The nurse who elects to practice in the area of obstetrics learns about the "four Ps." What are the "four Ps"?

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Powers: the two powers of labor are uterine contractions and pushing efforts.During the first stage of labor through full cervical dilation,uterine contractions are the primary force moving the fetus through the maternal pelvis.At some point after full dilation,the woman adds her voluntary pushing efforts to propel the fetus through the pelvis.Passage: the passage for birth of the fetus consists of the maternal pelvis and its soft tissues.The bony pelvis is more important to the successful outcome of labor,because bones and joints do not yield as readily to the forces of labor.Passenger: this is the fetus plus the membranes and placenta.Fetal lie,attitude,presentation,and position are all factors that affect the fetus as passenger.Psyche: the psyche is a crucial part of childbirth.Marked anxiety,fear,or fatigue decreases the woman's ability to cope.Position is not one of the "four Ps."

The Nurse Who Elects to Practice in the Area of Obstetrics