What are some maternal factors that trigger
labor?
Maternal factors
● ◦Stretched uterine muscles & release of
prostaglandins
● ◦pressure on cervix stimulates nerve
plexus → oxytocin
● ◦> estrogen → stimulates uterus to
contract
● ◦Withdrawal of progesterone = <
quieting
● ◦> release of oxytocin + prostaglandins
= inhibit CA binding → contractions
activated
● ◦Surge of oxytocin → contractions
2 breech presentation, this increases the
What are some fetal factors that trigger labor?
● Placental aging → triggers contractions
● Fetal membranes synthesize
prostaglandins → contractions
● ↑Fetal cortisol (adrenal glands) → <
progesterone → > prostaglandins →
contractions
3 }Cervix:
What are the premonitory signs of labor?
● Lightening
● Braxton-Hicks (will go away when
walking) vs. true labor contractions
(they will not go away when walking)
● GI changes (diarrhea, nausea,
indigestion)
● Backache
● Bloody show (brownish or blood tinged)
● Spontaneous rupture of membranes
4 ● ◦Obstructions
What are 5 factors affecting labor?
1.Powers (the contractions)
2.Passage (the pelvis)
3.Passenger (the fetus)
4.Psyche (the response of woman)
5.Position (maternal postures and physical
positions to facilitate labor)
5 ● Vertical/Longitudinal (variation)
What is effacement?
● It is the thinning and shortening of the
cervix that occurs during labor
● At 100% effacement, the cervix is
paper-thin
6
What is dilatation/dilation?
It is the widening of the cervical external os
from less than 1 cm, to full dilatation (approx.
10 cm) to allow birth of a full term fetus
7
What is a placenta previa?
● Low-lying placenta may cause the baby
to assume a transverse lie
● Placenta previa can be associated with
chances of being in a breach
● May also impede descent of a vertex
baby
8
During the intrapartum period what would you
observe for in the cervix and vagina?
◦Cervical Scarring
–LEEP, conization, biopsy
◦Causes firm or “purse-string” consistency
● ◦Prolonged effacement period followed
by rapid dilatation once tissue softens
}Vagina:
● ◦“Tissue Dystocia”
9
What is a fetal "lie" and what are the different
types?
Definition:  the relationship of the fetal long
axis to the long axis of the mother
Types:
● Vertical/Longitudinal (normal)
o head first
o breech  
● Perpendicular (abnormal)
o Transverse (spines make a T )
o oblique
 13
10 What are some position and presentation
What is fetal presentation and what are the issues with labor?
different types?
Position: Occiput Posterior “sunny side up”
Definition:  the leading or most dependent
portion of the fetus. ● Longer labors
Types: ● Spontaneous or assisted rotation to OA
1. Cephalic ● Some feel that sedentary behavior in
Mom ↑ this
● Vertex, Brow, Face 
 
2. Shoulder  Compound Presentation: more than just a
3. Breech head….
● Frank (feet up), Complete (both feet + ● 1:700 deliveries
sacrum), Footling (just a foot/feet) ● Associated with umbilical cord prolapse
15% to 20% of cases
● More than just a head comes out of the
11 mother, increased risk of an umbilical
What are some options of a breech at term? cord prolapse --> Emergency (lift
External Cephalic Version presenting part off of cord)

Turning the fetus 14

Requirements: What are sutures?

● Normal fetus with reassuring FHR ● They are the  meetings of the bones of
tracing the fetal skull
● Adequate amniotic fluid ● Covered by a membrane
● Not in labor
● Presenting part not engaged 15
What are fontanelles?
Default option: cesarean delivery
}Manipulating the fetus in order to turn it to ● Fontanelles are the space where two
head first sutures meet
}Procedure: IV, ultrasound, terbutaline (to relax ● Covered by a membrane
uterus), Rhogam (if Rh-negative), provide for ● You never want to put a scalp electrode
emergency C-S. on his scalp
}Risk: separation of the placenta, uterine
rupture, fetal-maternal hemorrhage, failure.  
}Very painful for the mother
Cabit = fluid
12
What is fetal position and what are the different  
types? 16
What is fetal attitude?
Definition: the relationship of the presenting
part to the specific area of the woman’s pelvis  Definition:  posturing of the joints and the
relationship of the fetal body parts (chest, chin,
  arms) to each other.
}Flexion - normal fetal attitude when labor
Types: begins
}Extension increases diameters
● Right (R) or Left (L) of maternal pelvis }
● Occiput (O), Mentum (M),  or Sacrum
17
(S) of fetus
What are primary "powers" (involuntary)?
● Anterior (A), Posterior (P),  or 
Transverse (T) of maternal pelvis Primary (involuntary) Contractions:

