NCLEX-PN

First Stage of Labor ●​ Latent Phase : Mild contractions, cervix dilates to about 3-4 cm. ●​ Active Phase : More intense contractions, cervix dilates to about 4-7 cm. ●​ Transition Phase : Strong contractions, cervix dilates to 10 cm.

During the first stage of labor, rest, ambulation, hydration, and monitoring are essential. Contractions, vital signs, and fetal heart rate are monitored regularly. Panting , rather than pushing is encouraged, and fetal assessments include evaluating the fetal lie, presentation, attitude, station, and position. Fetal Lie and Presentation ●​ Lie: Relationship of the fetus's spine to the mother's spine (longitudinal, transverse, or oblique) ●​ Presentation: How the fetus presenting part aligns in the birth canal (cephalic, breech, shoulder, or footling) Fetal Attitude and Station ●​ Attitude: Positioning of fetal body parts in relation to each other (general flexion is normal) ●​ Station: Level of the fetus's presenting part in relation to the mother's ischial spines Second Stage of Labor ●​ Begins when the cervix is fully dilated (10 cm) ●​ Ends with the birth of the baby Third Stage of Labor ●​ Begins after the birth of the baby ●​ Ends with the expulsion of the placenta Fourth Stage of Labor ●​ Occurs during the first few hours after delivery ●​ Focuses on maternal recovery and initial bonding with the baby Throughout labor, monitoring maternal and fetal well-being is crucial. Noninvasive external fetal monitoring is common and checks maternal contractions, vital signs, and fetal heart rate. Nonreassuring fetal heart rate patterns, such as the absence of variability or late decelerations, warrant close attention.

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