Labour

Labour may be defined as the onset of regular and painful contractions associated with cervical dilation and descent of the presenting part

Signs of labour include

• regular and painful uterine contractions
• a show (shedding of mucous plug)
• rupture of the membranes (not always)
• shortening and dilation of the cervix

Labour may be divided in to three stages

• stage 1: from the onset of true labour to when the cervix is fully dilated
• stage 2: from full dilation to delivery of the fetus
• stage 3: from delivery of fetus to when the placenta and membranes have been completely delivered

Monitoring

Monitoring in Labour

• FHR monitored every 15min (or continuously via CTG)
• Contractions assessed every 30min
• Maternal pulse rate assessed every 60min
• Maternal BP and temp should be checked every 4 hours
• VE should be offered every 4 hours to check progression of labour
• Maternal urine should be checked for ketones and protein every 4 hours