The nurse decides to observe Katie for another hour At the e

The nurse decides to observe Katie for another hour. At the end of that time, vaginal exam reveals a cervix at 2-3 cm, 90% effacement, and 0 station.

1. Can the nurse now determine if Katie is in true labor? What criteria will the nurse use to determine this?

2. What does O station mean? What does 90% effacement mean?

Solution

1. The answer is \'No\'. 2-3cm dilated means that the cervix is opened by this length. Complete dilation of cervix is almost 10cm, that is the time of the onset of true labor. Cervix dilation is the main criteria for determining labour phase, and since in this case, dilation is only of 2-3cm, it is only early labour phase. Although Katie\'s cervix is 90 percent effaced in this case, that means it has stretched out almost as much as possible, and has prepared itself for giving birth. Also, 0 station means that the baby has not started decent into the birth canal.

2. Baby’s station, refers to how far down the baby’s head has come into the pelvis. It is measured from -5 at the pelvic inlet to +4 at the pelvic outlet along an imaginary line is drawn between the two bones in the pelvis. When the baby just reaches this line, it is termed as 0 station. Once the baby starts heading towards the cervix, it is referred to as a positive station.

In the third trimester of pregnancy when the long and thick cervix begin to shorten and thin out, the process is referred to as effacement. Effacement could be anywhere between 0 to 100%. 90% effacement mean, cervix has shortened by 90%. When the cervix is completely effaced it forms a part of the uterine wall and mucus plug is released which eases the baby to pass through.