Hello and welcome to the Zero to Finals podcast. My name is Tom and in this episode I'm going to be

talking to you about labour and delivery. And you can find written notes on this topic at

zero definals.com slash labour and delivery or in the reproductive system section of the zero-definals, obstetrics, and

gynecology book. So let's get straight into it. Labor and delivery normally occur between 37 and

42 weeks gestation. There are three stages of labor. The first stage is from the onset of labour of true contractions

until 10 centimetres of dilation of the cervix. The second stage is from 10 centimetres of

dilation of the cervix to delivery of the baby and the third stage is from the delivery of the baby to the delivery

of the placenta. Let's talk a bit about prostaglandins. Prostaglandins act like local hormones

triggering specific effects in the local tissues. Tissues throughout the body contain and

respond to prostaglandins. They play a crucial

role in menstruation and labour by stimulating contractions of the uterine muscles. They also have a

role in ripening the cervix before delivery. One key prostaglandin to be aware of is prostaglandin E2. Pessarees that contain

Prosterglandin E2, which is also called dynoprostone, can be used to induce labour, to get

labour started artificially.

Let's talk about Braxton Hicks contractions.

Braxton Hicks contractions are occasional, irregular contractions of the uterus.

They are usually felt during the second and the third trimester, and women can experience temporary and irregular tightening or mild cramping in the abdomen. These are not true contractions and they do

not indicate the onset of labour. They do not progress or become regular. Staying relaxed and hydrated

can help reduce Braxton Hicks contractions.

So let's start by talking about the first stage of labour. The first stage of labor is from the

onset of labour of true contractions, not just Braxton Hicks contractions, until the cervix

is fully dilated to 10 centimeters.

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