10.1 Introduction
Learning Objectives
- Identify factors influencing the client’s individual choices during labor such as culture, values, religion, and birth plan
- Identify appropriate nursing and medical care throughout labor and delivery
- Determine assessment data for a healthy labor and delivery, including labs and diagnostics
- Describe pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapeutic interventions used during labor and delivery
- Determine teaching concepts related to labor and delivery, including identification of community resources
- Identify common labor and delivery complications and related nursing interventions
Birth is one of the most intense experiences the human body can endure. There are several physiological processes that occur in the mother and fetus during labor and birth. The nurse provides comprehensive care to both the mother and the fetus to ensure their safety and well-being during the birthing process. Birth is a transformative experience for families, and supportive nursing care is key to help families successfully make this transition.
This chapter will discuss childbirth settings, stages of labor, the P’s of labor, fetal heart rate monitoring, pain management, complications, and medical interventions that may occur during labor. The nursing process is applied to caring for the client, fetus, and family during labor and delivery.