This document provides information on the management of normal labor. It defines labor and delivery and outlines the cardinal movements of labor. It discusses assessing and monitoring labor through the stages including fetal wellbeing, maternal wellbeing, and labor progress using a partogram. It covers managing each stage of labor including the first stage of dilation, the second stage of delivery, and the third stage of delivery of the placenta. Key points like positioning, pushing techniques, and care of the newborn are summarized.

1. Management of
normal labour
Prof. Aboubakr Elnashar
Benha university Hospital, Egypt
elnashar53@hotmail.com
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

2. Contents
Introduction
Definitions
Mechanism
Aims
Principles
1st stage
2nd stage
3rd stage
4th stage
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

3. Definitions
Labour:
Regular involuntary coordinated, painful uterine
contractions associated with cervical
effacement and dilatation
• Regular frequent uterine contractions
+
• Cx changes (dilatation & effacement)
or
• SROM
Delivery:
Expulsion of the product of the conception after
fetal viability. ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

4. ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

5. Anterior
Pubis
Right Left
Occipital bone
MECHANISMS OF NORMAL LABOUR
Occiput anterior
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

6. Occiputo anterior positions
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

7. D: Descent
F: Flexion
I: Internal rotation of the fetal head
C: Crowning
E: Extension
R: Restitution
I : Internal rotation of the shoulders
E: External rotation of the fetal head
L: Lateral flexion of the body
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

8. Descend
Flexion
Internal rotation
Crowning
Extension
Restitution
Internal rotation of shoulder
External rotation of head
Lateral flexion of body
LOA
LOA
OA
LOA
OA
OA
LOT
Delivery
D
F
I
C
E
R
I
E
L
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

9. Cardinal movements of labour (LOA)
Head is delivered
by Extension
Restitution
External
rotation ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

10. CROWNING OF THE HEAD
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

11. Head is delivered by EXTENSION
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

12. RESTITUTION
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

13. EXTERNAL ROTATION
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

14. • Delivery of a normal healthy child
• To anticipate, recognize and treat
potential abnormal conditions before
significant hazard develops for the
mother or the fetus.
AIMS
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

15. • Diagnosis of labour
• Monitoring the progress of labour
• Ensuring maternal well-being
• Ensuring fetal well-being.
PRINCIPLES
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

16. MANAGEMENT 1st STAGE
OF LABOUR
I. Assessment
II. Preparation and care
III. Partogram
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

17. I. Assessment
1. History:
1. Woman’s antenatal record is reviewed
2. No records of antenatal care: complete history .
2. Examination
a. General
a) Pallor, edema, abdominal scar (LSCS)
b) Vital signs: BP, pulse, RR and T
c) Heart and lungs
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

18. b. Abdominal examination:
a. Presentation and position and engagement
b. Auscultate the fetal heart
c. Evaluate the uterine contraction
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

19. ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

20. c. Vaginal examination –
i) PP:
Presentation
Engagement, station
Position
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

21. ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

22. ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

23. ii) Membranes
Intact or absent: exclude cord prolapse after ROM
iii) Cx
Consistency, position
Dilatation
Effacement,
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

24. iv) Pelvis
Adequacy.
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

25. ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

26. Do not do vaginal examination:
vaginal bleeding before the placenta previa is
excluded.
Sterile speculum examination:
suspected ROM, if the woman is not in labour.
Admission to labour ward:
Active labour:
Regular painful contractions and
cervical dilatation 3 cm
{less time in the labor ward
less intrapartum oxytocics
less analgesia}
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

27. 3. Investigation
Urine:
Protein
Sugar
ketones
Blood:
CBC
RBS
Grouping
cross match for high risk patients.
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

28. II. Preparation and care
1. Bowel preparation:
 Indicated:
No bowel action for 24 h or
Rectum feels loaded on vaginal examination
 similar length of labor and most maternal and
neonatal outcomes
generates discomfort in women
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

29. 2. Bladder care
 Encourage to empty bladder /1½ - 2 h.
{A full bladder:
prevent the fetal head from entering the pelvic brim
impede descent of the fetal head.
inhibit effective uterine action}.
 The quantity of urine should be measured and recorded
and a specimen obtained for testing.
3. Nutrition
 No food is permitted after labour is established
{prevent regurgitation and aspiration}
 Small amount of clear fluid or frozen pineapple, Ice chips
to moisten the mouth
 Maintain adequate hydration via intravenous routes
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

30. 4. Perineal shaving
No
{is associated with similar maternal febrile
morbidity, wound infection, and neonatal
infection compared with just selective clipping of
hair}
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

