Normal labour
A normal labour has the following characteristics:
- Spontaneous onset (it begins on its own, without medical intervention)
- Rhythmic and regular uterine contractions
- Vertex presentation (the 'crown' of the baby's head is presented to the opening cervix,
- Vaginal delivery occurs without active intervention in less than 12 hours for a multigravida mother and less than 18 hours for a primigravida (first birth)
- No maternal or fetal complications.
Any type of labour that deviates from these conditions is considered abnormal, and usually requires referral for specialist care.
Last modified: Wednesday, 21 May 2014, 9:55 PM