Question 1

A primiparous client at 38 weeks' gestation is admitted to the labor and delivery room after showing signs of true labor. The client asks how long she should expect to be in labor before she gives birth to her baby. The doula informs the client that, on the average, the length of labor for primiparous clients is:

Accepted Answer

The average length of labor for primiparous clients is between 13 and 15 hours. For multiparous clients, the average length of labor is between eight and nine hours. The length of labor may vary from client to client, but in general, the length of labor is shorter for multiparous clients.

Question 2

A doula is supporting a laboring client at 38 weeks' gestation. The most recent assessment by the healthcare provider includes full dilation and cervical effacement. The client says, "I feel this uncontrollable urge to push." The client is in which stage of labor?

Accepted Answer

The client is in the second stage of labor. The first stage begins with true labor contractions and ends with full cervical dilatation. The second stage of labor begins with full dilatation and ends when the infant is born. It is during this stage that a client in labor may report an uncontrollable urge to bear down. The third stage starts with birth and ends with the delivery of the placenta. The fourth stage of labor is the first one to four hours after birth.

Question 3

A client is in the second stage of labor and has been pushing for almost an hour. Which of the following suggestions from the doula is the most appropriate for the client at this stage?

Accepted Answer

The most appropriate intervention during the second stage of labor is to instruct the client to push with each contraction. The doula should also encourage the client to rest in between contractions. Pushing expends energy, and the client should be taught to conserve and regain energy every time she has the opportunity. It is not recommended to offer foods and fluids at this time; however, ice chips may be offered for hydration. Ambulation is recommended during early labor. Frequent position changes are not recommended during the second stage because the client needs to conserve her energy.

Quiz 3: Labor Birth

A doula is supporting a laboring client at 38 weeks' gestation. The most recent assessment by the healthcare provider includes full dilation and cervical effacement. The client says, "I feel this uncontrollable urge to push." The client is in which stage of labor?

A client is in the second stage of labor and has been pushing for almost an hour. Which of the following suggestions from the doula is the most appropriate for the client at this stage?