Lecture Notes: Factors Affecting Labor and Fetal Position

Introduction

• Presenter: Meris
• Topic: Factors affecting labor, fetal position, and fetal station
• Resource: Maternity flashcards from leveluprn.com

Factors Affecting Labor

• Three Ps: Passageway, Powers, Passenger
  • Passageway:
    • Refers to the birth canal
    • Anatomical considerations (e.g., tilted pelvis, cervix)
    • Affects ability to birth vaginally
  • Powers:
    • Refers to contractions
    • Strength and effectiveness in affecting the cervix
    • Ineffective contractions hinder labor progress
  • Passenger:
    • Refers to the fetus
    • Focus on fetal position and station

Fetal Position

• Described using three letters
  • First Letter: L or R (Left or Right)
  • Second Letter: Part of the baby (Occiput, Mentum, Scapula, Sacrum)
  • Third Letter: Orientation (Anterior, Posterior, Transverse)
• Example:
  • LOA (Left Occiput Anterior) is optimal
  • "LOA is okay" - mnemonic for remembering
  • ROA (Right Occiput Anterior) is second best
  • Avoid positions with "P" (Posterior) at the end (e.g., ROP)
    • "Sunny side up" delivery can lead to complications

Fetal Station

• Measures how far the presenting part has descended into the pelvis
• Station 0: Level of ischial spines
• Negative Numbers: Higher up in pelvis
• Positive Numbers: Closer to vaginal opening
  • "Plus four is on the floor" mnemonic
• Illustrations provide visual understanding of stations

Knowledge Check

1. What does ROP mean?
2. What is the optimal presentation for a well-facilitated birth?
3. What station is at the level of the ischial spines?

Conclusion

• Encouragement to engage with the channel
• Call to action to like, subscribe, and share the video
• Invitation to leave feedback in the comments

Notes

• Focus on the importance of understanding labor factors and fetal positioning for expecting mothers
• Utilize the provided illustrations for deeper understanding
• Engage with additional resources for a comprehensive study