| false labour | <obstetrics> Contractions which do not produce cervical dilation or effacement. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|---|
| first stage of labour | The part of labour when the cervix dilates fully (to 10 centimeters). The first stage of labour is also called the stage of dilatation. (12 Dec 1998) |
| labour | <obstetrics> The act of giving birth to a baby. There are four stages: The first stage lasts from the onset of labour until there is full dilation (10 cm.) of the cervical os (opening). The first stage of labour is also called the stage of dilatation. The second stage lasts from the full dilatation of the cervix until the baby is completely out of the birth canal and has been born. The second stage of labour is also called the stage of expulsion. The third stage lasts from birth of the foetus through expulsion or extraction of the placenta and membranes (afterbirth). The third stage of labour is also called the placental stage. The fourth stage is the hour or two after delivery when the tone of the uterus is established and the uterus contracts down again. (08 Mar 2000) |
| labour complications | <obstetrics> Medical problems associated with labour including cephalopelvic disproportion, haemorrhage, foetal distress, or other disorders. (12 Dec 1998) |
| labour onset | <obstetrics> The establishment of regular uterine contractions together with beginning dilatation of the cervix. (12 Dec 1998) |
| labour pains | <obstetrics> Rhythmical uterine contractions which under normal conditions increase in intensity, frequency, and duration, culminating in vaginal delivery of the infant. Synonym: parodynia. (05 Mar 2000) |
| labour, premature | Onset of labour before term but after the foetus has become viable, usually sometime during the 29th through 38th week of gestation. (12 Dec 1998) |
| footling presentation | <obstetrics> There are single-footling or double-footling presentations depending upon whether the presenting part of the baby at delivery is just one foot or both feet. (12 Dec 1998) |
| fourth stage of labour | The hour or two after delivery when the tone of the uterus is established and the uterus contracts down again. (12 Dec 1998) |
| full breech presentation | The thighs may be flexed on the abdomen and the legs upon the thighs, in footling presentation foot presentation the feet may be the lowest part; in incomplete foot presentation, incomplete knee presentation, one leg may retain the position which is typical of one of the above-mentioned presentations, while the other foot or knee may present. Synonym: pelvic presentation. (05 Mar 2000) |