Labour
- Created by: Mollie Allen
- Created on: 30-05-14 19:57
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- Labour
- What Is Labour?
- It is the process of giving birth which is started by hormones
- The mother has to work so hard that the contractions of the uterus can open the cervix and the baby can be pushed out.
- It last approximately 1 to 24 hours
- There are 3 stages of labour
- Stage 1
- Muscles dilate the cervix
- Signs that labour has started
- A show
- The plug of mucus sealing the cervix comes away. It could be blood stained and go unnoticed by the mother.
- Contractions
- They are weak and irregular to start with
- Gradually become closer together, more intense and stronger.
- Can cause pain as they get closer.
- Uterus becomes tight for a minute before relaxing.
- Waters breaking
- Clear or pinky amniotic fluid, leaking from the vagina.
- Comes in trickles or a sudden gush.
- Presence of meconium in fluid indicates a distressed baby.
- May not break till 2nd stage
- Backache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Common in the first stage of labour
- A show
- Braxton Hicks
- Can be felt after 32 weeks.
- They are practice contractions, eratic and uncomfortable rather than painful.
- Stage 2
- Mother has urge to push
- Strong contractions push baby along birth canal
- Midwife gives guidance so the head is born gradually, The widest part is known as the crowning
- Can cause a small tear which may or may not be stiched
- Epsiotomy may be needed to let head pass through.
- As head emerges, body slides out.
- Baby may cry as head appears or after body and shoulders are pushed out.
- Umbilical cord is cut with 2 clamps
- Stage 3
- Oxytocin injection given to stop excess bleeding and help the placenta be delivered.
- Untitled
- Placenta is examined
- Women may have a physiological 3 stage.
- Placenta left to baby till delievered.
- Oxytocin injection given to stop excess bleeding and help the placenta be delivered.
- What Is Labour?
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