MONITORING

LABOR
AND
CONTRACTION
LABOR
 Refers to process or series
of process by which the
mature product of
conception are expelled
from the uterus through
birth canal or natural
passages to the outside
COMPONENTS OF LABOR (4P’S)

1. PASSAGE (women’s pelvis)

2. PASSENGER
3. POWER
4. PSYCHOLOGICAL
RESPONSE OF THE
MOTHER
 SIGNS OF LABOR
• Preliminary Signs of Labor
Lightening – descent of the fetal presenting part
into the pelvis
• In Primi – occurs 2 weeks prior

• In Multipara – at onset of labor

Increase in the Level of Activity

Due to an increase in epinephrine release that is
initiated by a decrease in progesterone produces
by the placenta. Additional epinephrine prepares
the woman’s body for the work of labor ahead.
• Braxton hicks Contractions
– Painless contractions but annoying
– Occurs 3-4 weeks prior to labor
– Labor contractions are false
– Do not dilate cervix
– Relieved by walking and enema
 TRUE VERSUS FALSE LABOR
 TRUE LABOR  FALSE LABOR
Show ( pinkish Show ( pinkish
mucus) mucus)
 Usually present;  None
increases as the
cervix changes
Contraction
Contraction  Irregular
 No change in
Regular
frequency,

 Increasing duration &
frequency, duration intensity
& intensity
 Shortening of
interval
 TRUE VERSUS FALSE LABOR
 TRUE LABOR  FALSE LABOR
Discomfort Discomfort
 Radiates from back  Pain at the
around the abdomen. abdomen.

Rest/Activity Rest/Activity
Contractions does Contractions may
not decrease with lessen with rest
rest or or activity/walking
activity/walking
 TRUE VERSUS FALSE LABOR
 TRUE LABOR  FALSE LABOR
Cervix Cervix
 Progressive  Cervical
effacement changes do
and dilatation not occur
of the cervix yet.
 SIGNS OF TRUE LABOR

• Uterine Contractions 3 Phases of Uterine

initiations of effective, Contraction
productive, involuntary uterine 1. Increment
contractions.
Crescendo
2. Acme / Apex
3. Decrement
Decrescendo
HOW TO MEASURE UTERINE
CONTRACTIONS
Interval
Duration
- Beginning to end of the 1st contraction
- End of
– Report if more than 90 seconds
contrac
beginnin
Frequency
contrac
- Beginning of the 1st contraction to the
Intensity
- beginning of the 2nd contraction.
- Report if less than 2 minutes. - Streng
Mild – ti
Moderat
Strong o
head