Maternal contractions can be reflected from a history of regular cramping, progressive pain radiating to the back. On per abdominal examination, contractions can be assessed by palpation of the fundus counting the total number of contractions in 10 minutes, if each contraction lasts for 20 seconds or less, it is considered a mild contraction, when lasting between 20-30 seconds is considered as moderate contraction and when lasting for more than 40 seconds is considered as a strong contraction.

Bloody show

Mucoid discharge which is mixed with blood.

Per vaginal leakage

A mother can present with a slow or gush of clear fluid per vaginum if the membranes are ruptured.

Cervical changes

On performing per vaginal examination, cervix might be open and effaced at any revel corresponding to the stage of labour in question.

Cervical effacement, thinning of the cervix. It is measured in percentage.

Cervical dilatation, opening of the cervix, it is measured in centimeters.

On per abdominal and pelvic examination, descent of the presenting part will be evident. On per abdominal examination, fetal descent is determined by assessment of engagement of the presenting part. Engagement is the relationship between the presenting part to the pelvic brim. Engagement is identified by abdominal palpation, where the fetal head is 3/5th palpable or less.

On per vaginal examination fetal descent is determined by assessment of fetal station. Fetal station is the relationship between the presenting part and the level of ischial spines.

Previous Topic

Back to Lesson

Next Topic