1 Uncomplicated Labor and Delivery Lecture 4 I. Physiological effects of the birth process A. Maternal response 1. CV a. During U/C-300-500 ml blood from uterus to vascular system b. Increase in cardiac output 10-15% Stage I 30-50% Stage II c. Blood pressure changes 1. blood flow ↓ in the uterine artery during contractions and is redirected to the peripheral vessels 2. peripheral resistance occurs with an ↑ in BP and ↓ of pulse 3. Stage I- ↑ 30 mm Hg systolic ↑ 25 mm Hg diastolic 4. Stage II-↑ BP further 5. Supine hypotension-risk factors multifetal, hydramnios, obesity, dehydration, hypovolemia d. WBC’s 25-30,000 mm secondary to stress, trauma e. hematopoietic 1. desire Hgb at least 11 g/dl Hct 33% or higher 2. ↑ plasma fibrinogen→ ↓ blood coag time→ ↑ clotting factors to protect against hemorrhage but ↑ risk for thrombophlebitis (inflammation of vein in conjunction with formation of a thrombus (blood clot of a vessel or a cavity in the heart) 2. Fluids/electrolytes a. Diaphoresis, ↑ insensible water loss through respirations, NPO status, and ↑ temp b. Voiding may be difficult r/t anesthesia or Pressure from presenting part-↓ sensation of a full bladder c. Proteinuria-↑ in amino acids may exceed capacity of renal tubules to absorb -may be renal damage caused by vasospasms of tubules 2 3. GI a. b. B. Fluids at tolerated r/t ↓ GI motility and absorption with delay in stomach emptying N & V with diarrhea in labor 4. Respiratory a. ↑ O2 consumption, ↑ in resp. rate b. hyperventilation →respiratory alkalosis ↑ in pH, hypoxia, hypocapnia (↓CO2) c. 2nd Stage-O2 consumption ↑ → metabolic acidosis uncompensated by resp. alkalosis 5. Muscular/skeletal a. Fatigue of muscles/strain b. Separation of pubis symphysis -May be related to pregnancy or delivery process (relaxin-polypeptide hormone-secreted in corpus luteum during pregnancy-can relax the symphysis, inhibit uterine contractions, and softens the cervix) c. Breakdown of proteins may lead to proteinuria-albumnin in the urine 6. Neurological a. Euphoria-believe it or not! endorphins-↑ pain threshold and produce sedation b. ↑ anxiety c. partial to total amnesia in 2nd stage 7. Integumentary a. diaphoresis b. ↑ temperature-may be R/T to maternal efforts or infection c. exacerbation of pruritusmay be related to cholestasis (arrest of the flow of bile) in pregnancy Fetal Response 1. CV a. ∆ in fetal heart rate (FHR) -maternal hydration N&V ↑ maternal temp insensible water loss -maternal position 3 -medications to mother -placental issues post dates-calcifications smoker/↑ BP-↓ placental size velamentous insertion (umbilical cord attached to the membrane a short distance from the placenta cord compresson -maternal anxiety II. 2. Pulmonary a. thoracic cavity squeezed -not as much in C/S cases -precipitous deliveries (swift progression of 2nd stage of labor marked by rapid descent/expulsion of the fetus) -may need extra suction b. passing of meconium (1st feces of neonate) may need resuscitation effort 3. Catecholamines a. epinephrine & norepinephrine-active amines (nitrogen-containing organic compounds) -have effect on CV, neuro, metabolic rate, temp., and smooth muscle b. change R/T ↑ stress of labor speed clearance of fluid Essential Components of the Birth Process A. Passageway 1. maternal pelvis a. 4 bones -2 innominate (nameless) bones -made up of 3 bones -ilium-iliac crest -ischium-ischial tuberosity -spines-shortest diameter -pubis-symphysis pubis -the sacrum -the coccyx b. False pelvis-the upper pelvis -portion above the inlet c. True pelvis -inlet -diagonal conjugate-lower border of symphysis pubis-sacral promontory 4 -usually 12.5 cm or greater -obstetric conjugate- also called anterior/posterior diameter -measurement that determines whether presenting part can engage superior strait -usually 1.5-2 cm less than diagonal -midpelvis-cavity, midplane -transverse diameter-interspinous diameter-10.5 cm -outlet -transverse diameter-intertuberous diameter-> 8 cm 2. B. Pelvic shapes a. gynecoid-round -50% of women -most favorable -usual mode of birth-vaginal b. android-heart shaped -23% of women -usual mode of birth-cesarean possible forceps-difficult c. anthropoid-oval shaped -24% of women -usual mode of birth-vaginal spontaneous or asst. -may lead to OP position d. platypelloid-flat shaped -3% of women -not favorable for vaginal delivery Passenger 1. Fetal skull a. made up of 6 bones -frontal -2 parietal -2 temporal -occipital b. not fused