● Frequency (Beginning of one to the
beginning of another)
● Duration  (beginning from one to end of
it)
● Intensity (How strong it is)
● resting tone (Important because of
oxygenation to baby)
What is the flexion of labor?
Chin to chest to < diameter
27
What is the internal rotation of labor?
       c.  Process of alignment of fetal long axis
to  

18 maternal long  axis

What are secondary (voluntary) contractions?
maternal bearing-down efforts
19
Describe the frequency of contractions
Timed from the START of one contraction to
the START of the next
20
Describe the duration of contractions
Timed from the START of the contraction to the
END of that contraction
21
What are some losses experienced in labor?
● Privacy
● Control of Situation
● Control over Bodily Functions
● Loss of Current Family Constellation
● Couples become parents, parents of
one become parents of two, etc
28
What is the extension of labor?
a. presenting part pivots beneath symphysis
pubis with the birth of the head
29
What is the expulsion of labor?
30
What is labor and how many stages are there?
Labor is the process in which the fetus,
placenta, and membranes are expelled
spontaneously
4 Stages of labor
31
When does stage 1 of labor occur?
● Begins with onset of labor and ends
with complete cervical dilation
● Has 3 phases, latent, active, and
transition phase

22 32
What is "engagement" Describe the active phase of the 1st stage of
Occurs when the biparietal diameter is at or labor
below the inlet of the true pelvis
● Average dilation 1.2 cm/hr depending
23 on gravida
What are the physiological changes of labor? ● Dilation progresses 4–7 cm, 40–80%
effacement
a.> BP,  Increased cardiac output,  Fluid and ● Fetal descent
electrolyte loss, Diaphoresis, Hyperventilation ● Intense contraction q 2–5 min, lasting
& Elevated temperature 40–60 sec
● Increase in pain
24
● Medical interventions
What are the mechanisms of labor?
● Nursing actions
1. Engagement
33
2. Descent
Describe the latent phase of the 1st stage of
3. Flexion
labor
4. Internal rotation
5. Extension
● ◦Cervix 0–3 cm dilation, 0–40%
6. External rotation
effacement
7. Expulsion
● ◦Contraction every 5–10 min, mild
intensity, lasting 30–45 sec
25
● ◦Discomfort described as feelings of
What is the decent of labor?
strong menstrual cramps
26 ● ◦Medical interventions
 ● ◦Nursing actions
34
Describe the transition phase of the 1st stage
of labor
● Dilation from 8 to 10 cm, 100%
effacement
● Contractions intense, q 1–2 min lasting
60–90 sec
● Exhaustion, difficulty concentrating
● Bloody show
● N/V, backache, diaphoresis, and
trembling
● Strong urge to bear down
● Medical interventions
● Nursing actions
35
What are some medical interventions for the 3
phases during the 1st stage of labor?
● Latent phase: orders for lab tests, IV or
saline lock, intermittent fetal monitoring
● Active: ROM, FHR monitoring, apply
fetal scalp electrode or Uterine
transducer PRN, Pain management,
Evaluate labor progression
● Transition: AROM, assess fetal position
& cervix; prepare for delivery
36
When does the 2nd stage of labor occur?
Begins with complete cervical dilation and ends
with delivery of baby
37
What are some behaviors during the 2nd stage
of labor?
● Urge to bear down is strong
● Pushing feels more productive to many
mothers; they are eager to push
● Exhausted mothers may find the
exertion overwhelming
● Burning as head crowns often causes
fear of “splitting open”
● Pushing causes very intense
sensations that can frighten unprepared
mothers
38
What are some characteristics of the 2nd stage
of labor?
● —Complete dilatation
● —Sudden burst of energy, improved
focus
● —Shorter duration with multips than
primips
● —Intense contraction every 2 min,
lasting 60–90 sec
● —Increase in bloody show
● —Perineum flattens, with bulging rectum
and vagina
● —Medical interventions
● —Nursing actions
● —
39
What are some nursing interventions during
the 2nd stage of labor?
● —Prepare radiant warmer for newborn -
baby blankets, labels. 
● —Adjust lighting and obtain/set up table
● —Call anesthesia/ NICU if necessary
● —Inform pt of progress and events
● —When physician at bedside, position pt
● —Prep perineum as requested
● —Document delivery time & watch for
NB void
40
What is the 3rd stage of labor?
● —Period involving separation and
expulsion of placenta/membranes
● —Lasts 5–20 min
● —Medical interventions
● —Nursing actions
41
When does the 3rd stage of labor occur?
Begins after delivery of baby and ends with
delivery of placenta
42
What is the 4th stage of labor?
Study These Flashcards
● —This stage begins the postpartum
period
● —Ends 4 hr after delivery
● —Mechanism of homeostasis occurs
● —Medical intervention
● —Nursing actions
43
When does the 4th stage of labor occur?
Study These Flashcards
Begins after delivery of baby and ends with
delivery of placenta
44
What are some characteristics of the 4th stage
of labor?
Study These Flashcards

