4 normal labour and delivery

NORMAL LABOURNORMAL LABOURAND AND

DELIVERYDELIVERY

Prof Dr MOHD AZHAR MNROYAL COLLEGE OF MEDICINE PERAK

APRIL 2005APRIL 2005

DEPARTMENT OFDEPARTMENT OFOBST & GYNAEOBST & GYNAE

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NORMAL LABOURNORMAL LABOURAND AND

DELIVERYDELIVERY



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1. Definition of normal labour2. Factors influencing progress of labour3. Diagnosis of labour4. Stages of labour5. Mechanisms of labour6. Management of labour

CONTENTSCONTENTS

Prof DR MOHD AZHAR – “NOMAL LABOUR & DELIVERY

WHAT IS WHAT IS NORMAL LABOUR ?NORMAL LABOUR ?

NORMAL NORMAL LABOURLABOUR



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Labour is defined as the onset of regular painful contractionswith progressive cervical effacement and dilatation of the cervix accompanied by descent of the presenting part.

DEFINITIONSDEFINITIONS

NORMAL LABOURNORMAL LABOUR

Spontaneous expulsion, of a single, mature fetus (37 completed weeks – 42 weeks), presented by vertex, through the birth canal (i.e. vaginal delivery), within a reasonable time (not less than 3 hours or more than 18

hours), without complications to the mother, or the fetus

The following criteria should be present to call it normal labour


NORMAL LABOURNORMAL LABOURAPRIL 2005APRIL 2005


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Understanding the process oflabour is importance

• problems can be identified• correctly managed

IMPORTANCE


WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCE WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCE PROGRESS OF LABOUR ?PROGRESS OF LABOUR ?

LABOUR AND DELIVERYLABOUR AND DELIVERY


FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE PROGRESS OF LABOURPROGRESS OF LABOUR

Passenger Passage

Power

THE NORMAL FEMALE PELVIS


1. The female pelvis provides the basic framework of the birth canal.

2. The obstetric pelvis is divided into false and true pelvis by the pelvic brim or inlet

3. The true pelvis is important, for it is through this confined space that the fetus must pass on its journey through the birth canal.

4. The true pelvis is composed of inlet, cavity and outlet.

5. Types of female pelvis – gynaecoid, anthropoid, android and platypelloid

Outlet

Cavity

Inlet

THE NORMAL FEMALE PELVIS


1. The brim is slightly oval transversely.2. The sacral promontory is not prominent.3. The transverse diameter is slightly longer

than the anteroposterior.4. The sidewalls are parallel and straight.5. The ischial spines are not prominent.6. The sacrosciatic notches are wide.7. The sacrum has a good curve.8. The pubic arch angle are wide, i.e. more than

909. Inter tuberous diameter is wide

The ideal normal female gynaecoid pelvis:

THE NORMAL FEMALE PELVISTHE NORMAL FEMALE PELVIS


The important diameters of the female pelvis:

AnteroposteriorAnteroposterior Oblique Oblique Transverse Transverse

BRIMBRIM 11 – 11.511 – 11.5 12 12 12.5 12.5

CAVITYCAVITY 1212 12 12 12 12

OUTLETOUTLET 12.512.5 12 12 11- 11.5 11- 11.5

DiametersDiameters(cm)(cm)

THE FETAL SKULLTHE FETAL SKULL


1. Sutures

2. Diameters



1. Sagittal suture: - The sagittal suture lies between the parietal bones. It runs in an anteroposterior direction between the anterior and posterior fontanelles.

2. Coronal sutures: - The suture uniting the parietal bones to the frontal bones is called the coronal suture. It’s extend transversely from the anterior fontanels and lies between the parietal and frontal bone.

3. Frontal suture: - The frontal suture is between the two frontal bones. It is an anterior continuation of the sagittal suture.

