NUR 1211C Chapter Notes - Chapter Test 6: Cervical Dilation, Cervical Effacement, Cervical Canal

• School: St. Petersburg College
• Department: Nursing, Generic Undergraduate
• Course: NUR 1211C
• Professor: McCusker

Document Summary

Uterine contractions have two main functions: to dilate the cervix and to push the fetus through the birth canal. In primiparas, lightening can occur 2 weeks or more before labor begins; among multiparas it may not occur until labor starts. True versus false labor: false labor: irregular uterine contractions are felt, but the cervix is not affected, true labor: contractions occurring at regular intervals that increase in frequency, duration, and intensity; progressive cervical dilation and effacement. The pelvic inlet allows entrance to the true pelvis: mid-pelvis. Occupies the space between the inlet and outlet: pelvic outlet. Vaginal birth is most favorable with this type of pelvis because the inlet is round and the outlet is roomy. This type of pelvis allows early and complete fetal internal rotation during labor: anthropoid pelvis. The pelvic inlet is oval and the sacrum is long, producing a deep pelvis (wider front to back.