Editing Maternal and Newborn Nursing – LPN Flashcards (section)

== Labor and Birth Basics ==

;True labor versus false labor
:'''True''': regular contractions that get closer, longer, and stronger, usually felt in the back moving to the front, not relieved by walking or rest, and the cervix changes. '''False''': irregular, felt mostly in the abdomen, and eased by walking, position change, or fluids.

;Rupture of membranes: what to observe and report
:Note the '''time, amount, color, and odor''' of the fluid. Normal fluid is clear with small white flecks. Report green or brown (meconium), a foul odor, cloudiness, or bleeding, and report any change in the fetal heart rate right after the water breaks.

;The four stages of labor
:'''First''': onset of labor until the cervix is fully dilated at 10 cm. '''Second''': full dilation until the baby is born. '''Third''': birth of the baby until the placenta is delivered, usually within 5 to 30 minutes. '''Fourth''': the first 1 to 4 hours after the placenta, the highest-risk period for heavy bleeding.

;Nursing care during an epidural
:Check blood pressure frequently as directed, because '''low blood pressure''' is the most common problem. Keep the client off her back, help her void or monitor the catheter because she cannot feel a full bladder, and use fall precautions because her legs are weak. Report dizziness, nausea, or a drop in blood pressure immediately.