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Define 'placental separation' in the context of the third stage of labor.
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Placental separation occurs when the uterus contracts post-delivery, causing the placenta to detach and be expelled.
Which fetal presentations are considered optimal for labor?
A cephalic (head-first) presentation is considered optimal.
Explain the significance of the fetal 'attitude' during labor.
The fetal attitude refers to the position of flexion, such as chin-to-chest, which is important for navigating through the birth canal.
What physiological event marks the beginning of true labor?
True labor begins with uterine contractions and cervical changes after 37-42 weeks gestation.
What is the definition of parturition?
Parturition is the hard work of delivering a baby.
What is the 'bloody show' in the context of labor?
The 'bloody show' is when a plug of mucus and blood falls out of the cervix.
Describe the cardinal movement known as 'descent' in the context of childbirth.
Descent refers to the downward movement of the fetus through the birth canal, progressing to a fetal station of 0.
What are the three P's critical to the second stage of labor?
The three P's are Power (uterine contractions), Passenger (fetus), and Passage (bony pelvis).
How does 'extension' play a role during childbirth?
'Extension' occurs when the fetal head changes from chin-to-chest flexion to extension to move through the birth canal.
During the first stage of labor, what phases does cervical dilation progress through?
The first stage includes the latent phase (cervix dilates up to 6 cm) and the active phase (cervix dilates from 6 to 10 cm).
What changes occur in the fourth stage of labor?
In the fourth stage, physiologic changes adapt to blood loss, and the uterus begins involution.
What is the usual duration of the first stage of labor for a woman going through her first full-term pregnancy?
The first stage of labor typically lasts 12-18 hours for a first full-term pregnancy.
What occurs during 'restitution' in the process of childbirth?
Restitution is the movement where the fetal head externally rotates to realign with the shoulders for delivery.
What is internal rotation during childbirth?
Internal rotation is the movement where the fetus's shoulders align with the pelvic inlet during labor.
What are the main differences between true labor contractions and Braxton Hicks contractions?
True labor contractions increase in frequency, duration, and intensity, leading to cervical changes, whereas Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and do not cause these changes.
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