MODULE 6:

CHILDBIRTH AND CHILDREN

Chapter 14

Childbirth

The Female
Reproductive System 1 of 2
Ovaries
Produce eggs
Uterus
Holds fertilized
egg as it
develops

Fallopian tubes
Connect ovaries
and uterus
Birth canal (vagina)
External opening

The Female
Reproductive System 2 of 2
Fetus
Developing baby Placenta
Draws nutrients from
Umbilical cord
uterus which are then
Delivers nutrition
transported through
and removes
umbilical cord
waste products
from developing
infant

Anatomy of a Pregnant Woman

Stages of Labor
Stage one
Initial contractions occur, water
breaks, bloody show occurs, but no
crowning visible.
Stage two
Involves actual delivery of baby.
Stage three
Involves delivery of placenta
(afterbirth).

Key Questions to Ask 1 of 2

Has the woman had a baby before?
Has the woman experienced a bloody
show?
Has the bag of waters broken?
How frequent are the contractions?

Key Questions to Ask 2 of 2

Does the woman feel an urge to
move her bowels?
Is the babys head crowning?
Is transportation available?

Preparation for Delivery

Wash your hands thoroughly.
Place a towel or sheet under the
woman.
Have plenty of towels on hand.
Place the woman in a comfortable
position (often on back with knees bent
and legs drawn up and apart).

Equipment for Delivery

Sterile gloves
Sterile drapes and towels
4 x 4 gauze pads
Bulb syringe
Umbilical cord clamp
Sanitary pads
Towel or blanket for baby

Caring for the Newborn

Clear mouth and nose.

Dry infant with towel.
Wrap child to keep warm.
Place infant on side with head
slightly lower than trunk.

Aftercare of the Mother

Observe mother and baby.
Recheck firmness of uterus.
Recheck vagina for excessive
bleeding.
Clean mother with towels.
Cover vaginal opening.

Aftercare of the Newborn

The newborn infant should:
Breathe at a rate greater than 40
breaths per minute.
Be crying right after birth.
Have a pulse greater than 100
beats per minute.

Suctioning to Clear the

Newborns Airway

Suctioning the mouth

Suctioning the nose

Skill Drill: Resuscitating the Newborn

1. Tilt infants head down and to the side.
2. Suction nose and mouth with a bulb syringe.
3. Snap fingers on soles of infants feet.
4. Begin mouth-to-mouth-and-nose or mouth-tomask breathing if needed.
5. Check for brachial pulse.
6. Begin CPR if heart rate is less than 80 beats
per minute or brachial pulse is not found.
7. Provide rapid transport.

Childbirth Complications
Unbroken bag of
waters
Breech birth
Prolapse of the
umbilical cord
Excessive bleeding
after delivery

Miscarriage
Stillborn delivery
Premature birth
Multiple births