together-allow for molding, overlapping of bones to pass thru pelvis c. sutures-membranes -frontal -sagittal -lambdoidal -coronal d. fontanels-where membranes intersect 5 e. -anterior (bregma)-diamond-shaped-2cm by 3 cm -closes by 18 months -posterior-triangle-shaped-1cm by 2 cm -closes by 8-12 weeks landmarks -mentum-chin -sinciput-brow -vertex-between anterior/posterior fontanel -occiput-beneath the posterior fontanel 2. Fetal Presentation a. fetal part entering the pelvis first -cephalic (head)-96% -breech (buttock)-3% -transverse (shoulder)-1% b. factors that influence presentation -fetal lie -fetal attitude -extension/flexion of fetal head c. diagnosed using -Leopold’s maneuvers -verify with ultrasound d. external version-MD attempts to manually rotate the fetus into a cephalic presentation -done in L &D -ultrasound to check fetal/placental position -may use medications to relax uterine muscle -frequently uncomfortable for mother 3. Fetal Lie a. relationship of long axis (spine) of fetus to long axis (spine) of mother b. primary lies: -longitudinal (vertical)-cephalic, breech -transverse (horizontal or oblique)-shoulder 4. Fetal Attitude a. relationship of fetal parts to one another b. general flexion -back is rounded -chin flexed onto chest -thighs flexed on the abdomen -legs flexed at the knees 6 c. C. -arms crossed over the thorax -umbilical cord lies between arms/legs head flexion -biparietal diameter-9.25 cm -suboccipitobregmatic-9.5 cm -occipitofrontal-12 cm -occipitomental-13.5 cm 5. Fetal position a. relationship of presenting fetal part to 4 quadrants of maternal pelvis b. indicated using a 3-letter abbreviation -1st letter-location of part in pelvis (R or L) -2nd letter-presenting part of fetus (O,S,M) -3rd letter-location of presenting part in relationship to maternal pelvis (A,P,T) 6. Station a. relationship of presenting fetal part to an imaginary line at the maternal ischial spines: 0 station is at the spines b. negative stations-higher in the pelvis c. positive stations-lower in the pelvis Powers 1. Primary Powers a. involuntary uterine contractions -start at fundus-thickened uterine muscle layer of upper uterine segment -upper segment thicker so more active -lower segment has less muscle -contractions move down muscle in waves -assessed by: reports from mother RN palpating fundus monitor b. primarily responsible for dilation of cx and descent of fetus -drawing upward of the musculofibrous components of the cervix with fetal head compression lead to dilation (opening) -full dilation (10 cm) marks the end of the first stage of labor c. effacement (thinning) -cx usually 3 cm long, 1 cm thick 7 d. e. 2. D. -taken up by shortening of uterine muscle bundles -usually expressed in % uterine contractions -3 phases-increment, acme, decrement -involuntary, rhythmic, intermittent -frequency-beginning of one to the beginning of the next -regularity-usually start irregular then becomes more regular as labor progresses -duration-start to end of contraction -intensity-mild, moderate, strong or strength can be measured with internal monitor (IUPC) with resting tone usually 15-25 mm Ferguson’s reflex -presenting fetal part reaches perineal floor -mechanical stretching of cervix occurs -stretch receptors in vagina trigger exogenous (originating outside an organ) oxytocin release -triggers maternal urge to bear down Secondary Powers a. bearing down effort at 10 cm -contraction of diaphragm and abdominal muscles while pushing b. ↑ intraabdominal pressure that compresses uterus on all sides c. usually no effect on dilation-important R/T expulsion of fetus and placenta d. better results when await maternal need to bear down rather than start pushing at 10 cm e. debate over how to push -valsalva-closed glottis, prolonged push -open glottis pushing -mini pushes f. prolonged pushing efforts can lead to fetal hypoxia/acidosis and severe maternal perineal lacerations Placenta 1. Structure a. formed at implantation b. decidua (endometrium during pregnancy) basalis-with the chorion 8 c. d. e. f. g. 2. (extraembryonic membrane) forms the placenta cotyledon-mass of villi on the chorionic surface of the placenta -15-20 in number structure is completed by 12 week breaks may occur in placental membrane allowing mixing of maternal and fetal blood-Rh sensitization position problems -previa-implanted in lower uterine segment-covers internal cx os -abruptio-separation of placenta from uterine wall -accreta-cotyledons