Labor and Delivery Terms and Nursing Care
1. Define cervical DILATION:
Cervical dilation refers to the gradual opening of the cervix during the early stages of labor,
eventually reaching 10 cm to allow for childbirth.
2. Define EFFACEMENT:
Effacement is the process in which the cervix becomes thinner and shorter in preparation for
labor.
3. Describe STAGE ONE LABOR
Stage one marks the beginning of labor with uterine contractions leading to cervical dilation and
effacement, known as primary powers. It progresses from the initial onset of regular contractions
and cervical changes until full dilation. The latent phase involves slow dilation, while the active
phase sees more rapid cervical opening.
4. Describe STAGE TWO
Stage two begins when the cervix is fully dilated at 10 cm and continues until the baby is
delivered. During this stage, the mother pushes, and the birth canal widens to accommodate the
baby's descent. This stage includes a latent period (no pushing despite full dilation) and an
active phase characterized by consistent pushing and regular contractions.
5. Describe STAGE THREE
Stage three starts immediately after the baby is born and ends with the delivery of the placenta.
Mild contractions help the placenta detach as the uterus shrinks, and the myometrium contracts
to reduce the surface area, assisting in its expulsion.
6. How is DURATION of contractions measured?
The duration of a contraction is the time from its start to its end. It is measured using an external
tocodynamometer where seconds is the unit of measurement. Contractions typically last
between 45 and 50 seconds.
7. How is FREQUENCY of contractions measured?
Contraction frequency is the interval between the beginning of one contraction and the start of
the next, measured in minutes. This interval usually ranges from 3 to 4 minutes.
8. Describe each of the following FETAL HEART RATE PATTERNS: (THINK VEAL CHOP)
a. Accelerations
Accelerations refer to temporary increases in the fetal heart rate (FHR) above its baseline. They
peak at least 15 beats per minute (bpm) higher than the baseline and last for at least 15
seconds but less than 2 minutes. Prolonged accelerations last between 2 and 10 minutes. In
terms of VEAL CHOP, accelerations are an indicator that oxygen flow is good and the baby is
receiving an adequate amount.
b. Early decelerations
1. Define cervical DILATION:
Cervical dilation refers to the gradual opening of the cervix during the early stages of labor,
eventually reaching 10 cm to allow for childbirth.
2. Define EFFACEMENT:
Effacement is the process in which the cervix becomes thinner and shorter in preparation for
labor.
3. Describe STAGE ONE LABOR
Stage one marks the beginning of labor with uterine contractions leading to cervical dilation and
effacement, known as primary powers. It progresses from the initial onset of regular contractions
and cervical changes until full dilation. The latent phase involves slow dilation, while the active
phase sees more rapid cervical opening.
4. Describe STAGE TWO
Stage two begins when the cervix is fully dilated at 10 cm and continues until the baby is
delivered. During this stage, the mother pushes, and the birth canal widens to accommodate the
baby's descent. This stage includes a latent period (no pushing despite full dilation) and an
active phase characterized by consistent pushing and regular contractions.
5. Describe STAGE THREE
Stage three starts immediately after the baby is born and ends with the delivery of the placenta.
Mild contractions help the placenta detach as the uterus shrinks, and the myometrium contracts
to reduce the surface area, assisting in its expulsion.
6. How is DURATION of contractions measured?
The duration of a contraction is the time from its start to its end. It is measured using an external
tocodynamometer where seconds is the unit of measurement. Contractions typically last
between 45 and 50 seconds.
7. How is FREQUENCY of contractions measured?
Contraction frequency is the interval between the beginning of one contraction and the start of
the next, measured in minutes. This interval usually ranges from 3 to 4 minutes.
8. Describe each of the following FETAL HEART RATE PATTERNS: (THINK VEAL CHOP)
a. Accelerations
Accelerations refer to temporary increases in the fetal heart rate (FHR) above its baseline. They
peak at least 15 beats per minute (bpm) higher than the baseline and last for at least 15
seconds but less than 2 minutes. Prolonged accelerations last between 2 and 10 minutes. In
terms of VEAL CHOP, accelerations are an indicator that oxygen flow is good and the baby is
receiving an adequate amount.
b. Early decelerations