● —Beginning of physiologic readjustment
of the mother’s body
● —250-500 cc blood loss is common
● —Causes drop in systolic and
diastolic BP, tachycardia, increased
pulse pressure
o —Maternal pulse over 100 and
fainting
● —Uterus is contracted, midline and near
the umbilicus
● —Oxytocin is given after delivery of the
placenta to increase uterine contraction
and decrease bleeding
● —Bladder may be hypotonic from
anesthesia, analgesia, trauma
● —Vital signs, fundal height and
vaginal flow checked every 15
minutes X 4 (1st hour)
● —Baby should be given to mother for
bonding and to initiate breastfeeding as
soon as possible
● —Shaking/chilling is common
● —Ending of the physical exertion of labor
● —Loss of the “heater” that is the fetus
● —Most women are hungry, thirsty and
tired
 
45
What would you assess for in the uterus in the
4th stage of labor?
What is directed pushing and describe it
Study These Flashcards
● Begins when mother is completely
dilated
● Patient takes one good breath, then
takes and holds a second breath.
● While holding the breath, she pulls back
her knees, bears down and pushes for
a count of 10
● Cycle of inhale, hold, push repeated X 2
during a single contraction
49
What is an episiotomy?
Study These Flashcards
Mediolateral (usually right)
—Begins in the midline of the posterior
fourchette (to avoid Bartholin’s gland)
—Extends at a 45 degree angle downwards
—
50
What are the different degrees of lacerations in
an episiotomy?
Study These Flashcards
1st degree
● —fourchette, perineal skin, vaginal
mucous membrane
2nd degree

Study These Flashcards ● —plus fascia and muscles of perineal

body
● —Assess fundal height and consistency,
and relation to midline 3rd degree
● —Should be < umbilical level and central
● —Assess bladder - encourage pt to void ● —extends into the anal sphincter 
● —Straight catheter if necessary
● —Record quantity of lochia (rubra) 4th degree

46 ● —also involves the anterior rectal wall

Describe some characteristics of the lateral (tissue of the rectum)
pushing position
Study These Flashcards 51
What are the benefits of an episiotomy?
● Can help rotate a fetus that is in a Study These Flashcards
posterior position.
● Can slow a precipitous birth. ● —Hastens delivery if there is fetal
● Allows the perineum to stretch gradually distress
● —May be needed if the perineum is
47 unyielding
What is the natural position for pushing during ● —Room for maneuvers w/ shoulder
labor? dystocia
Study These Flashcards ● —More room for use of forceps or
Squatting vacuum