31. Routine early ARM
Not recommended
{decrease duration of labor( 60 min, mostly
because of shorter 1st stage),
decrease use of oxytocin,
similar incidence of NRFHR monitoring
similar neonatal outcomes compared with
selective (later or no) AROM
26% increase in CD}
should be reserved for failure to progress
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

32. 5. Position:
 Walk about or
in bed, as she wishes
 As long as the
patient is healthy
presentation normal
presenting part engaged
fetus in good condition
6. Pain relief
Severe: an analgesic
a) Opiate drugs. e.g. Pethidine IM/4 h
b) Inhalational analgesia e.g. Entonox
c) Epidural analagesia
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

33. III. Monitoring the progress of labour
Once labour has become established, all events
during labour should be recorded on a partogram.
a) Well-being of the fetus
b) Well-being of the mother
c) Progress of the labour
Patient information:
name, gravida, para, hospital number, date and time
of admission and time of ruptured membranes.
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

34. PATIENT INFORMATION
FETAL INFORMATION
FHR
Am fluid
Moulding
LABOUR INFORMATION
Dilatation
Descent
Contraction
MEDICATIONS
syntocinon
drugs
IV fluids
MATERNAL INFORMATION
Pulse, BP, T
Urine: alb, ketones, vol
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

35. A. Condition of the fetus
I. FHR: every half hour.
II. Memb & Liq: every vaginal examination
I= intact,
A= abscent
C= clear,
M= meconium
B= blood,
III. Moudling:
0 (separated)
+ (touching)
++(overlap)
+++ (severe overlap)
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

36. Monitor FHR
 Auscultation methods
 Electronic monitoring: CTG
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

37. NORMAL
ABNORMAL
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

38. B. Progress of labour
I. Cervical dilatation (cm).
every vaginal examination
Plot x
In active phase
Alert line: drawn at a rate of 1 cm /h cervical dil
The mean rate of the slowest 10% of normal PG
Action line: drawn 4 h to the right of alert line.
Intervention should take place
II. Descend:
every vaginal examination Plot O (amount of head palpable
above pelvic brim) and Position
III. Contractions:
every half hour
Frequency/10 m, Duration & Intensity:
stippled (<20 sec, weak);
striped (20-40 sec, moderate);
complete (>40 sec, strong).ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

39. Recording the progress of labour
frequency of cervical examinations.
Most studies: every 2 h.
{risk of chorioamnionitis increases with the increasing
number of examinations}.
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

40. C. Condition of the mother
I. Medications:
Oxytocin: amount /30 min
Drugs
IV Fluids
II. V/S:
B.P: /4 h
mark with arrows ( )
P: /30 min
mark with a dot (●).
T: /2 hours.
III. Urine:
every time urine is passed.
Vol, alb, ketones
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

41. ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

42. WHO partogram, 2002
Simple & easy to use.
The latent phase has been removed .
Plotting on begins in the active phase when the cervix
is 4 cm dilated.
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

43. MANAGEMENT 2nd
STAGE OF
LABOUR
I. Preparation
II. Observation
III. Conduct of delivery
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

44. I. Preparation
1. Maternal position:
With the exception of avoiding supine position, the
mother may assume any comfortable position for
effective bearing down.
Semi-recumbent or
Supported sitting position, with the thighs abducted
2. PERINEAL CLEANSING
When delivery is imminent skin over the lower
abdomen, vulva, anus and upper thigh is cleansed
with antiseptic solution and draped.
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

45. ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

46. POSITIONING FOR DELIVERY
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

47. PERINEAL CLEANSING
Need 6 swab balls
Clean sequentially
as shown by the
numbers
Clean according to
the direction
shown by the
Arrows
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

48. CREATE A STERILE FIELD
AROUND THE VAGINAL OPENING
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

49. II. Observation
1.Maternal conditions
Emotional condition
pulse quarter-hourly
bloods pressure hourly
2.Fetal conditions
FHR: either continuously or after each contraction.
Liquor: meconium staining.
3.Uterine contractions
Strength
Duration
Frequency, assessed continuously.
4.The progress of descent
every 30 minutes
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

50. III. CONDUCTING THE DELIVERY
1. DELIVERY OF THE HEAD
1) Control the delivery of the head to prevent
laceration
2) Episiotomy if required
3) Ritgen’s method
4) Clear the airway after delivery of the had
Modified Ritgen Maneuver
As crowning occurs: exert forward pressure on the chin of the
fetus through the perineum just in front of the coccyx.
Concurrently, the other hand exerts pressure superiorly against
the occiput ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

