LABOR WATCH

Labor
A series of physiologic and
mechanical processes
by which all products of conception
are expelled from the birth canal.
by the uterine contractions &
bearing down efforts of the mother.
 TRUE vs. FALSE LABOR
CRITERIA TRUE LABOR FALSE LABOR
Contractions Regular, progressive Irregular, non-
progressive
Discomfort Lumbo-sacral radiating Abdominal
to the front; increasing
in intensity
Cervix Dilated; MOST No dilatation
IMPORTANT sign
Walking Intensifies contraction No effect in contraction
Enema Intensifies contraction No effect in contraction
 PHASES OF UTERINE CONTRACTION
1)Increment (cresendo): the phase of
increasing or “building up” of contraction, the
1st phase & the longest phase
2)Acme (apex): the height/peak of uterine
contractions
3)Decrement (decrescendo): the phase of
decreasing contraction; “letting up” the
last/end phase
Characteristics of uterine
contractions.

A B C D

Duration- from A to B
Frequency- from A to C
Interval- from B to C
Intensity – mild, moderate, strong
 DURATION
 The length of time the contraction last.
 The
time from the start of one contraction to the end of the
same contraction.
 From increment to decrement.
 Expressed in seconds
 Maximum duration is 90 seconds during transition & 2 nd stage

Interval
 FREQUENCY
The interval between the beginning
of one contraction to the beginning
of the next contraction.
Expressed in minutes

Interval
 INTERVAL
The time from the end of one contraction
to the start of the next contraction.
Corresponds to the period of rest of the
uterus.
Best time to:
1) Auscultate FHT
Interval
2) Check maternal BP
3) Deliver the head in extension
 INTENSITY
The strength of a contraction at acme.
1) Mild- uterine wall can be indented with ease
2) Moderate- uterine wall can be indented with
difficulty
3) Strong- uterine wall can no longer be indented

Interval
 Monitoring Uterine Contractions
1. Havethe fingers widespread (wider
coverage).
2. Palpate the fundus with the
fingertips (most sensitive).
3. Applylight pressure (better
sensation).
4. Palpatethe fundus to time the start
of increment (accurate timing of
contraction onset).
5. Palpatethe lower uterus lightly to
time the end of decrement (accurate
timing of contraction end).
 Time Started Time Ended Duration Interval Frequency
10:00:00 10:00:15 15s
10:15:00 10:15:16 16s 14 m & 45 s 15 m
10:30:00 10:30:18 18s 14 m & 44 s 15 m
10:44:00 10:44:20 20s 13 m & 42 s 14 m

10:15:00
-10:00:15
14: 45

10:29:60
-10:15:16
14:44