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Overview of LaborWhat is labor?Labor is a series of continuous, progressive contractions of the uterus which help the cervix to open (dilate) and to thin (efface), allowing the fetus to move through the birth canal. Labor usually starts two weeks before or after the estimated date of delivery. However, no one knows exactly what triggers the onset of labor. What are the signs of labor?Signs of labor vary from woman to woman, as each woman experiences labor differently. Some common signs of labor may include:
If a woman feels unsure if labor is beginning, she should always call her doctor or midwife. What are the different stages of labor?Each labor is different. However, labor typically is divided into three stages:
Each labor experience is different and the amount of time in each stage will vary. However, labor in a first pregnancy usually lasts about 12 to 14 hours. Labor is generally shorter for subsequent pregnancies.
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Click Image to Enlarge Induction of laborIn some cases, labor has to be "induced," which is a process of stimulating labor to begin. The reasons for induction vary. Labor induction is not done before 39 weeks of pregnancy unless there is a problem. Some common reasons for induction include the following:
Some common techniques of induction include the following:
Care at the hospital during laborWhen a woman arrives at the hospital in labor, the nursing staff may perform a physical examination of the abdomen to determine the size and position of the fetus, and an examination of the cervix. In addition, the nursing staff may check the following:
Intravenous fluids are sometimes given during labor. The intravenous line, a thin plastic tube inserted into a vein (usually in the patient's forearm), can also be used to administer medications. Intravenous fluids are usually given once active labor has begun, and are also needed when a woman has epidural anesthesia. The fetus, too, is carefully monitored during labor. A monitor placed over the mother's abdomen will keep track of the fetal heart rate. What are pain management options during labor?A woman has many options for managing the discomforts that occur during labor and the birth of her baby. Generally, mothers and their doctors or midwives want to use the safest and most effective method of pain relief for both mother and baby. The choice will be determined by:
There are three main types of pain management for labor and birth:
When assessing a woman in labor the nurse is aware that the relationship of the fetal body parts to one another is called which of the following?The fetal attitude is the relation of fetal body parts to one another. The horizontal lie is perpendicular to the mother; in the longitudinal (or vertical) lie the long axes of the fetus and the mother are parallel.
What should the nurse be aware of with regard to fetal positioning during labour quizlet?As relates to fetal positioning during labor, nurses should be aware that: a. Position is a measure of the degree of descent of the presenting part of the fetus through the birth canal.
What should the nurse be aware of to accurately assess the health of the mother during labour?In order to accurately assess the health of the mother accurately during labor, the nurse should be aware that: Blood pressure increases during contractions but remains somewhat elevated between them.
Why is it called the fetal position?It is called the fetal position because it mimics the position of a fetus in the womb. Side sleeping is the most common sleep position, but researchers have not yet studied how many people curl up into the fetal position while sleeping on their sides.
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