Table 1 Description of features of uterine activity and maternal signs included into the assessment tool
From: Development and validation of a predictive model to identify the active phase of labor
Factors | Factors Description | |
|---|---|---|
Uterine activity | Frequency | More than 2 contractions in 10 minutes |
Rhythm | Regular if interval between contractions is consistent (Δ of interval < =1 minute) | |
Duration | Length more then 50 seconds from the start of a contraction to its end | |
Maternal signs | Vaginal loss | Presence of vaginal discharge (mucousy or leukorrhea) |
Show | Presence of bloodstained mucousy vaginal dischargea | |
Pain | Back pain referred by woman | |
Breathing | Focused sigh, Vocalises, Deeper breathing | |
Sweating and/or blush | Intense perspiration, Facial flushing | |
Posture | Woman spontaneously adopts supportive and analgesic position. Leaning forward positions, squatting, walking, rocking and swayingb | |
Conversation | Conversation stops, talking stops at each contraction, takes 20 seconds or more to resume talking following a contraction. | |
Mood | Need of rest and/or need of physical and visual contact and/or introspective woman |