48
52 o —Activity: muscle tone
What are some risks associated with an o —Respiration: respiratory effort
episiotomy? ● —Score of < 7 at 5” indicates need for
10” score and further resuscitation
Study These Flashcards
55
● —Fecal and/or urinary incontinence
Describe suctioning in relation to newborn care
● —Pain in the area can persist for 6
months or more Study These Flashcards
● —Increased pain with intercourse
● —Bleeding ● —Current guidelines state there is no
● —Bruising evidence to support the value of the
● —Swelling practice of routine bulb suctioning of the
● —Infection newborn.
● —Current Neonatal Resuscitation
53 Program (NRP) guidelines no longer
Describe some newborn nursing care include bulb sx in the initial
resuscitation of the normal term
Study These Flashcards
newborn.
● —NRP guidelines no longer (2006)
● —Obtain Apgar scores at 1 min and 5
recommend mechanical sx of the mouth
min
and nasopharynx on  perineum with
● —Monitor temperature, heart rate,
meconium present in amniotic fluid.
respiratory rate, skin color, level of
● —Babies can be on their side; mouth
consciousness, tone, activity
can be wiped PRN
● —Newborn identification
● —Studies of catheter deep suctioning fail
● —Medication administration
to show a benefit in oxygenation
● —Dry thoroughly and place cap on
● —Studies recommended that the routine
head
and indiscriminate use of or
● —Warm, dry, stimulate
nasopharyngeal catheter suctioning at
● —For persistent cyanosis of the trunk,
birth be curtailed.
administer blow-by O2
● —PPV for infants not breathing OR HR <
56
100
What is a caput?
● —Chest compressions if HR < 60
● —Deep suction after 5 minutes done for Study These Flashcards
persistent rales or rhonchi JUST EDEMA UNDER THE SCALP, CAUSED
● —Gross physical assessment for BY PRESSURE OF THE CERVIX ON THE
abnormalities HEAD.  IT BEGINS TO SUBSIDE AS SOON
● —Label baby with identification bands AS THE BABY IS BORN.
(per hospital protocol) before it leaves
57
the delivery room
What is a CEPHALHEMATOMA?
● —Baby footprints and mother’s
fingerprint Study These Flashcards
● —Obtain cord blood samples if required
(Rh negative or Group O) ● IT IS BLEEDING UNDER THE
● —Obtain cord gases if indicated (i.e., low PERIOSTEUM.  IT THEREFORE
Apgar) DOES NOT CROSS SUTURE LINES,
BECAUSE EACH BONE HAS ITS
54 OWN PERIOSTEUM.
How is an apgar scored? ● CEPHALHEMATOMA USUALLY
STARTS AS A RESULT OF BIRTH
Study These Flashcards
TRAUMA, AND MAY WORSEN OVER
ONE TO THREE DAYS BEFORE
● —Assign APGAR scores at 1 & 5
BEING REABSORBED. 
minutes
● —0 - 2 points are given for 5
58
observations:
What can lead to pain during labor and
o —Appearance: color
delivery?
o —Pulse: heart rate
o —Grimace: response to Study These Flashcards
stimulation
 ● —Pain may result due to the following
factors
● —Decreased blood supply to uterus
● —Increased pressure and stretching of
the pelvic structures
● —Cervical dilatation and stretching
59
What is counterpressure?
Study These Flashcards
● Comfort measures: Counter pressure
● —Direct pressure to the sacrum or hips
to counteract stretching of ligaments
● —
60
How can breathing manage pain during labor?
Study These Flashcards
● —Important because there is a natural
tendency to hold the breath with pain
● —In general, as labor becomes active
and contractions get stronger, deeper
breathing is difficult/impossible
● —Patterned breathing also acts as
distraction
● —Panic can lead to hyperventilation
● —Tingling hands, lips
● —Breathe into cupped hands or surgical
mask
61
What are some analgesic mediactions used
during labor?
Study These Flashcards
● Meperidine
● Morphine
● Butorphanol
● Nalbuphine
● Sublimaze
62
What types of anesthesia used in labor and
delivery?
Study These Flashcards
1. Local
2. Pudendal nerve
3. General
63
What is epidural?
Study These Flashcards
● ——Intermittent injection or continuous
infusion
● —outside the dura mater
● —Solution bathes the spinal roots
64
What are some advantages and disadvantages
of epidural?
Study These Flashcards
Adv:
● —Slower onset
● —Titrate level and duration
● —< hypotension
● —Awake client
Dis:
● —Placement takes time
● —Systemic toxicity
● —Large placental transfer
● —> incidence of inadequate block
● —Maternal hypotension
● —Fetal bradycardia
65
Describe the epidural procedure for labor
Study These Flashcards
● —Consent forms after full explanation
● —Establish IV and adminisiter fluid bolus
● —Ready equipment: O2, fetal monitor,
epidural equipment, IV fluids
● —Help position patient in side-lying or
sitting position – attach BP cuff
● —Assist anesthesiologist with procedure
66
What are some medications used for continued
epidural and what are the side effects?
Study These Flashcards
—Narcotics –Fentanyl or Druamorph
—Side effects: severe itching, Nausea &
vomiting,Burning, swelling or skin irritation at
site of   injection
67
Describe spinal anesthesia
Study These Flashcards
● —drug into the
subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid space
(CFS). The injection is usually made in
the lumbar region at the L2/3 or L3/4
space – punctures dura
 ● —Immediate action -shorter procedures
68
What are some complications with spinal
anesthesia?
Study These Flashcards
● complications are related to the
techniques, resulting in systemic
toxicity, or to the effects of the block,
rather than to the drugs used.
● —Cardiovascular: seizures or
convulsions, arrhythmias, cardiac arrest
● —High Block = nasal stuffiness,
respiratory distress or arrest
● —Total spinal =
● —Post-dural Puncture Headache
o —Blood patch (10 – 15 ml blood
injected into dural space)
69
What are some adverse reactions to spinal
anesthesia?
Study These Flashcards
—
70
What are the nurse's responsibilities of spinal
anesthesia?
Study These Flashcards
● —Assist anesthesiologist
● —Maintain IV site
● —Be prepared for emergency situations
if occur
● Congenital abdnormal uterus bicorniate
uterus
● Mal presentation: (i.e. occiput posterior,
or face)
● Ceohlo-pelvic disproportion (CPD)
● Tachysystole of uterus (with [pitocin)
● Maternal fatigue & dehydration
● Administration of analgesia or
anesthesia early labor
● < maternal fear or exhaustion →
catecholamine release & interference
with labor
75
What is dysfunctional labor?
Study These Flashcards
Abnormal contractions that prevent expected
progress of cervical dilation or descent of fetus
Protraction disorders = slower than normal
Arrest disorders = complete cessation of UC
76
What are the 2 types of contractions?
Study These Flashcards
77
How would you care for a women with
hypertonic uterine dysfunction?
Study These Flashcards
● Labor progress 
● cause of dysfunction
● Hydrate
● Pain meds
● Sedation

