Childbirth involves coordinated changes in the pregnant person’s body and the fetus. Learning the signs of labor and the three stages of birth can help families understand what to expect and when medical support may be needed.
Hormonal changes, including changes involving oxytocin, help prepare the body for birth. Contractions are the most common observable sign of labor, but not every contraction means labor has begun. Braxton-Hicks contractions, sometimes called false labor, are usually not painful and may help prepare the body.
All flashcards
What is cervical effacement?
Effacement is the thinning of the cervix as it prepares for birth.
What is cervical dilation?
Dilation is the opening of the cervix. It generally reaches about 10 centimeters to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.
What is an amniotomy?
An amniotomy is the manual breaking of the amniotic sac by a medical professional, sometimes used to help labor progress.
What does crowning mean?
Crowning occurs when the top of the baby’s head becomes visible at the vaginal opening during the second stage of labor.
What happens during the third stage of labor?
The placenta is expelled from the uterus after the baby is born.
Quiz questions
What are Braxton-Hicks contractions?Answer: Contractions that may prepare the body but do not necessarily indicate labor.
What is Pitocin used for during medically induced labor?Answer: It is synthetic oxytocin used to stimulate contractions.
What occurs during the first stage of labor?Answer: The cervix effaces and dilates as contractions progress.
When does the second stage of labor begin?Answer: When the cervix is fully effaced and dilated to about 10 centimeters.
Why may retained placental tissue require medical attention?Answer: It can lead to complications such as infection or excessive bleeding.
Based on Lifespan Development by Diana Riser, Rose Spielman, David Biek (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.