51. • Instruct the mother to focus on her breathing. Have her
“breathe heavily” to help her stop pushing and prevent a
forceful birth.
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

52. • Ask the woman to pant or give
only small pushes with
contractions as the baby’s
head delivers
• To control birth of the head,
place the fingers of one hand
against the baby’s head to
keep it flexed (bent)
• Continue to gently support the
perineum as the baby’s head
delivers
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

53. DELIVERY OF THE HEAD
Head is delivered by extension
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

54. • Once the baby’s
head delivers, ask
the woman not to
push
• Suction the baby’s
mouth and nose
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

55. ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

56. CORD AROUND THE NECK
Feel around the baby’s
neck for the umbilical cord
If the cord is around the
neck, attempt to slip it over
the baby’s head
If the cord is tight around
the neck, doubly clamp
and cut it before unwinding
it from around the neck
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

57. As the head emerges,
the baby will turn to one
side (for easier passage
of shoulders through
birth canal)
Note the time, if
possible
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

58. • Allow the baby’s head
to turn spontaneously.
• After the head turns,
place a hand on each
side of the baby’s
head.
• Tell the woman to push
gently with the next
contraction.
• Reduce tears by
delivering one
shoulder at a time
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

59. DELIVERY OF FETAL HEAD WITH
ROL POSITION
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

60. 2. Delivery of the anterior shoulder
by gentle downward traction on the head.
In the direction of the axis of the body
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

61. 3. DELIVERY OF POSTERIOR SHOULDER
by elevating the head.
Support the rest of the baby’s body with one hand as
it slides out
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

62. ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

63. 4. DELIVERY OF THE TRUNK
 After the delivery of the shoulders the baby is
grasped around the chest to aid the birth of the
trunk.
 Finally, the body is slowly extracted by traction
on the shoulders and lifts the baby towards the
mother’s abdomen.
 The time of delivery is noted.
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

64. BABY DELIVERED
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

65. FIRST BODY CONTACT OF MOTHER AND
BABY AND CORD CLAMPING
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

66. 5. CLAMING AND CUTTING
THE UMBILICAL CORD
After delivery
wait 15 to 20 seconds before
clamping and cutting the
umbilical cord.
After cutting the cord a plastic
crushing clamp is placed on
the cord 1 to 2 cm from the
umbilicus and the cord is cut
again 1 cm beyond the clamp.
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

67. Clamping, cutting and tying Of
umbilical cord
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

68. ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

69. EPISIOTOMY
Surgical incision into the perineum to enlarge
the space at the outlet
 Benefits:
1.Speed up the birth
2.Prevent Tearing
3.Protects against incontinence
4.Protects against pelvic floor relaxation
5.Heals easier than tears
Not proven
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

70.  No decrease
perineal damage
future vaginal prolapse
urinary incontinen
 Increase
3rd & 4th degree tears
anal sphincter muscle dysfunction.
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

71. Indications
Not routine
1. Sizeable babies with anticipation of shoulder
dystocia.
2. Shoulder dystocia.
3. Instrumental delivery (according to judgement)
4. Breech
5. Scarring from female genital mutilation or poorly
healed third or fourth degree tears
6. Fetal distress.
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

72. Types
Mediolateral rather than midline
(less 3rd and 4th degree perennial tear).
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

73. Good analgesia
(infiltration with xylocain )
Timing:
cause bleeding: not be
done too early. Wait
until perineum is
thinned out and
3–4 cm of the baby’s
head is visible during
contraction.
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

74.  IMMEDIATE CARE OF THE
NEW BORN
Once the baby is breathing normally
he should be dried and warmly
wrapped to prevent cooling and
handle to the mother to hold, cuddle
and enjoy.
If spontaneous respiration is not
established soon after birth,
resuscitation is the immediate
priority.
The Apgar’s score of the baby should
be noted and recorded.
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

75. Nonoperative interventions to decrease
operative birth in systematic reviews
(FIGO, 2012):
1. Continuous support for women during
childbirth by one-to-one birth attendants
2. Use of upright or lateral positions during
delivery compared with supine or lithotomy
3. Delaying pushing for 1–2 hours or until the
woman has a strong urge to push reduces the
need for rotational and midcavity interventions
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

76. Recommendations FIGO
(2012)
• Delivery facilities must offer everywoman
privacy and allow her to be accompanied by her
choice of a supportive person (husband, friend,
mother, relative, TBA)
• Psychosocial support, education,
communication, choice of position,
and pharmacological methods appropriately
used during the first stage are all useful in
relieving pain and distress in the second stage
of labor.
• Monitoring of FHR must be continued during
2nd stage to allow early detection of bradycardia.
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