71 78
What is dystocia? What are hypotonic arrest disorders?
Study These Flashcards Study These Flashcards
difficult labor or childbirth 79
72 What is a secondary arrest of dilation?
What is Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD)? Study These Flashcards
Study These Flashcards 80
What is a constriction ring and describe it
—disparity between the size of the maternal
pelvis and the fetal head Study These Flashcards

73 ● Develops around a depression in the

What is asynclitism? fetus
● Related to hyperstimulation of the
Study These Flashcards
uterus
malposition of the fetal head
● Keeps the fetus from descending
74 o Ring may be felt abdominally &
What are some risk factors for dystocia? doesn’t move
Study These Flashcards
 o Uterus below the ring is often
loose and floppy 1. confim indication for induction
o Head does not move down at all 2. review contraindications to labor and
with contractions or/vaginal delivery
● Uterus becomes tender but will not 3. perform clinical pelvimetery to assess
rupture pelvic shape and adequacy of bony
● Labor does not progress pelvis
● May occur in any stage of labor 4. Assess cervical condition (assign
bishop score)
81 5. Review risks, benefits, and alternatives
What is a precipitous birth? of induction of labor with patient
Study These Flashcards
86
Labor < 3 hours from onset to birth
What would you evalute before inducing labor
82 fetally?
What are some nursing interventions with a
Study These Flashcards
precipitous birth?
87
Study These Flashcards What is induction of labor?

● Call light, call for help! Study These Flashcards

● Try to turn on the warmer, O2, suction
● Get gloves on, if you can
● If perineum is bulging, just keep
hands near to control the head, use
counter pressure
● NEVER TAKE YOUR EYES OFF HER
BOTTOM!
● Keep a hand near the urethra, hold the
baby’s head to slow it down and also
push down a bit to protect the urethra
the process of starting labor artificially
88
What is augmentation of labor?
Study These Flashcards
The artificial stimulation of labor that began
spontaneously but has progressed abnormally
89
What would indicate and induction or
augmentation of labor?

