Coordinated sequence of involuntary uterine contractions that lead to cervical
dilation and effacement. Ans - Labor
Describe patient education regarding true labor versus false labor. Ans -
False labor: contractions are often irregular and do not get closer together;
contractions might stop when you walk, rest, or change position
True labor: contractions come @ regular intervals & get closer together as
time goes on; contractions continue, despite moving or changing positions
The process of the fetus settling into the pelvis. Ans - Lightening
Uterine contractions that come and go, but do not lead to cervical dilation &
effacement. Ans - Braxton-Hicks
Blood mucous resulting from the breakage of small cervical blood vessels as
the cervix starts to thin and open. Ans - Bloody show
Breaking of amniotic sack. Ans - Spontaneous rupture of membranes
(SROM)
Describe stage 1 of labor. Ans - From onset of regular contractions to full
cervical dilation
Describe stage 2 of labor. Ans - From 10 cm and 100% effaced to delivery
of infant
Describe stage 3 of labor. Ans - From delivery of infant to delivery of
placenta
Describe stage 4 of labor. Ans - From delivery of placenta to stabilization of
birth parent and infant
List the five P's. Ans - Passenger - head size, presentation, lie, attitude,
position
, Passageway - bony pelvis & soft tissue
Powers - primary & secondary
Position of the mother
Psychological factors
The part of the fetus that enters the pelvic inlet first. Ans - Passenger
presentation
Ex: cephalic 96%, breech 3%, shoulder 1%
The relation of fetal parts to each other. Ans - Passenger attitude
Ex: Complete flexion (ideal), moderate flexion, poor flexion (extension), full
extension
The relationship of the fetal spine of the fetus to the maternal spine. Ans -
Passenger lie
Ex: longitudinal, transverse
The relationship of a reference point on the presenting part of the four
quadrants of the birth parent's pelvis. Ans - Passenger position
LOA - left occiput anterior best position for baby to be in
The relationship of the presenting fetal part to an imaginary line drawn
between the maternal ischial spines. Ans - Passenger station
Describe the passageway. Ans - Birth canal
Describe the primary powers. Ans - Contractions - start in upper uterine
segment & move down over uterus in waves w/ rest periods: contractions;
frequency, duration, intensity
Results in dilation & effacement