Solutions
Passageway / Birth Canal
Station-location of head within maternal pelvis- measured in
relationship to ischial spine
-4 fetal head floating (Ballotement)
-3
-2
-1
0 fetal head engaged
+1
+2
+3
+4 Head crowning
The fetal head needs to be engaged in the pelvis before the
membranes are broken to prevent the cord from possible
prolapse.
A prolapsed cord is a medical emergency and will require an
emergency caesarean section to save the infants life.
If the nurse / Dr. doing the vaginal exam on the patient feels the
prolapsed cord they must keep their hand in place to hold
pressure off of the cord.
, When this happens the nurse calls for help and has to be taken to
the surgery suite with mom. The caregiver keeps their hand in
place until the baby could be safely delivered via c/s.
It takes approximately 3 minutes to get OR ready and obstetric
Dr’s are proficient at C/S deliveries and can have the baby out in
5 minutes. (Remember brain death can occur in 10 minutes.)
Mothers are instructed to come to the hospital if their water
breaks due to the potential of a prolapsed cord. The mother
would be put on bed rest until delivery and ideally delivery
within 24 hours. (There is also a concern about infection with
prolonged rupture of membranes)
Breathing techniques
used during each phase of labor when and if the mother wants to
use them.
The nurse needs to build a good rapport with the patient early so
that she will trust and listen to the nurse during labor.
Breathing techniques help the mother relax and stay focused
during the contractions.
Phases of Stage 1 of Labor
Latent Phase (“entertainment phase”):
The beginning of labor
dilate between 0-3 cm. Contractions are usually 3-30 minutes
apart and last 35-45 seconds.
*contractions are not that strong yet and there is plenty of time
in between contractions for the woman to recover.