invaded uterine musculature -increta-invasion into the myometrium -percreta-invasion to the serosa of the peritoneum covering of the uterus can lead to uterine rupture umbilical cord insertion problems-pg. 482 -battledore-insertion into the margin of the placenta-resembles a paddle -velamentous-attached to membrane a short distance to placenta Function a. endocrine gland-produces hormones to maintain pregnancy -hCG-human chorionic gonadotropin -basis for pregnancy test -preserves function of corpus luteum -ensures continued supply of estrogen/progesterone -reaches max level at 50-70 days -hPL-human placental lactogen -similar to growth hormone -stimulates maternal metabolism -↑ resistance to insulin and facilitates glucose transport across placental membrane (GDM?) -estrogen (estriol) -stimulates uterine growth -stimulates uteroplacental blood flow -progesterone -maintains endometrium -decreases contractility of uterus -stimulates development of breast 9 b. c. E. Psyche 1. Factors influencing woman’s reaction to physical/emotional crisis of labor a. accomplishment of tasks of pregnancy b. usual coping mechanisms in response to stress c. support system-esp. partner’s commitment d. preparation for childbirth e. cultural/religious influences f. social/economic responsibility 2. F. III. alveoli and maternal metabolism metabolic functions -respiration -nutrition -excretion -storage factors which could effect function -smoking -drug use -poor nutrition -↑ BP -maternal position -infection -trauma Factors associated with birth experience a. motivation for pregnancy b. attendance at childbirth classes c. sense of competency/mastery d. self-confidence/self-esteem e. + relationship with partner f. maintaining control during labor g. support during the delivery h. not being left alone i. trust in staff-medical and nursing j. pain management k. length of labor process-exhaustion, ↑ anxiety, ↑ for medical interventions Position (maternal)-See book Labor Physiology A. Labor Onset Theories 1. Oxytocin Stimulation Theory a. stretching of cervical os causes ↑ in exogenous oxytocin b. produced by posterior pituitary 10 c. d. B. oxytocin stimulates smooth uterine muscle contractions ↑ response to oxytocin as nears term 2. Estrogen Stimulation Theory a. estrogen stimulates smooth uterine muscle to contract b. as approaches term, ↑ estrogen, ↓ progesterone (prog. keeps estrogen in check) c. promotes prostaglandin synthesis (also stimulates muscle) 3. Progesterone Withdrawal Theory a. usually relaxes muscle b. at term-↓ in effectiveness 4. Fetal Cortisol Theory a. at term, fetus produces more cortisol b. cortisol-(adrenocorticcal hormone) -slows production of progesterone -stimulates prostaglandin precursors 5. Uterine Distention Theory a. stretching uterine muscles causes irritability leading to contractions b. stimulates production of prostaglandins 6. Prostaglandins a. stimulate smooth muscle to contract b. can have production stimulated by various methods -↑ synthesis of PGE2 in amnion c. research varies whether concentration of prostaglandins ↑ in amniotic fluid and maternal blood just before labor onset Signs of Labor 1. Braxton-Hicks contractions a. 4-6 weeks before onset of labor b. uterine muscle workout before labor c. may be strong and frequent but usually are irregular in pattern 2. Lightening a. fetal descent into the true pelvis b. 2-3 weeks in primigravidas closer to onset of labor in multiparas c. easier to breathe, ↑ need to void 11 3. Cervical and vaginal changes a. cervix ripens (softens) and may begin to dilate and efface b. vaginal mucus ↑ with mucus plug being released 1hr, 1day, or even 1 week before start of labor c. occasionally bloody show noted with dark brown or light pink-tinged mucus noted 4. Persistent low back ache a. R/T relaxation of pelvic joint and descent of fetus b. change of position, warm packs, and warm showers/baths help Weight Loss a. R/T GI upset with N & V and diarrhea b. usually starts 1-2 days before onset 5. 