In the last few days of pregnancy, the cervix may begin to open. In Study Session 4, you will learn how to record the frequency, duration and intensity of contractions on a chart called the partograph.ĭuring most of the pregnancy, the tiny opening in the cervix is plugged with mucus. But when a strong contraction comes, you will not be able to feel the fetal parts, because the abdominal wall over the uterus is very tense and very painful if you apply deep pressure with your fingers. In between contractions, when the uterus is relaxed and the muscular wall is soft, you will be able to palpate the fetal parts. You can assess the strength of uterine contractions for yourself by palpating the woman’s abdomen in the area of the fundus (top) of the uterus. The woman tells you that her contractions feel strong this is the intensity of contractions. Each contraction lasts 40–60 seconds this is known as the duration of contractions.The frequency of uterine contractions will be 3-5 times in every 10 minute period.If true labour is progressing, there will be adequate uterine contraction, evaluated on the basis of three features - the frequency, the duration and the intensity of the contractions: We have to leave these questions unanswered, and focus on the normal labour occurring at term.ġ.2.1 What is adequate uterine contraction? Why do unpredicted labour abnormalities occur?.Why do some women develop preterm labour?.What initiates/stimulates labour to begin? Is it factors in the fetus, the mother or both?.The other major indefinite features of labour are: Only about 2% of deliveries occur on the expected date even among women who know their LNMP date exactly. Although it is good to calculate the expected date of delivery as 40 weeks from the mother’s last normal menstrual period (LNMP), if she knows the date (many mothers do not), tell her that she is probably not going to deliver on the expected date. That is why even the normal onset of labour is anticipated in a wide range of weeks (at Health Post level 37–40 weeks is considered the normal ‘window’ at hospital level, it can be at 37–42 weeks with close follow up using ultrasound scanning). Despite much advancement of maternal and fetal health sciences, so far nobody knows exactly: This is one of its ‘indefinite’ features, so you should always be ready to take appropriate action. You need to be aware that labour may start at any time. You will also learn how to prepare the pregnant woman to become aware of the changes in her body that indicate labour will start soon, and how to recognise the onset of true labour, so she can send for you to come in good time. This session will help you to understand the labour and delivery process, so that you can make accurate decisions and feel confident when you attend births. The emphasis is on helping you make the diagnosis of true labour and distinguishing it from false labour, and recognising the signs of the four stages of labour. This first study session serves as an introduction to the Labour and Delivery Care Module. Labour heralds the end of the baby’s time in the uterus and the beginning of adaptation to life outside the mother. In the majority of cases, this happens when the baby is fully developed at full term, between 37-40 weeks gestation. Labour is the term for the changes in anatomy and physiology in the female reproductive tract that prepare the fetus and the placenta for delivery. Now you are moving on to learn about Labour and Delivery Care. You have already studied the Module on Antenatal Care. Ideally the same health professional will look after the pregnant woman and her baby from the first antenatal visit until the end of the postnatal period. Recognition of Normal Labour Study Session 1 Recognition of Normal Labour Introduction
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |