Question 1

Nearly all cultures have some kind of ____ position that is used during the birthing process.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that an upright position during labor and delivery can improve maternal and fetal outcomes. It can promote more efficient contractions, reduce the need for medical interventions such as forceps or vacuum extraction, and even reduce the duration of labor. The term "upright" encompasses a variety of positions, such as standing, squatting, kneeling, or using a birthing stool. While some cultures may have other positions for birthing, the benefits of an upright position are widely recognized.

Question 2

What makes delivery much more difficult for the woman?

Accepted Answer

Lying flat on her back can make delivery more difficult due to gravity not aiding the process and potential restriction of pelvic opening.

Question 3

Describe a technological advance that has made birth safer for the mothers and babies in developed countries. Are there potential drawbacks to consider? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe a technological advance that has made...

Question 4

In the 20th century, which of the following was the most common position used during the birth process?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the 20th century, which of the...

Question 5

Which of the following is a device that is used to track the foetus's heartbeat via a monitor that attaches externally to the mother's abdomen, or directly by running a wire through the cervix and placing a sensor on the foetus's scalp?

Accepted Answer

An electronic foetal monitor is a device used to track the foetus's heartbeat via a monitor that attaches externally to the mother's abdomen or directly by running a wire through the cervix and placing a sensor on the foetus's scalp. Amniocentesis is a procedure used to diagnose certain birth defects by testing a sample of the amniotic fluid. Epidural is a pain relief medication injected into the epidural space of the spine during childbirth. Electroencephalograph is a device used to measure brain activity by recording the electrical waves.

Question 6

In Australia, nitrous oxide is used by what percentage of mothers?

Accepted Answer

54% of mothers in Australia use nitrous oxide during childbirth as a form of pain relief.

Question 7

____ involves injecting an aesthetic drug into a mother's spinal fluid to help her manage the pain while also remaining alert.

Accepted Answer

Injecting an aesthetic drug into a mother's spinal fluid to help her manage the pain while also remaining alert is called an epidural. Caesarean section is a surgical procedure for childbirth, amniocentesis involves withdrawing a small amount of amniotic fluid for testing, and Braxton Hicks are false contractions during pregnancy.

Question 8

Describe what birth is like for women in at least one culture where the birth process is accompanied by fear rather than purely celebration. If possible, specify the country.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe what birth is like for women...

Question 9

You are the birthing coach for your best friend, who is in labour at the hospital. As you enter the birthing room, the foetal monitor alarm sounds. What is likely to happen?

Accepted Answer

When the foetal monitor alarm sounds, it means that there may be a problem with the baby's health or distress. In this case, there is a good chance that the doctor will proceed with a caesarean delivery to ensure the safety of both the mother and baby. It is important to take foetal monitoring seriously and follow the advice of medical professionals.

Question 10

Your friend just brought her newborn home and was very concerned that her baby's head was not right. There were two spots that seemed like the skull did not close. She thinks that there is a problem; what do you think?

Accepted Answer

The two spots that the friend is noticing are likely the fontanels (soft spots on the baby's skull that allow for easier passage through the birth canal). It is important for the baby's head to have these spaces so that the baby can grow and develop properly. There is no need for corrective surgery or any major concerns at this time.

Question 11

What is one evolutionary adaptation to assist in delivering the foetus?

Accepted Answer

The fact that the foetus's skull is not yet fused is an evolutionary adaptation that assists the foetus in being born. By having the skull bones not fused, the head is able to compress and fit through the birth canal more easily. This is known as molding and is made possible by the softness and flexibility of a baby's skull at birth.

Question 12

Name at least one part of the world where rates of caesarean sections are low. Explain why.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Name at least one part of the...

Question 13

What is the liquid substance that is placed into the vagina to speed up the process of delivering the placenta in traditional cultures?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the liquid substance that is...

Question 14

What is one potential contributor to the increase in unnecessary caesarean deliveries?

Accepted Answer

Misinterpreting electronic foetal monitor results can lead to unnecessary caesarean deliveries. This is because the monitor may indicate that the baby is in distress, prompting doctors to perform a caesarean section even if it is not actually necessary.

Question 15

Your spouse is pregnant and you were both discussing the process of labour. When your grandmothers gave birth, they did so in a delivery room in a particular position, which was also the worst position to be in when in delivery. What position was that?

Accepted Answer

Lying flat on the back is considered the worst position for labor as it can compress major blood vessels, reduce blood flow to the baby, and make it harder for the mother to push effectively.

Question 16

What are the 'soft spots' on a neonate called?

Accepted Answer

The 'soft spots' on a neonate are called fontanels. They are spaces between the bones of the skull that have not yet fully fused together, allowing for growth and flexibility.

Question 17

When comparing positions used for the birth process, kneeling or squatting has an advantage over lying flat because it makes use of _____.

Accepted Answer

Kneeling or squatting positions make use of gravity which can aid in the descent and rotation of the baby through the birth canal. This can also help to reduce the likelihood of tears or interventions such as forceps or vacuum extraction.

Question 18

What is twilight sleep and would you have wanted to experience it? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is twilight sleep and would you...

Question 19

Give one reason that a woman would deliver by caesarean section (not including convenience of scheduling).

Accepted Answer

The answer of Give one reason that a woman would...

Question 20

What is the name of the device that tracks the foetus's heartbeat?

Accepted Answer

The device that tracks the foetus's heartbeat is called an electronic foetal monitor. Option A, Foetal heart rate machine, is not a commonly used term. Option B, Perinatal monitor, is a broad term that can refer to monitoring both the mother and the foetus during pregnancy and delivery. Option D, Neonatal heart rate monitor, is used to track a newborn's heart rate after birth.

Quiz 3: Birth and the Newborn Child