6. C. Nesting a. have a burst of energy b. have a need to get everything in order for arrival of baby True vs. False Labor True False Uterine contractions regular irregular close together vary stronger milder ↑ with walking ↓ with walking felt in low back then radiates to abdomen felt in back or pelvis not stopped by bath or fluid ↓ with relaxation techniques Cervix softens, effaces, dilates no significant changes Fetus starts descent into pelvis no change in position 12 D. E. Effacement, dilation, and station 1. Effacement a. thinning of cervix (shortening from usual length of 2-3 cm) b. documented either in %’s or cm’s 2. Dilatation a. opening of cervical os from closed to 10 cm b. due to retraction of cervix into the lower uterine segment R/T uterine contractions and pressure from amniotic sac and fetus c. both dilation and effacement are measured by fingertip palpation or visual inspection with sterile speculum 3. Station a. using imaginary line at ischial spines, note location of presenting fetal part b. documented from –4 to +4 c. ballottable-when presenting part is floating in and out of the pelvis Stages and Phases of Labor 1. Prodromal phase a. strong regular contractions without cervical change b. leads to exhaustion R/t inability to sleep c. may need oral/IM medication for rest 2. Stage 1 (0-10 cm)-has 3 phases a. Early/Latent phase-0-3 cm, 50-90%, -3to -1 -able to walk and talk -able to eat light meals -may be home for most of this phase -involves more cx effacement and less change in fetal position -U/C’s may be 2-10 minutes apart -U/C’s mild by palpation -lasts an average 8 hours for primips -multiparas may have cx dilate to 3 cm days prior to onset of labor -ROM may occur during this time b. Active phase-4cm-7cm, 80-100%, -2 to 0 -U/C’s every 3-5 minutes, moderate by palpation -U/C’s last approx 60 sec -may start to have nausea/vomiting 13 c. F. -may ask for enema if impacted to speed descent of fetus -may ask for pain medications -provider may decide to AROM to help speed labor -expect cx to change 1cm every 1-1.5 hrs Transition phase-8-10 cm, 100%, -1 to +1 -U/C’s every 1-3 minutes with ↑ intensity -U/C’s last 45-90 sec long -using breathing techniques not to push too early -may ask for more pain medication -shortest phase-usually 15 min-3 hours with delays R/T medications/infections 3. Stage 2-10 cm (pushing) to delivery of neonate a. nulliparas-2 hours on average-no epid. 3-4 hours with epidural b. multiparas-15 min-1 hour without epid. 1-2 hours with epidural 4. Stage 3-birth of neonate to expulsion of Placenta a. usually lasts 20 minutes to 1 hour b. if retained, MD will need to manually remove-consider pain meds for mom 5. Stage 4-Recovery a. mom-1-4 hours b. baby-6 hours Mechanisms of Labor (Cardinal Movements) 1. Engagement and Descent-occurs r/t: a. pressure of amniotic fluid b. uterine pressure on the breech c. contractions of abdominal muscles d. extension/straightening of fetus 2. Flexion a. natural attitude of fetus b. fetal head flexes as it meets resistance 3. Internal Rotation a. to go thru transverse diameter b. rotates to occiput anterior 14 G. 4. Extension a. resistance of pelvic floor with vulva opening forward and anterior b. fetal head begins to crown 5. External Rotation a. shoulders rotate to anteroposterior b. fetal head rotates further to one side 6. Expulsion a. anterior shoulder slips under symphysis pubis b. posterior shoulder and body is then delivered Labor Duration 1. Nulliparas a. 1st stage-13 hours (1.2 cm/hr) b. 2nd stage-5 minutes-2 hours c. 3rd stage-10-20 minutes 2. IV. Primi/multiparas a. 1st stage-7 hours (1.5 cm/hr) b. 2nd stage-5 minutes to 1 hour c. 3rd stage-5-20 minutes Plan of Care A. Assessment-Data Collection 1. prenatal record a. assess attendance to PN appts b. any complications of pregnancy c. any high risk behaviors d. abnormal lab/ultrasound reports 1. blood type/RH factor 2. VDRL/RPR-syphilis screen 3. HbsAG-surface antigen 4. CBC 5. Rubella immunity 6. culture for GBS 7. urinalysis 8. HIV test e. primary language 2. initial interview a. ask why she came in b. status of BOW c. any U/C’s? d. any bleeding? 15 e. f. B. + FM recently? any other symptoms? 3. physical exam a. maternal vital signs b. FHR tracing c. palpate strength of U/C’s d. assess fetal presentation e. assess cervical dilation/effacement 4. lab reports/ultrasound results a. CBC b. PIH panel c. RBS (sure step or lab draw) d. ck fetal lie/AFI with ultrasound 5. expressed psychosocial and cultural factors/needs a. history of sexual/physical abuse b. history of depression/suicide attempts c. social support -family near by -friends who can pitch in d. cultural/religious needs 6. clinical evaluation of labor status a. sign consent forms b. CBC and urine test c. if ROM, ck nitrazine paper or ferning d. Leopold’s maneuver e. vaginal exam f. ultrasound if needed g. head to toe assessment h. ck for med allergies