4. Lambdoidal suture: - Is between the parietal and occiptal bones.

SUTURES



MOULDING OF THE FETAL SKULL

MOULDING’ is the ability of the fetal head to change its shape and so to adapt itself to the unyielding maternal pelvis during the progress of labour.

This property is of the greatest value in the progress of labour.



Diameters of the fetal skull – anterior posterior diametersA

BC

D

E

F

G

AB ~ Suboccipto bregmatic – 9.5

AC ~ Submento bregmatic – 9.5

DE ~ Occipito frontal ~ 11.0

FG ~ Mento vertical – 13.5

POWER POWER ► ► Contractions + Maternal pushing


Uterine contractions:

1. Initiate by pacemakers ~ uterotubal junction2. Contraction waves meet at the fundus3. Contraction waves progress downward

Shortening of muscle fibres Retractions intra uterine pressure

EXPULSION OF THE FETUS

Additional force

“maternal pushing”

Intra abdominal pressure

UTERINE CONTRACTIONUTERINE CONTRACTION


NORMAL CONTRACTION

1. Frequency ~ one in every 2 – 3 min with at least 1 minute interval2. Intensity ~ strong (> 50 mmHg)3. Duration ~ 45 – 60 sec

Uterine contractions

LABOUR AND DELIVERY


WHAT INITIATE LABOURWHAT INITIATE LABOUR““ONSET OF LABOUR”ONSET OF LABOUR”

NORMAL LABOURNORMAL LABOUR

Hormonal factors1) Estrogen theory

2) Progesterone withdrawal theory

3) Prostaglandins theory

4) Oxytocin theory

5) Fetal cortisol theory

Mechanical factors

1) Uterine distension theory

2) Stretch of the lower uterine segment by the presenting near

term

Causes of Onset of Labour:


- It is unknown but the following theories were postulated:



DIAGNOSIS OF LABOURDIAGNOSIS OF LABOUR

NORMAL LABOUR AND DELIVERYNORMAL LABOUR AND DELIVERY

Painful regular uterine contractions – as evidence by contraction at least one in ten minutes

Show – as evidence by mucus mixed with blood Rupture of membranes – as evidence by leaking

liquor Progressive shortening and dilatation of the

cervix

Prof DR MOHD AZHAR – “NOMAL LABOUR & DELIVERY”

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF LABOURBefore labour begins, women usually notice one or more premonitory, or warnings, signs that labour is about to begin.

They are:

LABOUR AND DELIVERY


DESCRIBE THE STAGES OFDESCRIBE THE STAGES OFLABOURLABOUR



STAGES OF LABOUR

FIRST STAGE SECOND STAGE

THIRD STAGE

It begins with the onset of true labour contractions and ends when the cervix is fully dilated (10 cm).

Cervical effacement and dilatation occur in the first stage

First stage of labour consists of two phases:- latent and active.

The first stage of labour is the longest for both nulliparous and parous women.

The second stage of labour begins with complete dilatation of the cervix and ends with the birth of the baby.

The duration is about 1 to 1½ hours in nulliparas and about 30 to 45 minutes in parous women.

The third stage is that of separation and expulsion of placenta and membranes and also involves the control of bleeding.

It begins after the birth of the baby and ends with the expulsion of the placenta and membranes.

This is the shortest stage, lasting up to 30 minutes, with an average length of 5 to 10 minutes. There is no difference in duration for nulliparous and parous.

Labour can be divided into three stages, which are unequal in length.



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FIRST STAGE OF LABOUR



PHASES OF THE FIRST STAGE OF LABOURDivided into:

Latent phase – begins with onset of contracts and ends when cervix is 3 cm dilated and effaced Active phase – begins after the cervix is 3 cm dilated



