Table of Contents
REQUIREMENTS #
- A tray containing:
- Watch with a second hand
- Ball pen
- Observation chart/ partograph/WHO Labour chart (manual/ electronic)
- Chair
- Foetal stethoscope(pinnard)/ Electronic foetal monitor
- Ultrasound gel
- Tissue paper
- Linen (for draping)
- Kidney dish
STEPS #
- Timing Contractions
- Explain procedures to client (refer steps)
- Ask client to empty bladder and provide privacy
- Perform hand hygiene and warm palms
- Assist client to adopt a dorsal/left lateral position in bed
- Sit on a chair by client and expose client’s abdomen only and place palm over fundus
- Note time-of onset of each contraction and when each contraction wears off (duration and strength)
- Note the frequency of contraction in 10minutes
- Express appreciation to client for her cooperation
- Report and record, the number and length of each contraction in 10 minutes, starting from the beginning of the 1st contraction
- Counting Foetal Heart Rate
- Explain procedure (refer step)
- Put client in dorsal position
- Stand by the right side of client and palpate the abdomen to locate the foetal back
- Locate the position of the anterior shoulder
- Warm the foetal stethoscope, place it at the located area and listen to foetal heart sound
- Compare identified sound with maternal radial pulse
- Count the beats for one full minute noting the volume and rhythm
- If using electronic monitor, apply gel on located area
- Place probe on located area and record accurate foetal heartbeat
- Assessing Descent of Foetal Head
- Explain procedure (refer step)
- Ensure client remains in the dorsal position
- Locate the anterior shoulder and keep two fingers over it
- Locate symphysis pubis and place the ulna border of the right hand just above the symphysis pubis
- Drop and note the number of finger breadths that can occupy the space between the symphysis pubis and the anterior shoulder
- Cover client’s abdomen and allow her to assumed her preferred position
- Communicate findings to her and show appreciation for her cooperation
- Perform hand hygiene
- Record findings on partograph/Labour Care Guide