There is an interplay of physiological processes occurring during the second stage of labour. Second stage is said to have two phases, latent and active. It is during the latent phase that the presenting part passes through the fully dilated cervix to the birth canal. There is an interplay of physiological processes occurring during the second stage of labour. Second stage is said to have two phases, latent and active. It is during the latent phase that the presenting part passes through the fully dilated cervix to the birth canal.
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:
What are the physiological changes during each stage of labor?The first stage starts when labor begins and ends with full cervical dilation and effacement. The second stage commences with complete cervical dilation and ends with the delivery of the fetus. The third stage initiates after the fetus is delivered and ends when the placenta is delivered.
What are the physiological changes in second stage of labour?Contractions become slower, and may stop altogether, to allow the mother a rest. When they occur, they are shorter and more widely spaced. In addition to the contractions, the mother will feel a strong urge to bear down, and this urge to push can be regarded as an indication that the second stage is under way.
What are the physiological changes during third stage of labour?After the birth of your baby, your uterus gently contracts to loosen and push out the placenta. This may occur five to 30 minutes after the birth of your baby. The muscles of the uterus continue to contract to stop the bleeding.
What is the physiological first stage of labour?The first stage begins when spaced uterine contractions of sufficient frequency, intensity, and duration are attained to bring about cervical thinning, or effacement. This labor stage ends when the cervix is fully dilated—about 10 cm—to allow passage of the term-sized fetus.
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