Question

List and Describe Labor and Delivery Including False Labor and True Labor

Answer 1

Hi,

The answer for your question is as follows.

The process of labor and delivery involves a sequence of stages as follows.

1. Signs of labor

Immediately when the Labor has started, the following symptoms are experienced increased pressure in the uterus, a change of energy levels and a bloody mucus discharge.

2. The Real labor has most likely arrived when contractions become regular and are painful.

3. First stage of labor

Labor and delivery are divided into three stages. The first stage of labor incorporates the onset of labor through the complete dilation of the cervix. This stage is further subdivided into three stages.

a. Early labor - This is the longest and least intense phase of labor. Early labor is also called the latent phase of labor. In this period the thinning of the cervix and dilation of the cervix to 3-4 cm occurs. It can occur over several days, weeks, or just a few short hours.

Contractions vary during this phase and can range from mild to strong, occurring at regular or irregular intervals. Other symptoms during this phase can include backache, cramps, and a bloody mucus discharge.

b. Active labor - The next phase of the first stage of labor occurs during which the cervix dilates from 3-4 cm to 7 cm. The Contractions become stronger and other symptoms may include backache and blood.

c. Transitional labor - This is the most intense phase of labor with a sharp increase in contractions. They become strong and occur about two to three minutes apart, and in an average of 60 to 90 seconds. The last 3 cm of dilation usually occur in a very short period of time.

5. Second stage of labor - Delivery:

During the second stage, the cervix becomes fully dilated. Some women may feel the urge to push right away or soon after they’re fully dilated. But the baby may still be high up in the pelvis for other women.

It may take some time for the baby to descend with the contractions so that it’s low enough for the mother to start pushing.

Women who don’t have an epidural typically have an overwhelming urge to push, or they have significant rectal pressure when the baby is low enough in the pelvis.

Women with an epidural may still have an urge to push and they may feel rectal pressure, although typically not as intensely. Burning or stinging in the female genetalia as the baby’s head crowns is also common.

6. Third stage of labor - Delivery of the placenta:

The placenta will be delivered after the baby has been born. Mild contractions will help separate the placenta from the uterine wall and move it down towards the female genitalia. Stitching to mend a tear or surgical cut (episiotomy) will occur after the placenta is delivered.

7. Induction of labor

Labor can be artificially induced in several ways. Induction of labor is usually not recommended when a woman has had a previous C-section or if the baby is breech (bottom down).

A hormone medication called prostaglandin, a medication called misoprostol, or a device may be used to soften and open the cervix if it’s long and hasn’t softened or started to dilate.

Stripping the membranes may induce labor for some women. This is a procedure in which your doctor checks your cervix. They will manually insert a finger between the membranes of the amniotic sac and the wall of the uterus.

Natural prostaglandins are released by separating or stripping the lower part of the membranes from the uterine wall. This may soften the cervix and cause contractions.

Stripping the membranes can only be accomplished if the cervix has dilated enough to allow your doctor to insert their finger and perform the procedure.

Medications like oxytocin or misoprostol can be used to induce labor. Oxytocin is given intravenously. Misoprostol is a tablet placed in the female genetalia.

8. Fetal position

Doctor regularly monitors the baby’s position during prenatal visits. Most babies turn into a head-down position between the week 32 and week 36. Some don’t turn at all, and others turn into a feet- or bottom-first position.

Most doctors will try to turn a breech fetus into a head-down position using external cephalic version (ECV).

During an ECV, a doctor will try to gently shift the fetus by applying their hands to the mother’s abdomen, using an ultrasound as guidance. The baby will be monitored during the procedure. ECVs are often successful and can reduce the likelihood for a C-section delivery.

9. Cesarean section

A C-section is often the safest and quickest delivery option in difficult deliveries or when complications occur.

A C-section is considered a major surgery. The baby is delivered through an incision in the abdominal wall and uterus rather than the female genitalia. The mother will be given an anesthetic before surgery to numb the area from the abdomen to below the waist.

The incision is almost always horizontal, along the lower portion of the abdominal wall. In some situations, the incision may be vertical from the midline to below the belly button.

The incision in the uterus is also horizontal, except in certain complicated cases. A vertical incision in the uterus is called a classical C-section. This leaves the uterine muscle less able to tolerate contractions in a future pregnancy.

The baby’s mouth and nose will be suctioned after delivery so that they can take their first breath, and the placenta will be delivered.

10. Assisted delivery

There are times towards the end of the pushing stage where a woman may need a little extra help in delivering her baby. A vacuum extractor or forceps may be used to assist in delivery.

11. Episiotomy

An episiotomy is a downward cut at the base of the female genitalia and perineal muscle to increase the opening for the baby to come out. It was once believed that every woman needed an episiotomy to deliver a baby.

True Labor and False Labor or Braxton Hicks contractions

it is an important stage during labor. This is basically related with the contractions. Many women experience irregular contractions sometime after 20 weeks of pregnancy. They are known as False labor or Braxton Hicks contractions. Unlie True labor, they’re typically painless. But mostly, they’re uncomfortable and are irregular. The Braxton Hicks contractions can sometimes be triggered by an increase in either mother or baby’s activity, or a full bladder. They may promote blood flow, help maintain uterine health during the pregnancy, or prepare the uterus for childbirth. Braxton Hicks contractions don’t cause the cervix to dilate. Painful or regular contractions aren’t likely to be Braxton Hicks. Mostly its misunderstood as true labor pain. The main differences between the True Labor and False Labor is as follows.

True Labor characteristics	False Labor characteristics.
Utirine Contractions occur in a regular pattern	Utirine Contractions have no regular pattern
Contractions get stronger and stronger	Intensity of the contractions does not change and it will subside.
Contractions get closer and closer as time goes on.	Spacing between contractions does not change.
Discomfort in back and/or lower abdomen	Discomfort usually occurs in the lower abdomen
Contractions do not stop with walking	Contractions usually disappear with walking as it is purely temporary.
Cervix dilates and opens up.	Cervix does not dilate

Hope you are happy with the answers.

Expecting a feedback.

Regards,

Dr.VMK