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Normal Labor 1
Study tools for Physiology & Stages of Labor
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Prodromal | The period of time prior to labor characterized by contractions or other signs/symptoms of impending labor that may be intermittent or constant; shortening active labor by effacing the cervix and positioning tthe presenting part. |
| Sagittal suture | This suture divides the cranial vault in half running between the two parietal bones. |
| Posterior fontanelle | Y-shaped landmark formed by the meeting of the occiputal and parietal bones. |
| Anterior fontanelle | Diamond Shaped landmark formed by the junction of the sagittal, frontal and coronal sutures. |
| Flexion | As the fetal spine curves, the head is encouraged to tuck causing the posterior fontanelle to present in a vertex birth. |
| Moulding | Under the influence of the external pressures and forces of labor, the fetal parts alter shape and structure by contact with the soft and bony tissues of the pelvis. |
| Internal rotation | Occurs when the most anterior portion of the presenting part meets the resistance of the pelvic floor muscles. |
| Muscular gates | Cervix, muscles of the levator ani sling and the genital opening. |
| Pelvic ligaments | These assist the presenting part to remain anterior after internal rotation has occurred. |
| Gynecoid | The most nearly round pelvic shape at all levels. |
| Placental separation | Signaled by lengtheing of the cord and a gush of blood. |
| Zero station | The presenting part reaches the level of the ischial spines. |
| Synclitism | When the biparietal diameter of the fetal head is parallel with the planes of the pelvis. |
| Disengagement | Emergence of the presenting part from the outlet. |
| Lightening | Aproximately 2 weeks before labor the presenting part descends into the true pelvis. |
| Bloody show | Blood tinged mucus often seen 24-48 hours before true labor. |
| Friedman's curve | A labor pattern often rigidly defined as normal in a hospital birth setting. |
| Partograph | Visual representation of the labor pattern. |
| Duncan mechanism | Delivery of the placenta with the maternal side presenting. |
| Schultz mechanism | Delivery of the placenta with the fetal side presenting. |