PHASES OF THE FIRST STAGE OF LABOUR

LATENT PhaseLATENT Phase ACTIVE Phase

1. Begins with onset of contractions

2. Slow progress

3. Little cervical dilatation

4. Progressive cervical effacement

5. Ends once the cervix reaches 3 cm dilatation

6. Durations

~ 8 hours for nulliparae

~ 6 hours for multiparae

1. Active process

2. Begins after 3 cm of cervical dilatation

3. Period of active cervical dilatation (average rate 1 cm/hr)

4. S-shaped curve which is used to define progress of labour

5. It has 3 component

a) acceleration - slow

b) maximum - fast

c) deceleration - slow



WHAT HAPPEN DURING THE FIRST STAGE OF LABOUR




1. Contractions:

CONTRACTIONS

1: Regular2: Increasing in frequency3: Stronger




2. Cervical dilatation and effacement:

Causes of cervical dilatation: Contraction and retraction of uterine musculature Mechanical pressure by the bulging membrane (fore

water) The descend of the presenting part

Phases of cervical dilatation Latent phase – the first 3 cm of dilatation; a slow process

(8 hours in nulliparous and 3 hours in multiparous

Active phase – this is active process of cervical dilatation; the normal rate is 1 cm/hour




3. Engagement of the presenting part:



Do Uterine Contractions Affect Fetal Heart Rate?

Uterine contractions can affect fetal heart rate by increasing or decreasing that rate in association with any given contraction.

The three primary mechanisms by which uterine contractions can cause a decrease in fetal heart rate are compression of:· Fetal head · Umbilical cord· Uterine myometrial vessels

FETAL HEART CHANGES



PROGRESS OF FIRST STAGE OF LABOUR

Findings suggestive of satisfactory progress in first stage of labour are: - regular contractions of progressively increasing frequency and duration; - rate of cervical dilatation at least 1 cm per hour during the active phase of labour (cervical dilatation on or to the left of alert line);

Findings suggestive of unsatisfactory progress in first stage of labour are:

- irregular and infrequent contractions after the latent phase; - OR rate of cervical dilatation slower than 1 cm per hour during the active phase of labour (cervical dilatation to the right of alert line);



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SECOND STAGE OF LABOUR



SECOND STAGE OF LABOUR

1. Begins with FULL DILATATION and ends with DELIVERY OF THE BABY.

2. It have TWO Phases a) Propulsive phase – from full dilatation until presenting part has descended to the pelvic floor b) Expulsive phase which ends with the delivery of the baby

Features of expulsive phase – 1) mother’s irresistible desire to bear down 2) distension of perineum

3) dilatation of the anus

3. Average length a) Primigravidae – 40 minutes b) Multigravidae – 20 minutes



PROGRESS OF SECOND STAGE OF LABOUR

Findings suggestive of satisfactory progress in second stage of labour are:

- steady descent of fetus through birth canal; - onset of expulsive (pushing) phase.

Findings suggestive of unsatisfactory progress in second stage of labour are:

- lack of descent of fetus through birth canal; - failure of expulsion during the late (expulsive) phase.



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THIRD STAGE OF LABOUR



THIRD STAGE OF LABOUR

1. Begins after DELIVERY of the baby and ends with DELIVERY OF THE PLACENTA / MEMBRANES.

2. It have TWO Phases a) Separation phase b) Expulsion phase

3. Duration – usually 15 minutes or less (if actively managed).

4. Average blood loss – 150 to 250 ml.



PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF LABOUR

FIRST STAGE SECOND STAGE THIRD STAGE

ON THE MOTHER

1. Minimal effects 1. Pulse increases2. Systolic BP

slightly increased due to pain and anxiety

3. Minor injuries to the birth canal

1. Blood loss from the placental site (200 ml)

2. Blood loss from laceration and perineum (100 ml)

ON THE FETUS

1. Moulding – overlapping of the vault bones2. Caput succedaneum – it is a soft swelling of the most dependent part of the fetal head

MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENTOFOF

LABOURLABOUR


To achieve delivery of a normal healthy child

To anticipate, recognize and treat potential abnormal conditions before significant hazard develops for the mother or the fetus.


AIMS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF LABOUR

The AIMS include:


Diagnosis of labour

Monitoring the progress of labour

Ensuring maternal well-being

Ensuring fetal well-being.