77. • Routine episiotomy is harmful and should not
be practiced.
• Women should not be forced or encouraged to
push until they feel an urge to push.
• Fetal heart auscultation after every contraction.
• Local anesthetic should always be given for
any episiotomy, episiotomy/ laceration repair, or
forceps delivery.
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

78. MANAGEMENT 3rd
STAGE OF
LABOUR
I. Delivery of placenta
II. Examination of placenta and perineum
III. Repair of episeotomy
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

79. I. Delivery OF THE PLACENTA
two stages:
(1) Separation of the placenta from the wall of the
uterus and into the lower uterine segment
and/or the vagina, and
(2) Actual expulsion of the placenta out of the birth
canal.
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

80. MECHANISM OF PLACENTA SEPARATION1:
1-Mathews-Duncan
mechanism
The leading edge of
the placenta separates
first and the placenta
is delivered with its
raw surface exposed.
2- Schultz mechanism
If the placenta is inserted
at the fundus and central
area separates first, the
placenta inverts and
draws the membranes
after it, covering the raw
surface (inverted
umbrella)
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

81. ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

82. SIGNS OF PLACENTALSEPARATION
within 5 minutes after the delivery of the infant.
1.The uterus becomes globular and hard. =earliest
to appear.
2.Sudden gush of blood
3.The uterus rises in the abdomen because the
placenta, having separated, passes down into
the lower segment and vagina, where its bulk
pushes the uterus upward.
4.Cord lengthening.
=most reliable clinical
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

83. . . . Physiological
Management
Active
Management
Uterotonic None or after
placenta delivered
With delivery of
anterior shoulder
or baby
Uterus Assessment of size
and tone
Assessment of size
and tone
Cord traction None Application of
controlled cord
traction* when
uterus contracted
Cord clamping Variable Early
*Gentle downward cord traction with countertraction on
the uterine body ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

84. ACTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE THIRD STAGE
Helps prevent postpartum haemorrhage.
includes:
1. use of oxytocin
2. controlled cord traction, and
3. uterine massage.
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

85. ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

86. Once the signs of placental
separation have occurred the
obstetrician assists delivery of
the placenta by controlled cord
traction as described by Brandt-
Andrews’ method.
If the patient is awake, she is asked
to bear down while gentle
traction is made on the umbilical
cord.
A) Placenta separation
B) Controlled cord traction
C) Delivery of the membranes
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

87. ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

88. ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

89. II. EXAMINATION
1. OF THE PLACENTA
The placenta, membranes, and umbilical cord should
be examined for completeness and for anomalies.
2. OF THE PERINEUM
At the same time, the perineal region, vulva outlet,
vaginal canal, and the cervix should be carefully
examined for lacerations.
If the perineum has been torn or an episiotomy
made, tear or incision should be repaired
immediately.
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

90. III. REPAIR OF EPISIOTOMY
Suture as soon as possible after delivery to avoid
bleeding and infection (RCOG)
Start just above the apex
Use 3 layer technique, vaginal mucosa, perennial
muscle and perineal skin
Synthetic, absorbable (rapidly absorbable polyglactin
910) VICRYL RAPIDE begins to fall off 7-10 days post-
operatively
 reduced post partum perineal pain, dyspareunia,
although increased suture removal up to 3/12
For each layer use loose continuous non locking
suturing this will reduce pain and dyspareunia.
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

91. 1. Identify apex
2. Begin suturing
1.0 cm above apex
3. Continuous sutures
4. Ends at the level of
vaginal opening
Continuous sutures Interrupted sutures Interrupted suture or
subcuticularABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

92. MANAGEMENT 4th
stage of labour
I. Observe
II. Check
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

93. The 2 hours after delivery
critical period {postpartum haemorrhage can
occurs due the relaxation of the uterus}.
I. Observation in delivery suite
Bleeding
blood pressure
pulse .
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

94. II. Check before discharging the patient from the
delivery
1. Uterus:
Frequently to make sure it is firm and not relaxing.
Remove any presence of intrauterine blood clots. {clots
interfere with retraction and the normal haemostatic
mechanism of the uterus}.
2. Introitus
to see that there is no hge.
3. Bladder
empty {full bladder can also interfere with uterine retraction}.
4. Baby
breathing well and that the colour and tone are normal.ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR

95. Thank you
Aboubakr elnashar
ABOUBAKR ELNASHAR