PREGNANCY AND LABOR

I.   INTRODUCTION

–   there is great variation in how women experience pregnancy

II.  CHANGES IN THE MOTHER DURING PREGNANCY

A.  Enlargement of Uterus:

B. Enlargement of the Mammary Glands:

C.  Weight gain:

1) breast tissue enlargement
2) uterine tissue enlargement
3) growing fetus/placenta
4) fluid accumulation
5) fat deposit

D.  GI Tract changes:

1)  “morning sickness”:

E.  Cardiovascular System changes:

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III.  LABOR (PARTURITION)

A.  Definition:
Labor (parturition): refers to the series of events that push/expel the infant out of the mother’s body

B.  False vs. True Labor:

1)  False Labor (Braxton Hicks contractions):  irregular smooth muscle contractions of uterus - does NOT lead into the 3 stages of true labor

2)  True Labor:  regular smooth muscle contractions of uterus
*  consists of 3 stages

* oxytocin initiates/continues labor

C.  3 Stages of Labor:

1)  Dilation Stage:  from the onset of labor to complete dilation of the cervix

*  cervix dilates to 10 centimeters in diameter

*  amniotic fluid is expelled (“water breaks”)

2)  Expulsion Stage: from complete cervical dilation to delivery of baby

3)  Placental Stage: delivery of placenta
*  occurs within 5-30 minutes after delivery of baby

IV.  CHANGES IN THE MOTHER AFTER PREGNANCY

A.  Loss of Excess Fluids gained during pregnancy:

1)  expulsion of amniotic fluid during birth:
2)  more frequent, copious urination:
3)  increased sweating:
4)  discharge of lochia:

B.  Lactation (production of milk by mammary glands):
*  prolactin:  milk production
*  oxytocin stimulates milk release

C.  Contraction/shrinkage of Uterus:
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D.  Hormonal Changes:
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Have a great Winter break!

The dilation stage of labor is complete when the cervix dilates to _____ cm.

a. 3

b. 5

c. 7

d. 10

e. 15

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