Childbirth

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Pregnant Women In effect when treating a pregnant woman you have two casualties, the woman and the unborn baby. The foetus receives oxygen, nutrients via the placenta, any interruption to the mothers normal health could result in danger to both the mother and unborn child. 3 January 2019 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Symptoms: Affecting the Foetus The following symptoms may interrupt blood supply to the foetus: Haemorrhage Shock Dehydration Hypotension Hypertension Maternal positioning 3 January 2019 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Left Lateral Tilt Position Position for examining a pregnant woman which will not interrupt the oxygen supply through the placenta to the foetus. Left lateral tilt position using padding under her right buttock 3 January 2019 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Problems Pre-term labour Ruptured membranes Vaginal bleeding Preeclampsia Eclampsia 3 January 2019 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Assessment When assessing a pregnant woman these are the questions you need to ask to enable you to assess their medical condition; How many weeks pregnant are you? What is your due date? Have you had any contractions? Have you had any vaginal loss or bleeding? 3 January 2019 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Possible Answers If yes to last 2 questions; Contractions: Have there been any contractions? If so: How often are they? For how long do each last? How strong are they? Fluid loss: Amount of fluid lost Colour of fluid Type of fluid Period of loss 3 January 2019 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Unborn Baby The most important question we can make is by asking the mother; Has the baby moved or kicked at all? If the baby is unusually quiet or there has been no movement medical aid should be sort immediately. 3 January 2019 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Pre-term Labour Onset 20-37 weeks Signs & symptoms; regular contractions ‘show’ – vaginal discharge ruptured membranes 3 January 2019 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Treatment DRABCD Oxygen Check for foetal movements by questioning the mother Check frequency and duration of contractions & call ambulance Rest the mother on left side and reassure Record observations If delayed help, prepare as per Emergency Child Birth 3 January 2019 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Ruptured Membranes Breaking of waters prior to 37 weeks Signs & Symptoms: Watery loss from the vagina, can be blood stained Mucous show Contractions may be present (usual sign) 3 January 2019 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Treatment DRABCD Give oxygen Reassurance Check for foetal movements by questioning the mother Ask mother to describe loss and/or sight the loss Rest on left lateral side Record observations Medical aid 3 January 2019 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Vaginal Bleeding Antepartum haemorrhage ( before birth) Signs & Symptoms: Bright red to dark red blood loss. Clots can be present. Can be as little as a tablespoon (15 mls) Abdominal pain Tense abdomen, guarding Can display signs of shock 3 January 2019 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Treatment Treatment of Vaginal Bleeding DRABCD Give oxygen Reassurance Rest on left lateral side Urgent medical aid 3 January 2019 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Postpartum Haemorrhage Life threatening condition which is one of the main causes of maternal mortality in Australia (NSW Health) Signs & Symptoms Treatment Blood Loss post birth Medical Assistance Pallor Treat for shock Rapid pulse Oxygen Tachycardia Reassure casualty Hypotension posturing left lateral position 3 January 2019 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Preeclampsia Occurs in second half of pregnancy extremely dangerous to both mother & baby. Signs & symptoms; high blood pressure Headaches Blurred vision Generalised swelling (predominantly peripherally) Protein evident in urine 3 January 2019 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Treatment DRABCD Oxygen Reassure casualty Check for foetal movements Check how often contractions are coming Call ambulance Rest the mother on left side and reassure Record observations If delayed help, prepare as per Emergency Child Birth 3 January 2019 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training 3 January 2019 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training

Coffs Harbour Divisional Training Questions 3 January 2019 Coffs Harbour Divisional Training