i. ask about classes taken Nursing Diagnoses 1. Anxiety R/T labor and birthing process a. orient parents to unit b. explain admission protocol c. assess woman’s knowledge, experiences, and expectations of labor d. discuss progress of labor e. involve woman and partner in care decisions during labor 2. Pain R/T increasing frequency and intensity of 16 contractions a. assess level of pain b. encourage support people to aid in comfort measures c. encourage use of relaxation techniques d. explain when and why analgesics may be used C. 3. Risk for altered pattern of urinary elimination R/T sensory impairment secondary to labor a. palpate the bladder superior to symphysis b. encourage frequent voiding c. assist to BRP or use catheter prn 4. Risk for fluid volume deficit R/T ↓ fluid intake and blood loss during birth a. monitor fluid loss b. administer oral/parenteral fluid prn c. monitor fundus for firmness d. administer medications to aid in contraction of uterus e. possible type and screen/cross match if transfusion needed 5. Impaired gas exchange R/T maternal ↓ BP, compression of umbilical cord a. keep mother off her back b. maintain adequate hydration c. oxygen via mask if O2 below 90% d. shut off pitocin e. possible need for amnioinfusion Interventions-Priority Setting 1. Vital signs a. notify provider if BP above 140/90 b. ck temp q 4 hrs if ROM 2. Fetal monitoring a. assess FHR at least once hourly in early phases b. may need continuous monitoring c. consider internal monitoring for poor tracing, lack of progress, or meconium 3. Hydration/oxygenation a. encourage po fluids or start IV if N & V b. ck oxygen saturation if decels noted 4. Comfort measures 17 a. b. c. d. breathing/focal points/distractions -labor shakes are normal hydrotherapy/massage active listening R/T maternal behaviors -0-3 cm: anticipation, excitement -4-7 cm: seriousness, introspection -8-10 cm: irritable, fatigue, amnesia use of support people 5. Pain management a. showers/warm or cool packs b. massage c. oral medications d. IV or IM medications e. Epidurals 6. 2nd stage interventions a. room prepped for delivery -warmer for neonate -delee suction if meconium present -possible need for Pedi -keep up NRP/BLS skills b. asst mother with a variety of positions while pushing -short pushes 6-7 seconds -consider open-glottis pushing -squatting can open the pelvis an addition ¼ inch c. assess need for addition oxygen R/T FHR tracing d. assess maternal VS and FHR tracings per hospital policies e. keep Provider aware of pt’s progress f. consider lessening epidural dose if pushing effort less than adequate g. provider should be in LDR before head is crowning to provide support for perineum h. clean perineum if requests by provider i. at delivery, asst partner with cutting of umbilical cord 7. 3rd and 4th stage interventions a. asst provider with lidocaine/suture if perineal/vaginal repair is needed -episiotomies: median or mediolateral -lacerations: 1st degree-skin, superficial 2nd degree-muscles of perineum 18 b. c. d. e. f. g. V. 3rd degree-to anal sphincter muscle 4th degree-anterior rectal wall fundal rub post delivery of placenta -watch for trickle/spurt of blood and change in uterine shape to herald expulsion of placenta observe for need for pitocin/methergine promote bonding/breastfeeding even during repair ice pack to peri/VS q 15 min/pain meds prepare for possible trip to OR if placenta is retained (↑ 1 hr) immediate newborn care -dry off fluids, skin to skin, suction mucus -ck for 3-vessel cord -ck physical assessment/wt./length -APGAR score and infant ID tags Obstetrical Instrumentation and Procedures A. Amniotomy-AROM (artificial rupture of membranes) 1. most frequently used method of labor induction B. 2. induces labor when cervix is favorable or augments a slowing labor progress 3. labor usually begins 12 hours post rupture-if prolonged, can lead to infection-Ck temp q 2 hours 4. can be used in combination with oxytocin 5. explain to pt that procedure is painless but might feel increase in vaginal pain R/T movement of fetus 6. presenting fetal part must be engaged in pelvis and applied to cervix to prevent cord prolapse 1. assess color, odor, consistency and quantity of fluid Induction and augmentation of labor 1. chemical agents a. PG gel-prostaglandin gel Cervidil/Prepidil/Prostin E2-dinoprostone -helps to ripen (soften and thin) cervix -may initiate labor without further medications -may be used to terminate