Child Development- Labor

What is happening when "lightening" occurs?

the baby drops into the pelvis are and gets into birth position

What is the "bloody show" and what does it mean for the pregnant women?

Mucus plug comes out (mucus plug- used to block infections from getting to the fetus), means the women is about to give birth

Explain what occurs when a women's "water breaks.

the amniotic sac breaks and some of the amniotic fluid comes out from around the baby's head

What are contractions? What is their purpose?

contractions- the tightening and releasing of the muscles of the uterus. Purpose- to eventually push baby out

What is the purpose of fetal monitoring during labor?

to provide a beat to beat picture of the baby's heart- monitors fetus to make sure the heartbeat is controlled

When is labor premature? What are the warning signs?

37 weeks or less. Signs are lightening, the bloody show, water breaking, contractions

How can distinguish false labor from real contractions?

called Braxton-Hicks contractions- aren't rhythmic or regular and don't get stronger over time, end with slight exercise

First Stage of Labor

contractions open the cervix 1-10 cm. First child: 6- 18 hours Later children- shorter

Second Stage of Labor

the baby born. First child: 1-2 hours Later children: 10-30 minutes

Third Stage of Labor

the placenta is expelled. 10-15 minutes

What is a "breech position"? Why is it a complication?

breech position- when the baby's feet and butt come out first. Complication- the baby won't be able to get oxygen to its lungs

How is the hormone "relaxin" related to dilation?

Relaxin allows the tissue to stretch like rubber bands and moves apart the pelvic bones. Makes it possible for the vagina walls to stretch so baby can safely pass through

What is an episiotomy, and why is it done?

Episiotomy- a surgical cut to widen the opening of the cervix so the baby can fit through

What are stem cells and why are they important?

stems cells- capable of producing all types of blood cells, left behind in the umbilical cord after birth and can be used for a future medical emergency in the family

What is a cesarean birth? Why is this kind of delivery sometimes necessary?

the delivery of a baby through a surgical incision in the mother's abdomen (C-section)

What factors increase the chances of a premature birth?

poor nutrition, low birth weight, can be based on mother's lifestyle, carrying more than 1 baby

Why does a premature baby usually need an incubator?

b/c the incubator keeps the baby like he/she would be inside the mother's stomach and the lungs aren't developed

What are fontanels? How do they affect the newborn's appearance?

fontanels- a space between the skull, the soft spot on the baby's head. are there so the baby can fit through the cervix

Why does a newborn's head appear to be very large in proportion to the rest of the body?

the head is the most developed part of the body

What physical adjustment do newborns' bodies make to survive outside the uterus?

adapt to the cold air- parents can keep baby warm with blankets, hats, and swaddling.

What is the lanugo, and what happens to it?

lanugo- the fine, dark hair on the baby in the womb (like peach fuzz). Eventually disappears after birth

When nurses give the newborn its first bath, what are they washing away? What is the purpose of this substance?

Vernix- the waxy stuff on a newborn baby- helps protect the skin while the baby is in the womb

What is the purpose of the Apgar Scale? What five areas does it rate?

Apgar Scale- a rating of the physical condition of a baby right after birth- breathing, heart rate, color, responsiveness, and muscle tone

Identify two other medical procedures that are performed shortly after birth and the purpose of each.

Blood test- checks for diseases, finds blood type
Eye drops- prevents blindness

What steps are taken to record a newborns' identity?

footprints; put a band on baby's foot and mother's wrist

What are some things a new mother can do to begin bonding with her newborn?

hold them, rock them, feed them, sing or talk to them

How do bonding activities affect the baby's brain?

bonding helps strengthen the brain

What is colostrum? How does it help the baby?

a high calorie protein in breast milk that satisfies the baby and gives the baby antibiotics

What period of time is considered the neonatal period?

the first month after the baby born

What is the condition in which the baby's eyes and skin appear yellow and what causes it? Does it require treatment?

condition- jaundice. bilirubin needs to broken down, liver problem. light cases- put baby in sunlight, bad cases- put baby in incubator with lights

What do lactation consultants do?

talk to mother about breast feeding

Describe two benefits of rooming in.

helps bonding. Rooming in- baby and mother sleep in the same room

What two legal forms should parents complete for their new baby?

birth certificate and social security

Identify three physical problems typical of premature babies.

Lungs aren't developed, no body fat, don't have proper sucking reflex, digestive problems

Summarize the physical needs of a new mother during the postnatal period.

mother needs to rest, exercise, needs nutrition, and regular check-ups

Compare and contrast "baby blues" with postpartum depression.

postpartum depression- mother is depressed after giving birth, can take medication
postpartum psychosis- mother wants to kill the baby after giving birth, normally put into mental hospital