PRINCIPLES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF LABOUR

The principles include:



MANAGEMENTFIRST STAGE OF

LABOUR


On admission: When the women presents at hospital, the woman’s antenatal record is reviewed to discover whether there have been any abnormalities during her pregnancy. When there are no records of antenatal care a complete history must be taken.

General examination of the mothera) General conditions – evaluate the mother general health condition. Look for pallor,

edema, abdominal scar (LSCS) and maternal height.

b) Vital signs – Blood pressure, pulse, respiration and temperature are taken and recorded

c) Heart and lungs

d) Urine analysis – for protein, sugar and ketones


MANAGEMENT OF THE FIRST STAGE OF LABOUR1


Abdominal examination: a) A detailed abdominal examination should be carried out and recorded.b) Determine the presentation and position of the fetus and also the engagementc) Auscultate the fetal heartd) Evaluate the uterine contraction

Vaginal examination – the purpose is to

a) To make a positive diagnosis of labourb) To make a positive identification of presentationc) To determine whether the fetal head is engaged in case of doubtd) To ascertain whether the fore waters have ruptured or to rupture them artificiallye) To exclude cord prolapse after rupture of the fore watersf) To confirm the degree of cervical dilatation and position of the presenting partg) To assess progress of labour.h) To assess the adequacy of the pelvis.




Bowel preparation: If there has been no bowel action for 24 hours or the rectum feels loaded on vaginal examination an enema is given.

Bladder careA full bladder may initially prevent the fetal head from entering the pelvic brim and later impede descent of the fetal head. It will also inhibit effective uterine action.

The woman should be encouraged to empty her bladder every 1½ - 2 hours during labour.

The quantity of urine passed should be measured and recorded and a specimen obtained for testing.

Nutrition in early labourNo food is permitted after labour is established – to prevent regurgitation and aspiration

It is important to maintain adequate hydration - via intravenous routes




Position of labouring mother: As long as the patient is healthy, the presentation normal, the presenting part engaged, and the fetus in good condition, the patient may walk about or may be in bed, as she wishes

Monitoring the progress of labourOnce labour has become established, all events during labour should be recorded on a partogram.

a) The well-being of the fetusb) The well-being of the motherc) The progress of the labour

Pain reliefWhen the pains are severe an analgesic preparation may be given.

a) Opiate drugs – e.g. Pethidine given intramuscularly every 4 hourb) Inhalational analgesia – e.g. Entonoxc) Epidural analagesia




Pain in labour

The pain experienced by the woman in labour is caused by the:

1): Uterine contractions and uterine ischaemia.

2): Cervical dilatation. Dilatation and stretching of the cervix and lower uterine

segment stimulate nerve ganglia and are a major source of pain.

3): Distention of the vagina and perineum. Marked distention of the vagina and

perineum occurs with fetal descent, especially during the second stage.


LABOUR PAIN – causes1


Pain in labour


LABOUR PAIN – causes2

Table 1: PAIN DURING THE STAGES OF LABOUR

STAGES OF LABOUR SORCES OF PAIN

FIRST STAGEPain is caused mainly by uterine contractions, thinning of the lower segment of the uterus, and dilatation of the cervix.

SECOND STAGEPain result from two sources:1.The stretching of the vagina, vulva and perineum.2.The contraction of the myometrium.

THIRD STAGEPain is caused by the passage of the placenta through the cervix, plus that produced by the uterine contractions.



PAIN RELIEF IN LABOUR – types

Three methods are in common use during labour:

1. Analgesic drugs (narcotics, e.g. pethidine) which are given by intramuscularly injection.

2. Inhalation analgesia (e.g. Entonox).

3. Regional anaesthesia (e.g. epidural, spinal) that blocks the sensory pain pathways.



MONITORING FETAL HEARTHow Do Uterine Contractions Affect Fetal Heart Rate?

