Obstetrics - Stages of Labour

Summary

This video explains the three stages of labor in a detailed yet approachable way. It begins with the physiology of labor, including the hormonal triggers like oxytocin and prostaglandins that induce uterine contractions. Stage 1 is divided into the latent and active phases, where the cervix dilates and effaces in preparation for delivery. Stage 2 focuses on the process of childbirth, culminating in the baby’s birth. Finally, Stage 3 involves the delivery of the placenta. The video also highlights complications like breech birth and emphasizes the importance of proper care during each stage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Labor is divided into three stages: Stage 1 (the initial and active phases), Stage 2 (delivery of the baby), and Stage 3 (delivery of the placenta).
• 💡 Normal labor typically occurs after 37 weeks of pregnancy, with full-term births between 37 to 42 weeks. Preterm labor occurs before 37 weeks.
• 🩺 Stage 1 of labor includes the latent phase (cervix begins to stretch) and the active phase (contractions become regular and painful, cervix dilates to 10 cm).
• 🔬 The cervix dilates due to the release of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary gland, which is stimulated by the stretching of the cervix and the baby’s hormones.
• 🤰 During Stage 1, the cervix thins (effacement) and gradually opens, allowing the baby to move down the birth canal.
• 👶 In a typical delivery, the baby comes out headfirst, but in breech positions (feet or legs first), a cesarean section is often recommended to minimize complications.
• 💪 Stage 2 of labor is when the mother pushes during contractions to deliver the baby. The cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm at this stage.
• 🩺 In Stage 3, the placenta detaches from the uterine lining and is delivered. The mother may receive an injection to aid this process and prevent complications like hemorrhage.
• 🩸 Clamps are placed on either side of the umbilical cord, which is then cut after the baby is born. Blood is taken from the umbilical cord for pH analysis.
• 📚 The labor process is regulated by positive feedback loops, with contractions triggered by hormones such as oxytocin and prostaglandins to facilitate cervix dilation and delivery.

Q & A

What is the typical duration of a full-term pregnancy?

A full-term pregnancy lasts between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation.

What is premature labor and when does it occur?

Premature labor occurs when labor begins before 37 weeks of gestation.

How is labor divided, and what are the stages?

Labor is divided into three stages: Stage 1 (early and active labor), Stage 2 (delivery of the baby), and Stage 3 (delivery of the placenta).

What happens during Stage 1 of labor?

In Stage 1, the cervix begins to dilate as regular, painful contractions occur, triggered by oxytocin and prostaglandins. The cervix dilates from 0 to 10 centimeters.

What is the difference between the latent phase and active phase of Stage 1 labor?

The latent phase (initial phase) involves early labor with slow cervix dilation and less intense contractions, while the active phase involves faster dilation and more intense, regular contractions.

What hormones are involved in triggering contractions during labor?

Oxytocin and prostaglandins are the hormones that stimulate uterine contractions during labor.

What is effacement of the cervix?

Effacement refers to the thinning of the cervix as it prepares for dilation during labor.

What is the significance of a 10 cm dilation of the cervix in labor?

A 10 cm dilation indicates that the cervix is fully open, marking the transition from Stage 1 to Stage 2 of labor.

What occurs in Stage 2 of labor?

Stage 2 begins when the cervix is fully dilated, and the baby is delivered through the birth canal. The uterus continues to contract to help expel the baby.

What is the role of the placenta in Stage 3 of labor?

In Stage 3, the placenta detaches from the uterine lining and is delivered after the baby. The uterus continues contracting to help expel the placenta.