Page 49 - 2023 Elctronic Book (3) Normal Labor_Neat

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.
. OR: It is a graphic representation of the events of labor plotted against time, in hours.

It consists of three components:

 The fetal condition
 The progress of labor

 The maternal condition

Objectives:

1. Record the observations accurately on the partograph
2.Understand the difference between the latent and the active phases of labor

• Interpret a recorded partograph

• Monitor the progress of labor
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