Complication On Labor and Delivery
Complication On Labor and Delivery
Complication On Labor and Delivery
A. Preterm Labor
Preterm labor is labor that begins after 20 weeks gestation and before 37 weeks gestation.
Etiology PROM
Incompetent cervix
Multiple gestation
Previous history of Preterm labor
DES exposure
Emotional stress
Hydramnios
Placenta previa
Abruptio placenta
Maternal age <18 or >35
Clinical Manifestation Low back pain
Suprapubic pressure
Vaginal pressure
Rhythmic uterine contractions (2 uterine contractions lasting 30 seconds within
15 minutes)
Cervical dilatation <4 cm & effacement 50% or less
Expulsion of cervical mucus plus
Bloody show
Conservative Treatment:
Bed rest in lateral position
Hydration w/ IVF and continuous fetal and uterine contraction monitoring
Tocolytic Therapy:
Beta mimetic agents: Ritodrine (Yutopar)
Use of ritodrine can lead to pulmonary edema. Therefore, the nurse should assess for
crackles and dyspnea. Blood glucose levels may temporarily rise, not fall, with
ritodrine. Ritodrine may cause tachycardia, not bradycardia. Ritodrine may also cause
hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia.
Ritodrine (Yutopar) can cause tremor and jittery feelings, so it must be assessed
whether the feelings are from the medication or from the Preterm labor Steroid
therapy
MCHN
Maternal and Child Health Nursing
Labor and Delivery Complication
Spontaneous rupture of amniotic membranes prior to onset of labor, maybe preterm (before 38 weeks
gestation) or term
If the fetus is at –2 station and the membranes rupture, the patient is at risk for prolapsed cord.
You can determine if a prolapsed cord exists if you perform a vaginal exam.
MCHN
Maternal and Child Health Nursing
Labor and Delivery Complication
Definition The umbilical cord is displaced, either between the presenting post
and the amnion or protruding through the cervix.
Synonyms Cord Prolapse
Predisposing Factors Fetal Position other than cephalic presentations
Prematurity:
NOTE: Small fetus allows more space around presenting part.
Polyhydramnios
Multiple fetal gestation
FetoPelvic disproportion
Abnormally long umbilical cord.
Placenta Previa
Intrauterine tumors that prevent the presenting part from engaging
> Breech presentation, Transverse lie, Unengaged presenting part, Twin
gestation, Hydramnios
Small fetus
Initial Sign Cord Prolapse:
Best Position Trendelenberg’s position or Knee Chest position -which causes the
presenting part to fall back from the cord.
Turn side to side -Helps may be elevated to shift to fetal presenting
toward diaphragm.
The primary goal with a prolapsed of the umbilical cord is to remove the
pressure from the cord. Changing the maternal position is the first
intervention. Acceptable positions include knee-chest, side-lying and
elevation of the hips. The nurse may also perform a vaginal examination
and attempt to push the presenting part off the cord. Administering the
oxygen benefits the fetus only if circulation through the cord has been
reestablished.
MCHN
Maternal and Child Health Nursing
Labor and Delivery Complication
OTHER MANAGEMENT:
Reposition client to trendelenburg or knee- chest position
Oxygen
Push presenting part upward
Apply moistened sterile towels
Delivery as soon as possible
D. Dystocia
1. Passageway
a. Contracted pelvis
b. Unfavorable pelvic shapes
Management:
i. Evaluate pelvic diameters
ii. Continue labor with careful monitoring
iii. Perform assisted vaginal or caesarean delivery
2. Psyche
a. Fear, anxiety ad tension increase stress and decrease uterine contractility
b. Stress interferes with the clients ability with her contractions
c. Stress increase fatigue
Management:
i. Monitor clients psychologic response to labor
ii. Determines clients level of stress
iii. Provide support
iv. Encouraged relaxation
MCHN
Maternal and Child Health Nursing
Labor and Delivery Complication
E. Precipitate delivery
A pregnant patient with a known history of crack cocaine use is in labor must be prepared for a precipitous labor
and notify the neonatologist of the infant’s high-risk status.
If a patient has a precipitous labor at risk, the result of the labor process would be laceration of the soft tissues,
uterine rupture, and excessive uterine bleeding.
Risks:
1. Perineal lacerations & Hemorrhage
When delivering the neonate, you should deliver the
head between contractions. This will prevent the head
from being delivered too suddenly, thuds preventing a
possible tearing of the perineum.
F. Uterine Rupture
The two findings on physical exam indicate uterine rupture is loss of uterine contour and palpable fetal part.
The number one risk factor for uterine rupture is previous cesarean section.
COMPLETE INCOMPLETE
Sudden sharp abdominal pain during Abdominal pain during contractions
contractions Contractions continue, but cervix fail to dilate
Abdominal tenderness Vaginal bleeding may be present
Cessation of contractions Rising pulse rate and skin pallor
Bleeding into abdominal cavity & sometimes Loss of fetal heart tones
into vagina
Fetus easily palpated, FHT ceased
Signs of shock
An amniotic fluid embolism is when the amniotic fluid leaks into the maternal bloodstream bThe causes of an
amniotic fluid embolism are difficulty in labor, or hyperstimulation of the uterus. Polyhydramnios is an excessive
amniotic fluid.
MANIFESTATION MANAGEMENT
Dyspnea Oxygen
Sharp, chest pain CPR
Pallor or cyanosis Intubation
Frothy, blood-tinged mucus Delivery
MCHN