Cesarean Section Birth• Not all births progress through the 3

stages• Sometimes there are complications• Cesarean section birth is the delivery

of the baby through a surgical incision in the mother’s abdomen.

• Mother’s are usually awake and the father is usually present

#7 What is Lamaze?• Also known as “natural” or “prepared childbirth”• Is the oldest and most popular technique of

childbirth preparation in the United States• 1 in 4 deliveries----or about 1 million births a

year is to a woman educated in the Lamaze method.

• This method became popular in the 1970s• It is known for its rhythmic breathing techniques.• It helps women turn their attention away from

their contractions.• The women are taught to turn their attention to

a focal point-----something to look at, listen to, or feel; it is about distracting their mind from their pain and concentrating on something else

Types of Pain Relief• Narcotics: Nubain and Demerol are

commonly used• Epidural Anesthesia• Local• Pudendal Block• Spinal Anesthesia• General Anesthesia

#8 Refer to “printed sheet”

#9. answer yourself