Normal Labor

Definition

Labor:
Labor is defined as the onset of rhythmic contractions and the relaxation of
the uterine smooth muscles, which results in effacement or progressive
thinning of the cervix, and dilation or widening of the cervix. This process
culminates with the expulsion of the fetus and expulsion of the other products
of conception (placenta and membranes) from the uterus.
WHO defines normal birth as: "spontaneous in onset, low-risk at the start of
labour and remaining so throughout labour and delivery. The infant is born
spontaneously in the vertex presentation between 37 and 42 completed weeks
of pregnancy. After birth mother and infant are in good condition"

Normal labour :

Normal labour or eutocia is a physiological

process by which fetus,

placenta and membrane are expelled through the birth canal between 38
to 42 weeks. Labour is called normal if it fulfills the following criteria : Spontaneous in onset and at term
With vertex presentation
Without undue prolongation
Natural termination with minimal aid.
Without having any complications affecting the health of the mother

and /or the baby.

Abnormal labour:

Any deviation from the definition of normal labour is called abnormal

labour. Dystocia of labor is defined as difficult labor or abnormally slow
progress of labor. Other terms that are often used interchangeably with
dystocia are dysfunctional labor, failure to progress (lack of progressive
cervical dilatation or lack of descent), and cephalopelvic disproportion
(CPD). It is the consequence of four distinct abnormalities that may exist
singly or in combination.

Uterine forces that is not sufficiently strong or appropriately coordinated

to efface and dilate the cervix.
Forces generated by voluntary muscles during the second stage of labor
that are inadequate to overcome the normal resistance of the bony birth
canal and maternal soft parts.

 Faulty presentation or abnormal development of the fetus of such

character that the fetus cannot be extruded through the birth canal.
Abnormalities of the birth canal that form an obstacle to the descent of the
fetus
Delivery:
Delivery is the expulsion or extraction of viable fetus out of the womb. It
is not synonymous with labour. It can be take place without labour as in
elective caesarean section. Delivery may be vaginal, either spontaneous or
aided and or may be abdominal.
Premature labour:
Premature labour is defined as labour occurring before the 37th week of
gestation.

True labour :

The contraction of true labour produce prograssive dilatation and

effacement of the cervix resulting the birth of the baby.The
features of true labour pains are: Contraction may be irregular at first then painful uterine
contractions at regular intervals.
Contractions that gets longer, stronger, and closer together as time
progresses.
Walking usually makes them stronger.
Presentation of show.

 Often begin in the back and move to the front

Cervix changes by becoming thinner and starts to open (dilates)
Formation of the bag of water.
False (or "Practice") Labor:
It is usually appears prior to the onset of true labour pain by one or
two weeks in primigravida and by a few days in multiparae. The
feature of false labour are Dull in nature and usually confined to the lower abdomen and groin.

Do not get longer, stronger, or closer together

Can last several minutes in length

 Walking does not make them stronger, may even cause

them to stop
Lying down may make them go away
May be felt more in the front area and in the groin area
Beneficial in preparation for true labor
Very little change or no change; does not thin or open
cervix.

TRUE LABOR VS FALSE LABOR

FACTOR

TRUE LABOR

FALSE LABOR

-Located chiefly in abdomen

Contractio Start in the back and sweep -Do not produce progressive
around to the abdomen.
ns
dilatation and effacement.
Produce progressive dilation and -Are irregular
effacement of the cervix.

-Do not increase in frequency,

Occurs regular interval

duration, and intensity.

Increase in frequency, duration, -Start and then stop for some

and intensity.
time then start again
Once started continue until the -Tends to decrease number of
baby comes
contraction by sedation
Does not stop contraction by -It remains long.
sedation

Show

Interval gradually
shorted
Is present.
Becomes effaced and dilates

Cervix

progressively.
The membranes feel tense
during a contraction

Not present.
Usually uneffaced
and closed.
The

membranes

dont becomes tense

No significant change, even May intensify for a

Fetal Movement though fetus continues to short period or it may
move.

remain the same.