Module 5: Labour and birth
Introduction
Labour is the process which brings about birth of the baby and the placenta. A normal vaginal birth will depend on the size and shape of the pelvis and the size of the baby. The 3 Ps for labour are:
- Passage-the pelvis
- Passenger-the size and position of the baby
- Power- the effectiveness of the uterine contractions
During your attachment you will all be rostered onto delivery suite and the expectation is that you will be involved with care of women in labour. Over Years 5 and 6, you should observe 5 vaginal births. you will also assist with a caesarean section.
Objectives
At the end of this section you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate the normal progress in labour and the descent of the baby through the pelvis
2. Explain the possible causes and the management of slow progress in labour
3. Describe the options for pain relief in labour
4. List the types of and needs for fetal monitoring.
5. Discuss the management of the third stage of labour.
Readings
Farquhar C, Roberts H, editors. Introduction to obstetrics and gynaecology. 4th ed. Auckland: The University of Auckland, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; 2017.
Read Chapter 7. The anatomy and physiology of labour, Chapter 8. Care in labour, Chapter 9. The puerperium and Chapter 17. Intervention in Obstetrics
perinatology.com. Intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring.
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