Page 52 - 33Elctronic Book (3) Normal Labor

• Test urine for protein and sugar after trimming of hair, and before enema.

3-Local examination:
▪ Examination of the abdomen:
✓ Inspect the contour of the abdomen.
✓ Palpate the abdomen gently, and with warm hands, for the height of the fundus,

lie, presentation, position, attitude and station, and record them.
✓ Observe and record the frequency, duration, and intensity of contractions.

✓ Auscultate and record the fetal heart sound for one minute using Pinard's
stethoscope, or Sonicaid. A cardiograph machine gives information about fetal
and maternal conditions. The normal range of the fetal heart rate is 120- 160
beats/minute.

▪ Examinationof the vulva:
✓ Inspect for gaping of introitus.
✓ Observe color and odor of liquor amnio, and presence of meconium or blood.

Offensive odor indicates infection.
✓ Check for edema of the vulva. If present, it indicates pre-eclampsia.
▪ Examination of the vagina:

Is made by doctor to:
✓ Make a positive diagnosis of labor.
✓ Assess the progress of labor.

✓ Determine the extent of effacement and the degree of dilatation of the cervix.
✓ Assess the condition of the membranes.
✓ Determine position, presentation and degree of descent of head in pelvis in
relation to ischial spine (station).

✓ Observe the presence of umbilical cord beside the head.
✓ Check molding, presence of caput succedaneum, and abnormalities.

✓ Evaluate pelvic capacity and condition of the vagina.
▪ Examination of the rectum:
A rectal examination is safer than a vaginal examination. It reduces the risk of
infection and gives the same data as a vaginal examination.

➢ The Partograph:
The partograph is a single page graphic chart designed to record all the important
information about the woman and fetus during labor.

52

Contents