Page 51 - 33Elctronic Book (3) Normal Labor

•The nurse should welcome and greet the woman in a kind way. This wi1l be

important in the future relationship. It may be her first admission to hospital, and she
may be apprehensive about it, particularly if this is her first infant.
•The nurse should ask the woman about her Maternal Health Card, show her the
labor room, and help her undress and get into bed.

•Admission should be carried out as quickly as possible.
Assessment
1-Taking the history of labor:

• Ask the woman why she has come to the hospital and review the history from
her Maternal Health Card.
Determine whether the woman is in labor or not through the presence of the

following signs:
• Uterine contractions: Ask the woman when true contractions began, how

often they are coming and how long they last.
• Show: Ask the woman if she had a blood stained mucous discharge and examine
her underclothes.

• Membranes: Ask the woman if she had a gush of fluid ? If she is not sure, use
litmus papers and smell it to exclude urine. If membranes are ruptured, record
the time of rupture.

• Sleep, rest and food: Ask the woman if she has had enough rest and sleep, and if
she has had food within 6 hours? If yes, it should be recorded and taken into
consideration.

• Ask the woman ·about her previous labor history and her present pregnancy.
• Bladder and bowel: Ask the woman if she has passed urine or stool?

Examination of woman in labor: Explain all the procedures to the woman and inform
her of the results.
2-General examination:

• The woman's general manner will indicate how she is coping with labor.
• Observe the woman's general condition such as build and stature, limb,
deformity and appearance. Pallor indicates infection and dehydration.

• Temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure should be taken between
contractions and recorded. If temperature is high, isolate the woman.

• . Inspect any edema

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