Term
| preliminary signs of labour (4) |
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Definition
lightening
increase in activity level
braxton hicks contractions
ripening of the cervix |
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Term
| 3 signs of established labour |
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Definition
uterine contractions
show
rupture of the membranes |
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Term
| decribe lightening and the effects on a pregnant woman |
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Definition
Describe: is also called fetal descent. The uterus position is lower and more anterior to in the uterus. Abdominal countor change
Effects: relief of diaphramic pressure and SOB |
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Term
| describe difference in lightening between primapiras and multiparas |
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Definition
Primapiras: in primapiras, lightening occurs 10-14 days before labour occurs. It occurs earlier in primapiras due to tighter abdominal walls.
Multiparas: lightening is not as dramtic and usually occurs on day of labour, or after labour has already begun |
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Term
| why does increase in activity occur as a preliminary sign of labour |
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Definition
| due to a decrease in the hormone progesterone, there is an increase in adrenalin release. This preps a woman for the work of labour |
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Term
| when do braxton hicks contractions occur |
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Definition
| may occur up to the 30th week of pregnancy |
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Term
| describe braxton hicks contractions |
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Definition
| is a preliminary sign of labour. It is uterine activity that may occur between intervals of one minute, of no more than 5mmHg. These contractions are localised, short and slight |
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Term
| signs of braxton hicks on woman (how to determine) |
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Definition
| every 30-60 minutes a higher amplitude contraction (10-15 mmHg) may occur, which may be palplable. This higher amplitude contraction spreads to more areas of the uterus. |
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Term
| symptoms of braxton hicks |
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Definition
| usually(not always), the bh contractions are painless. After the 30th week these contractions become more intense and frequent |
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Term
| effect of bracton hicks on fetus (2) |
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Definition
1) Myometrium contracts causing uterine arteries to constrict and decrease blood flow to fetus. As a result of this physiological process, the fetus reduces breathing movements (fetal hypoxemia)
2) squeezing causes decrease of fetal chest, as a result of chest pressure, nerve impulses are sent to fetal brain. Stimulation hypothesised for fetal brain development |
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Term
| health info for women experiencing braxton hicks |
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Definition
1) become stronger , longer closer together during establishment of labour
2) encourage that the contractions are in preparations for labour
3) important for fetal development |
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Term
| describe ripening of the cervix |
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Definition
| preliminary sign of labour. Internal sign only seen with pelvic examination. Cervix becomes softern than with prepregnancy (like earlobe) |
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Term
| describe show and why it occurs |
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Definition
| Due to cervix softening and ripening, mucous plug (operculum) that fills the cervical canal during pregnancy is expelled. Blood is seeped through by cervical capilliaries from fetus pressure. It is blood mixed with mucous (pink tinge) |
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Term
| describe what rupture of membrane looks like |
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Definition
| scanty slow or sudden gush of clear fluid that is released from vagina |
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Term
| when does membrane rupture occur |
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Definition
| membrane usually ruptures spontanously at full dilation of cervix |
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Term
| effect of rupture membranes for fetus |
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Definition
| can protect fetal head when it descends and dilates the cervix |
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Term
| risk of non-spontanous membrane rupture (3) |
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Definition
increase pain for woman
intrauterine infection
prolapse of umbilico cord, which can cut off oxygen to fetus
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Term
| when will induction of labour be considered in association with membrane rupture and rationale |
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Definition
| if pregnancy is at term and labour does not occur within 24hours, nduction of labour is considered. this will risk of infection for mother and newborn |
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