pregnancy -adverse reactions headaches, N & V, diarrhea, fever hypotension, hyperstimulation of uterus 19 fetal passage of meconium b. c. d. e. f. 2. C. Cytotec (misoprostol)-synthetic prostaglandin E1 -not FDA approved for cervical ripening oxytocin -hormone produced by posterior pituitary gland -stimulates uterine contractions -used to induce or augment labor -indications for use suspected fetal jeopardy dystocia postdates maternal medical problems fetal demise -contraindications for use CPD, cord prolapse, transverse lie nonreassuring FHR placenta previa or vasa previa classical uterine incision active genital herpes invasive CA of the cx infusion done on IV pump watch for tachysystole assess fetal well-being and maternal pain level mechanical methods a. dilators b. amniotomy Version 1. external a. attempt to rotate fetus from a malpresentation b. usually done at or after 37 weeks c. U/S scanning before to ck fetus and placenta d. may use a tocolytic agent like terbutaline e. obtain informed consent-usually done in L & D due to risk of complications f. MD or CNM give gentle, constant pressure to abdomen to rotate presenting fetal part g. Rh – moms may receive Rhogam due to the risk of fetomaternal bleeding 2. internal a. MD inserts hand into the uterus and changes position or presentation b. may be used in multifetal pregnancies to rotate second fetus c. maternal/fetal injury possible 20 d. D. E. RN role to monitor FHR and support mother Episiotomy 1. incision in the perineum to enlarge the vaginal outlet 2. types a. median-midline -most commonly used -effective, easily repaired -can possibly extend into rectum b. mediolateral -prevents 4th degree laceration -repair most difficult -more pain to mom 3. pros prevents tearing decreases stage 2 enlarges vagina 4. less rate of episiotomies with CNM vs. MD cons lacerations can occur ↑ pain/discomfort lateral position can control head Forceps 1. uses paired curved blades to asst. delivery of head 2. maternal indications for use a. second stage arrest b. cardiac moms c. poor pushing effort/fatigue/anesthesia 3. fetal indications for use a. distress b. abnormal presentation-asynclitic c. delivery of head during breech delivery 4. conditions a. fully dilated b. empty bladder c. engaged presenting fetal part d. vertex e. ROM f. No CPD 5. care management a. assess FHR before and after delivery b. Pedi MD at delivery c. assess mother for lacerations, urinary retention 21 d. F. G. assess baby for facial bruising, abrasions, palsy Vacuum 1. attachment of vacuum cup and use of negative pressure 2. indications/conditions the same as use of forceps 3. follow hospital’s P & P R/T method, suction pressure, duration, and charting 4. newborns-ck for caput, cephalohematoma, scalp laceration Surgical Birth 1. birth of the fetus thru a transabdominal incision in the uterus 2. term cesarean from Latin “caedo”-to cut 3. C/S rate-20-30%-higher in women over the age of 35 4. ↑ rate of VBAC’s had lead to ↓ C/S’s but might Δ 5. purpose to preserve health or life of mom or baby 6. ↑ in C/S rate R/T a. increased EFM b. epidural use d. ↑ of repeat C/S e. AMA moms f. private insurance/private hospitals g. moms with high SES 1. indications for C/S a. fetal distress/intolerance of labor b. CPD/malpresentation/malposition c. placental abnormalities d. umbilical cord prolapse e. dysfunctional labor pattern/first stage arrest f. multiple gestation g. active genital herpes h. uncontrolled HTN i. PIH/preeclampsia 2. type of incisions a. skin-vertical or horizontal (Pfannenstiel, bikini) b. uterus-vertical (classical), low vertical, and 22 horizontal (low transverse) -classical-faster to perform, is performed in other countries, contraindication for VBAC -transverse-easier, less blood loss, decrease risk for infections, less likely to rupture, may attempt VBAC with next pregnancy 3. risks/complications a. aspiration b. pulmonary embolism c. wound infection d. wound dehiscence e. thrombophlebitis f. hemorrhage g. UTI h. injury to bladder or bowel or fetus i. anesthesia complications j. decreased satisfaction with the birth process k. loss of ability to accomplish vaginal deliveries l. increase financial expense m. longer hospital stay n. bonding and breastfeeding may be delayed 4. types of anesthesia a. regional blocks -epidural-most common, feel pressure, no pain -spinal-no pain or pressure b. general -higher risk of complications 11. pre & intraoperative care-pg. 510-512 01/16