Uterine contractions can affect fetal heart rate by increasing or decreasing that rate in association with any given contraction.

The three primary mechanisms by which uterine contractions can cause a decrease in fetal heart rate are compression of:· Fetal head · Umbilical cord· Uterine myometrial vessels



MONITORING FETAL HEARTHow To Monitor The Fetal Heart Rate?

Auscultation methods Electronic monitoring ~ CTG



MONITORING FETAL HEART

To detect fetal hypoxia

NORMAL

ABNORMAL



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RECORDING THE PROGRESS OF LABOUR



RECORDING THE PROGRESS OF LABOUR PATIENT INFORMATION

FETAL INFORMATION ~ fetal well being

LABOUR INFORMATION ~ Dilatation ~ Descent ~ Contraction

MEDICATIONS

MATERNAL INFORMATION ~ Well being



RECORDING THE PROGRESS OF LABOUR - PartogramPatient information: Fill out name, gravida, para, hospital number, date and time of admission and time of ruptured membranes.

Fetal heart rate: Record every half hour. Amniotic fluid: Record the colour of amniotic fluid at every vaginal examination: I: membranes intact; C: membranes ruptured, clear fluid; M: meconium-stained fluid; B: blood-stained fluid.

Moulding: 1: sutures apposed; 2: sutures overlapped but reducible; 3: sutures overlapped and not reducible.



RECORDING THE PROGRESS OF LABOUR - Partogram

Cervical dilatation: Assessed at every vaginal examination and marked with a cross (X). Begin plotting on the partograph at 3 cm.

Station : recorded as a circle (O) at every vaginal examination.

Contractions: Chart every half hour; palpate the number of contractions in 10 minutes and their duration in seconds.

Less than 20 seconds: Between 20 and 40 seconds: More than 40 seconds:

Assess the progress of labour:



RECORDING THE PROGRESS OF LABOUR - Partogram

Oxytocin: Record the amount of oxytocin every 30 minutes when used.

Drugs given: Record any additional drugs given – e.g. Pethidine

Pulse: Record every 30 minutes and mark with a dot (●). Blood pressure: Record every 4 hours and mark with arrows ( )

Temperature: Record every 2 hours.

Protein, acetone and volume: Record every time urine is passed.

Progress of maternal well being:



MANAGEMENTSECOND STAGE OF

LABOUR


Maternal position: With the exception of avoiding supine position, the mother may assume any comfortable position for effective bearing down.

The semi-recumbent or supported sitting position, with the thighs abducted, is the posture most commonly adopted

Bearing downWith each contraction, the mother should be encouraged to bear down with expulsive efforts


MANAGEMENT OF THE SECOND STAGE OF LABOUR1

Once the onset of the second stage has been confirmed a woman should not be left without attendance. Accurate observation of progress is vital, for the unexpected can always happen.


Observation during the second stage: Four factors determine whether the second stage may be safely continued and these must be carefully monitored throughout the second stage of labour.

1. Maternal conditionsObservation includes an appraisal of the mother’s ability to cope emotionally as well as an assessment of her physical wellbeing. A maternal pulse rate is usually recorded quarter-hourly and bloods pressure hourly

2. Fetal conditions - During the second stage, the fetal heart should be monitored either continuously or after each contraction. stage may be associated with fetal distress.The liquor amnii is observed for signs of meconium staining.

3. Uterine contractions - The strength, length and frequency of contractions should be assessed continuously.

4. The progress of descent - The progress should be recorded approximately every 30 minutes during the second stage.




CONDUCTING THE DELIVERY1:

When delivery is imminent, the patient is usually placed in the dorsal position, and the skin over the lower abdomen, vulva, anus and upper thigh is cleansed with antiseptic solution and draped.

DELIVERY OF THE HEAD 1) Control the delivery of the head to prevent laceration

2) Performed episiotomy if requires3) Performed Ritgen’s method4) Cleared the airway after delivery of the had




PERFORMING AN EPISIOTOMY:



"..is a surgical incision into the perineum to enlarge the space at the outlet

EPISIOTOMY

IS EPSIOTOMY REALLY NEEDED?

