Labour & Delivery
Normal Labour & Delivery
Definition of labour:
Physical processes at the end of
pregnancy including opening of the
cervix and contractions of the uterus
that lead to delivery of the fetus
Components of normal labour
Powers
Passages
Passenger
Powers
Uterine contractions
Maternal effort
Passages
Maternal pelvis
Inlet
Outlet
Pelvic inlet
Pelvic outlet
Passenger
Fetal size
Fetal presentation
Fetal position
Moulding
Mechanism of birth
Engage in transverse position
Rotate in mid-pelvis
Flexed descent onto perineum
Crowning
Extension of neck
Restitution
Delivery anterior shoulder
Delivery posterior shoulder
Diagnosis of labour
Regular painful contractions resulting
in progressive change of the cervix
+/- show
+/- rupture of membranes
Stages of labour
First stage
Onset of labour until full dilatation
of cervix
Second stage
Full dilation of cervix until delivery
of baby
Third stage
Delivery of baby until complete
delivery of placenta and membranes
Partogram - Maternal
Name / DOB /Gestation
Medical / Obstetrical issues
HR / BP/ Temp
Urinalysis
Partogram - Fetal
Gestational age
Fetal heart rate
Liquor
Partogram - Progress
Uterine contractions
Cervical dilatation
Descent of presenting part
Caput / Moulding
Fetal position
Pain relief
Support
Water
Opiates
Epidural
Complementary
Partogram - delivery
Time of birth
Gender of infant
Birthweight
Apgar scores at 1/5 mins
Cord gas
Resuscitation
Complications
Abnormal Labour & Delivery
What can go wrong?
Powers
Poor contractions/Maternal effort
Passages
Small pelvis/Pelvic shape
Passenger
Big baby/Presentation/Malposition
Abnormal powers
Artificial rupture of membranes
Oxytocin infusion
Change position
Encouragement
Passages / Passenger
Cannot influence pelvic size / fetal wt
Can correct malposition / descent
Oxytocin infusion
Change position
Assisted birth
Primary arrest
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2 4 6 8 10 12
Dilatation
Secondary arrest
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
6 8 10 12 14
Dilatation
Arrest in Second Stage
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
6 8 10 12 14 16
Dilatation
Types of assisted birth
Forceps
Vacuum / Ventouse
Caesarean section
Forceps / Vacuum - Indications
Prolonged second stage
Suspected fetal compromise
Maternal medical conditions
Forceps / Vacuum - Criteria
Expertise
Consent
Analgesia
Fully dilated / membranes ruptured
Bladder empty
Position known
Fully engaged
Station @/below spines
Complications
Failed attempt
Trauma to baby
Trauma to mother
Induction of labour
Definition
Artificial onset of labour
Indications
Maternal condition
Fetal condition
Prolonged pregnancy
Prolonged rupture of membranes
Hypertensive disorders
Fetal growth / well-being
Medical disorders
Maternal request
Methods
Artificial rupture of membranes
Prostaglandin
Risks
Dates / prematurity
Failed induction
Long/difficult labour
Interventions
Neonatal complications

Labour tutorial