Labor and Delivery Child Development Class Notes

Difference Between Difference Between True Labor and False Labor

True Labor Rhythmical contractions (build in intensity) Rhythmical contractions (build in intensity) Contractions are evenly spaced in time Contractions are evenly spaced in time Pain is increased by walking Pain is increased by walking

Three signs that labor has begun: 1. Mucus plug is released (Bloody Show) 1. Mucus plug is released (Bloody Show) 2. “Bag of Water” ruptures 2. “Bag of Water” ruptures 3. Contractions begin 3. Contractions begin

False Labor Contractions are uneven in intensity Contractions are uneven in intensity Not evenly spaced in time Not evenly spaced in time Not increased by walking Not increased by walking

Terms to Know Pre-registration: hospital arrangements made for delivery of baby prior to birth Pre-registration: hospital arrangements made for delivery of baby prior to birth Sedative: drugs given during labor to relax mother Sedative: drugs given during labor to relax mother

Terms (Cont.) Local anesthesia: pain medication to block the feeling to one area of the body Local anesthesia: pain medication to block the feeling to one area of the body Epidural: Local anesthesia that surrounds the spinal column (most common) Epidural: Local anesthesia that surrounds the spinal column (most common)

Terms (Cont.) Crowning: when the baby’s head can be seen prior to delivery Crowning: when the baby’s head can be seen prior to delivery Episiotomy: an incision made in the mother prior to the delivery of the baby to prevent the mother from tearing Episiotomy: an incision made in the mother prior to the delivery of the baby to prevent the mother from tearing

Terms (Cont.) Breech birth: when the baby is born in a position other than head down Breech birth: when the baby is born in a position other than head down Cesarean Section: the baby is delivered by an incision in the mother’s abdomen Cesarean Section: the baby is delivered by an incision in the mother’s abdomen

Terms (Cont.) Post-partnum: the period of time when the mother is recuperating from childbirth Post-partnum: the period of time when the mother is recuperating from childbirth Longitudinal: vertical muscles running across abdomen causing contractions Longitudinal: vertical muscles running across abdomen causing contractions Sphincter: muscles responsible for the dilation of the cervix Sphincter: muscles responsible for the dilation of the cervix

Stages of Labor & Delivery Stage I – Dilation Stage I – Dilation 1. Bag of water ruptures 2. Cervix dilates from one to ten centimeters 3. Lasts hours 4. Baby’s head moves from cervix to birth canal

Stages of Labor & Delivery Stage II – Expulsion Stage II – Expulsion 1. Crowning takes place 2. Cervix is fully dilated (10 centimeters) 3. Woman is completely anaesthetized 4. Episiotomy is performed 5. Lasts 30 min. to 1 ½ hour until baby is born

Stages of Labor & Delivery Stage III – Afterbirth Stage III – Afterbirth 1. Shortest stage of labor (10-20 minutes) 2. Episiotomy is repaired 3. Abdomen is massaged to stop bleeding 4. Placenta is examined

Post Partnum Care For the mother: For the mother: First Week – rest, care only for self & baby First Week – rest, care only for self & baby NO driving, stairs, housework NO driving, stairs, housework Second Week – light housekeeping, post partnum exercises are allowed Second Week – light housekeeping, post partnum exercises are allowed Third Week – check up with dr. Third Week – check up with dr.