Episiotomies are said to provide the following benefits: 1. Speed up the birth 2. Prevent Tearing 3. Protects against incontinence 4. Protects against pelvic floor relaxation 5. Heals easier than tears

medical research has not proven any of these benefits





Episiotomies are not always necessary

Episiotomy should be considered only in the case of:

• Complicated vaginal delivery (breech, shoulder dystocia, forceps, vacuum);

• Scarring of the perineum;

• Fetal distress.





Episiotomy Types

Midline episiotomy Mediolateral episiotomy J-shaped episiotomy

Incision of episiotomy

The three major types of The three major types of episiotomyepisiotomy





Infiltrate perineum withlocal anaesthetic agent

Making an incision

Wait until: 1) the perineum is thinned

out; and

2) 3–4 cm of the baby’s head is visible during a contraction.

Performing an episiotomy will cause bleeding. It should not, therefore, be done too early.



DELIVERY OF THE SHOULDERS

Delivery of the anterior shoulder is aided by gentle downward traction on the head.

The posterior shoulder is delivered by elevating the head.





DELIVERY OF THE TRUNK

After the delivery of the shoulders the baby is grasped around the chest to aid the birth of the trunk.

Finally, the body is slowly extracted by traction on the shoulders and lifts the baby towards the mother’s abdomen.

The time of delivery is noted.

CUTTING THE UMBILICAL CORD

After delivery, it is therefore usual to wait 15 to 20 seconds before clamping and cutting the umbilical cord.

After cutting the cord a plastic crushing clamp is placed on the cord 1 to 2 cm from the umbilicus and the cord is cut again 1 cm beyond the clamp.





IMMEDIATE CARE OF THE NEW BORN

Once the baby is breathing normally he should be dried and warmly wrapped to prevent cooling and handle to the mother to hold, cuddle and enjoy.

If spontaneous respiration is not established soon after birth, resuscitation is the immediate priority.

The Apgar’s score of the baby should be noted and recorded.





THE MECHANISMS OF THE MECHANISMS OF NORMAL LABOURNORMAL LABOUR- Occiput anterior -- Occiput anterior -



Occiput anterior (OA)Anterior

Pubis

Sacrum

Posterior

Right Left

Occipital bone



Occiput anterior positions



MECHANISM OF LABOUR for occiput anterior

The “mechanism of labour” refers to the sequencing of events related to posturing and positioning that allows the baby to find the “easiest way out”.

For a normal mechanism of labour to occur, both the fetal and maternal factors must be harmonious.

DEFINITION:



MECHANISM OF LABOUR for occiput anterior

Events of mechanism of labour:

F: Flexion and descentI: Internal rotation of the fetal headC: CrowningE: ExtensionR: RestitutionI : Internal rotation of the shouldersE: External rotation of the fetal headL: Lateral flexion of the body



MECHANISM OF LABOUR for occiput anterior (OA)

Descend

Flexion

Internal rotation

Crowning

Extension

Restitution

Internal rotation of shoulder

External rotation of head

Lateral flexion of body

LOA

LOA

OA

LOA

OA

OA

LOT

Delivery

FICERIEL



MANAGEMENTTHIRD STAGE OF

LABOUR


BIRTH OF THE PLACENTA1:

Delivery of the placenta occurs in two stages:

(1) separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus and into the lower uterine segment and/or the vagina, and

(2) actual expulsion of the placenta out of the birth canal.


MANAGEMENT OF THE THIRD STAGE OF LABOUR


MECHANISM OF PLACENTA SEPARATION1:


THE THIRD STAGE OF LABOUR

Two mechanisms of placental separation occurs:

1- Mathews-Duncan mechanism

The leading edge of the placenta separates first and the placenta is delivered with its raw surface exposed.

