1. Childbirth

2. Coffs Harbour Divisional Training
Pregnant Women
In effect when treating a pregnant woman you have two casualties, the woman and the unborn baby.
The foetus receives oxygen, nutrients via the placenta, any interruption to the mothers normal health could result in danger to both the mother and unborn child.
3 January 2019
Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

3. Symptoms: Affecting the Foetus
The following symptoms may interrupt blood supply to the foetus:
Haemorrhage
Shock
Dehydration
Hypotension
Hypertension
Maternal positioning
3 January 2019
Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

4. Left Lateral Tilt Position
Position for examining a pregnant woman which will not interrupt the oxygen supply through the placenta to the foetus.
Left lateral tilt position using padding under her right buttock
3 January 2019
Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

5. Coffs Harbour Divisional Training
Problems
Pre-term labour
Ruptured membranes
Vaginal bleeding
Preeclampsia
Eclampsia
3 January 2019
Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

6. Coffs Harbour Divisional Training
Assessment
When assessing a pregnant woman these are the questions you need to ask to enable you to assess their medical condition;
How many weeks pregnant are you?
What is your due date?
Have you had any contractions?
Have you had any vaginal loss or bleeding?
3 January 2019
Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

7. Coffs Harbour Divisional Training
Possible Answers
If yes to last 2 questions;
Contractions:
Have there been any contractions?
If so:
How often are they?
For how long do each last?
How strong are they?
Fluid loss:
Amount of fluid lost
Colour of fluid
Type of fluid
Period of loss
3 January 2019
Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

8. Coffs Harbour Divisional Training
Unborn Baby
The most important question we can make is by asking the mother;
Has the baby moved or kicked at all?
If the baby is unusually quiet or there has been no movement medical aid should be sort immediately.
3 January 2019
Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

9. Coffs Harbour Divisional Training
Pre-term Labour
Onset weeks
Signs & symptoms;
regular contractions
‘show’ – vaginal discharge
ruptured membranes
3 January 2019
Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

10. Coffs Harbour Divisional Training
Treatment
DRABCD
Oxygen
Check for foetal movements by questioning the mother
Check frequency and duration of contractions & call ambulance
Rest the mother on left side and reassure
Record observations
If delayed help, prepare as per Emergency Child Birth
3 January 2019
Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

11. Coffs Harbour Divisional Training
Ruptured Membranes
Breaking of waters prior to 37 weeks
Signs & Symptoms:
Watery loss from the vagina, can be blood stained
Mucous show
Contractions may be present (usual sign)
3 January 2019
Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

12. Coffs Harbour Divisional Training
Treatment
DRABCD
Give oxygen
Reassurance
Check for foetal movements by questioning the mother
Ask mother to describe loss and/or sight the loss
Rest on left lateral side
Record observations
Medical aid
3 January 2019
Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

13. Coffs Harbour Divisional Training
Vaginal Bleeding
Antepartum haemorrhage ( before birth)
Signs & Symptoms:
Bright red to dark red blood loss.
Clots can be present.
Can be as little as a tablespoon (15 mls)
Abdominal pain
Tense abdomen, guarding
Can display signs of shock
3 January 2019
Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

14. Coffs Harbour Divisional Training
Treatment
Treatment of Vaginal Bleeding
DRABCD
Give oxygen
Reassurance
Rest on left lateral side
Urgent medical aid
3 January 2019
Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

15. Postpartum Haemorrhage
Life threatening condition which is one of the main causes of maternal mortality in Australia (NSW Health)
Signs & Symptoms Treatment
Blood Loss post birth Medical Assistance
Pallor Treat for shock
Rapid pulse Oxygen
Tachycardia Reassure casualty
Hypotension posturing left lateral position
3 January 2019
Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

16. Coffs Harbour Divisional Training
Preeclampsia
Occurs in second half of pregnancy extremely
dangerous to both mother & baby.
Signs & symptoms;
high blood pressure
Headaches
Blurred vision
Generalised swelling (predominantly peripherally)
Protein evident in urine
3 January 2019
Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

17. Coffs Harbour Divisional Training
Treatment
DRABCD
Oxygen
Reassure casualty
Check for foetal movements
Check how often contractions are coming
Call ambulance
Rest the mother on left side and reassure
Record observations
If delayed help, prepare as per Emergency Child Birth
3 January 2019
Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

18. Coffs Harbour Divisional Training
3 January 2019
Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

19. Coffs Harbour Divisional Training
Questions
3 January 2019
Coffs Harbour Divisional Training