83 Study These Flashcards

What is shoulder dystocia?
● Pre-eclampsia/Eclampsia
Study These Flashcards ● PROM/ PPROM
Occurs when the fetal spine is vertical to the ● Chorioamnionitis
maternal pelvis ● Isoimmunization
84 ● Maternal medical issues
What does the helperr mnemonic mean in ● Postdate pregnancy
relation to shoulder dystocia? ● Oligohydramnios
● Fetal growth restriction
Study These Flashcards ● Fetal demise
H:help- call for extra nurses, NICU ● Logistic factors
E:evaluate for episiotomy; empty bladder ● Prior loss
●  
L:legs back and open in McRoberts
P:pressure over the pubis towards the     90
What are some contraindications of inducing or
   baby’s face augmentin labor?
E:entry maneuvers Rubin and Wood’s Screw Study These Flashcards
R:remove posterior arm
● Placenta previa
R:roll patient- The Gaskin Maneuver ● Transverse fetal lie
● Prolapsed umbilical cord
85
● Breech presentation
What would you evalute before inducing labor
● Prior classical cesarean incision
maternally?
● Major uterine surgery
Study These Flashcards ● Active herpes simplex
91
What is the criteria for inducing labor?
Study These Flashcards
● Engaged presenting part
● No previous classical C/S incision
● No fetopelvic disproportion
● Reassuring FHR pattern
● No placenta previa
● No major bleeding from abruptio
placentae
92
What are some risks for inducing labor?
Study These Flashcards
● Fetal distress
● Placental abruption
● Increased needs for pain medications
● Edema R/T Pitocin, IVF, hydration w/
epidural
● Prolapsed umbilical cord or infection w/
amniotomy
● Uterine rupture
● Cesarean delivery
● §Induction of nulliparas results in 40%
C/S rate
93
What are the benefits for inducing labor?
Study These Flashcards
● Ability to schedule other events in
family w/birth
● Prevention of precipitous birth
● With known anomalies, ability to have
proper staff/NICU in attendance
● Birth with chosen provider
● Completion of pregnancy that is too
physically stressful for mother
94
Describe oxytocin (pitocin) induced labor
Study These Flashcards
● Pitocin rate depends on assessment of:
● §uterine activity
● §fetal response
● §cervical effacement and dilation
● The primary concerns are tachysystole,
tetanic ctx & fetal bradycardia
● VBAC patient > risk of uterine rupture
● Nursing care ratio 1:1
● Admit as usual labor patient
● Documented fetal position, lie, cephalic
presentation within previous 24 hours
● MD with C/S privileges < 10 min away
● Mainline IV of LR 1,000mL @ 125
mL/hr via 18 gauge cannula
● I&O
● Continuous FHR monitoring
● —Dilute 20 Units Pitocin in 1,000mL NS
IVPB
● —Give via pump starting at 1-2 milliunits/
min (3-6 mls/hour).
● —Insertion site is in the most proximal
port.
● —Increase Pitocin rate by 1-2 milliunits q
15-20 minutes until adequate ctx
pattern.
● —Take BP with every increase.
● —Continuous monitoring of ctx
frequency, duration, intensity, resting
tone.
● —Adjust total IV fluid intake to 125mL/hr
●  
95
What are some interventions for fetal distress?
Study These Flashcards
● —Reposition in lateral recumbent
● —Increase IV mainline fluid (LR)
● —Apply FSE and assess cervix and
station
● —Assess for S & S of placental
abruption
● —Turn Pitocin off
● —Administer O2 @ 8-10 L/min via NRB
● —Call physician
● —Be prepared to administer Brethine
● —Prepare for C-S if FHR still no better.
96
What is forceps delivery?
Study These Flashcards
Forceps assist the birth of a fetus by providing
traction or a means to rotate the fetal head to
an occiput-anterior position
97
What are the different types of forcepts
delivery?
Study These Flashcards
Types: Outlet, Low
§Mid-forceps (rarely used)
Outlet Forceps
§fetal skull has reached the perineum. Scalp is
visible between contractions
Low Forceps
§fetal skull is at +2 station or more
98
What are the requirements for using
forceps/vacuum?
Study These Flashcards

● Known position and presentation

● Empty maternal bladder
● Cervix fully dilated
● Membranes ruptured
● Adequate anesthesia
● Expertise
● Feasibility
● Cesarean section availability

99
What are some risks associated with forceps
delivery in the neonate and mother?
Study These Flashcards
Neonate

● Cephalohematoma
● Transient facial paralysis and bruising
● Facial edema 
● Cerebral edema

Mother

● Perineal swelling
● Bruising
● Hematoma
● Hemorrhage
● Postpartum infection

100
What is an amniocentesis?
Study These Flashcards
THIS IS THE PROCEDURE FOR INSERTING
A NEEDLE INTO THE UTERUS IN ORDER
TO EXTRACT SOME AMNIOTIC FLUID FOR
ANALYSIS.  THE RISKS INVOLVED INCLUDE
BLEEDING AND INFECTION.  IN EARLY
PREGNANCY IT IS COMMONLY DONE FOR
GENETIC STUDIES; NEAR TERM IT IS USED
TO OBTAIN SAMPLES FOR DETERMINING
FETAL LUNG MATURITY PRIOR TO
DELIVERY.
101
Why is an amniocentesis done when the baby
is near term?
Study These Flashcards

● Generally done to determine fetal lung

maturity from 34-38 weeks
● Due to surfactant a term specimen will
develop bubbles when shaken
● Also turbidity prevents seeing through
specimen
● L/S (lecithin/ sphingomyelin) ratio
(2:1) and phosphatidylglycerol done in
lab for FLM