chapter 2: childbirth and postpartum
considerations
stages of birth
first stage: dilation and effacement of cervix
•late first stage (transition stage) - cervix is fully dilated and
the amniotic sac has ruptured
second stage: actual birth of the infant
third stage: afterbirth the placenta, umbilical cord, and other
membranes are detached and expelled
medications and childbirth:
analgesic: used to relieve pain (narcotic or non narcotic)
anesthetic: used in late first stage labor and during expulsion to
block sensation
•epidural block - numbs from waist down
oxytocin: produced naturally be p gland
pitocin: synthetic hormone stimulates contractions
birth and the postpartum period
prepared childbirth: includes breathing techniques to control
pushing in the final stages of labor
•more detailed education about anatomy and physiology also
known as lamaze method
natural childbirth: method in which no drugs are given to relieve
pain or assist in the birth process
breech or cesarean delivery:
breech position: butt coming out before head
•can prevent the baby from breathing normally
cesarean delivery: the baby is removed from the mother's uterus
through an incision made in her abdomen
•may be lifesaving but carries the risks of major surgery
considerations
stages of birth
first stage: dilation and effacement of cervix
•late first stage (transition stage) - cervix is fully dilated and
the amniotic sac has ruptured
second stage: actual birth of the infant
third stage: afterbirth the placenta, umbilical cord, and other
membranes are detached and expelled
medications and childbirth:
analgesic: used to relieve pain (narcotic or non narcotic)
anesthetic: used in late first stage labor and during expulsion to
block sensation
•epidural block - numbs from waist down
oxytocin: produced naturally be p gland
pitocin: synthetic hormone stimulates contractions
birth and the postpartum period
prepared childbirth: includes breathing techniques to control
pushing in the final stages of labor
•more detailed education about anatomy and physiology also
known as lamaze method
natural childbirth: method in which no drugs are given to relieve
pain or assist in the birth process
breech or cesarean delivery:
breech position: butt coming out before head
•can prevent the baby from breathing normally
cesarean delivery: the baby is removed from the mother's uterus
through an incision made in her abdomen
•may be lifesaving but carries the risks of major surgery