2- Schultz mechanism

If the placenta is inserted at the fundus and central area separates first, the placenta inverts and draws the membranes after it, covering the raw surface (inverted umbrella)



WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OFWHAT ARE THE SIGNS OFPLACENTA SEPARATIONPLACENTA SEPARATION



CLINICAL SIGNS OF PLACENTAL SEPARATION

Placental separation takes place within 5 minutes after the delivery of the infant. Signs suggesting that detachment or separation has taken place include:

1. The uterus becomes globular and hard. This sign is the earliest to appear.

2. There is often a sudden gush of blood

3. The uterus rises in the abdomen because the placenta, having separated, passes down into the lower segment and vagina, where its bulk pushes the uterus upward.

4. Cord lengthening. This is the most reliable clinical signof placental separation.





After the placental separation takes place the placenta can be delivered by the:

1. Passive management – wait for spontaneous expulsion of placenta

2. Active management





ACTIVE MANAGEMENT OFACTIVE MANAGEMENT OFTHE THIRD STAGE OF LABOURTHE THIRD STAGE OF LABOUR




ACTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE THIRD STAGE Active management of the third stage (active delivery of the placenta) helps prevent postpartum haemorrhage.

Active management of the third stage of labour includes:

~ use of oxytocin ~ controlled cord traction, and ~ uterine massage.



MANAGEMENT OF THE THIRD STAGE OF LABOURACTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE THIRD STAGE ~ Use of oxytocin

Oxytocic drugs should be given with the birth of the anterior shoulder.

Syntocinon is the most used oxytocic known to be effective; the addition of ergometrine may reduce blood loss.

SYNTOMETRINE (oxytocin 5 IU + ergometrine 0.5 mg) – widely used



EXPULSION OF THE PLACENTA BY ACTIVE MANAGEMENT

When these signs have appeared the placenta is ready for expression. If the patient is awake, she is asked to bear down while gentle traction is made on the umbilical cord.

The popular and effective method of delivering the placenta is by Brandt-Andrews method.





BRANDT’S ANDREW METHOD

Once the signs of placental separation have occurred the obstetrician assists delivery of the placenta by controlled cord traction as described by Brandt-Andrews’ method.



A) Placenta separation B) Controlled cord traction C) Delivery of the membranes



EXAMINATION OF THE PLACENTA

The placenta, membranes, and umbilical cord should be examined for completeness and for anomalies.

EXAMINATION OF THE PERINEUM

At the same time, the perineal region, vulva outlet, vaginal canal, and the cervix should be carefully examined for lacerations.

If the perineum has been torn or an episiotomy made, tear or incision should be repaired immediately.




REPAIR OF EPISIOTOMY:



Note: It is important that absorbable sutures be used for closure.

Continuous sutures Interrupted sutures Interrupted suture or subcuticular

Vaginal mucosa

1. Identify apex

2. Begin suturing 1.0 cm above apex

3. Continuous sutures

4. Ends at the level of vaginal opening



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MANAGEMENT AFTERDELIVERY


EARLY POSTPARTUM MANAGEMENT:

The hours immediately following delivery and the birth of the placenta are a critical period as postpartum postpartum haemorrhage can occurshaemorrhage can occurs due the relaxation of the uterus.

The patient is kept in the delivery suite for 1 hour postpartum under close observation. She is check for bleeding, the blood pressure is measured, and the pulse is counted.

Before discharging the patient from the delivery suit it is mandatory:

To check the uterus frequently to make sure it is firm and not relaxing. To remove any presence of intrauterine blood clots. The presence of these clots will interfere with retraction and the

normal haemostatic mechanism of the uterus. To look at the introitus to see that there is no haemorrhage. To keep the bladder empties because full bladder can also interfere with uterine retraction. To examine the baby to be certain that it is breathing well and that the colour and tone are normal.


IMMEDIATE MANAGEMENT AFTER THE DELIVERY

4 normal labour and delivery

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