4.3 The Perinatal Environment

Annotations:

• Environment surrounding birth

1. 3 Stage Birth Process
   1. Contractions of the uterus; dilation of the cervix
   2. Infant Delivery
   3. Placenta delivery
2. Possible Hazards
   1. Anoxia

      Annotations:

      • oxygen shortage
      1. Umbilical chord tangled at birth
      2. Mucus lodged in throat
      3. Breech presentation

         Annotations:

         • Feet or buttocks first
         1. Memory Impairment
         2. Cerebral Palsy

            Annotations:

            • difficulty in controlling muscle movements
   2. Complicated Delivery
      1. Forceps
         1. May cause damage
      2. Vacuum Extraction
         1. Swelling of the scalp; mark where suction cup was on the baby
      3. C-Sections
   3. Medications
      1. Sedative drugs can cross the placenta and affect the baby
         1. Babies come out acting like they are drugged
      2. Regional analgesics/ epidurals
         1. Fewer ill effects
         2. Do not cross the placenta
         3. Long labor times
         4. Possible need for vacuum assistance
      3. Oxytocin

         Annotations:

         • Speeds and initiates contractions 
         1. Considered very safe
         2. Used if labor seems stalled