PCD PCD Objective 3.03 Objective 3.03

Healthy Pregnancy Healthy Pregnancy and and

DeliveryDelivery

Stages of Labor Stages of Labor

Stages of LaborStages of Laborhandouthandout

Directions: Directions: •Answer the following Answer the following questions as you read questions as you read the section in the text the section in the text and/or notes on stages and/or notes on stages of labor. of labor.

1. What occurs when “lightening” 1. What occurs when “lightening” happens?happens?

The baby settles into the lower The baby settles into the lower pelvis as the time of birth nears.pelvis as the time of birth nears.

2. What is “bloody show,” and what 2. What is “bloody show,” and what does it mean for the pregnant woman?does it mean for the pregnant woman?

The few drops of blood or The few drops of blood or pinkish vaginal stain that occurs pinkish vaginal stain that occurs when the mucus that seals the when the mucus that seals the cervix dissolves. cervix dissolves.

This is an early sign that labor This is an early sign that labor has begun.has begun.

3. What happens when a woman’s 3. What happens when a woman’s “water breaks?”“water breaks?”

The amniotic sac ruptures, and The amniotic sac ruptures, and the woman feels a trickle or gush the woman feels a trickle or gush of warm amniotic fluid.of warm amniotic fluid.

4. What are contractions? 4. What are contractions? What is their purpose?What is their purpose?

The tightening and releasing of The tightening and releasing of the muscles of the uterus during the muscles of the uterus during labor. labor.

They push the baby out of the They push the baby out of the mother’s body.mother’s body.

5. Why would a doctor do fetal 5. Why would a doctor do fetal monitoring during labor?monitoring during labor?

To watch the baby’s heart rate To watch the baby’s heart rate for indicators of stress.for indicators of stress.

6. When would labor be considered 6. When would labor be considered premature? What are the warning premature? What are the warning signs?signs? When the fetus has been When the fetus has been

developing for 37 weeks or less. developing for 37 weeks or less. Warning signs: Warning signs:

• (1) Contractions every ten minutes (1) Contractions every ten minutes or less. or less.

• (2) Dull backache. (2) Dull backache. • (3) Leaking fluid or blood.(3) Leaking fluid or blood.

7. How do you distinguish false 7. How do you distinguish false labor from real contractions?labor from real contractions?

In false labor, contractions: In false labor, contractions: • (1) are not regular or rhythmic (1) are not regular or rhythmic • (2) do not increase in strength over (2) do not increase in strength over

time time • (3) end when the woman does light (3) end when the woman does light

exercise, such as walking.exercise, such as walking.

Let’s take a closer look!Let’s take a closer look!

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