Deck 4: Birth and Newborn

Question 1

A women is generally alerted to the beginning of labor by any of the following EXCEPT:

A) unusual fetal movements.
B) vaginal bleeding.
C) passing of amniotic fluid through the vagina.
D) uterine contractions.

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Braxton-Hicks contractions are:

A) relatively mild muscle contractions that occur before real contractions begin.
B) the first stages of labor.
C) the contractions that allow the afterbirth to be expelled.
D) severe contractions that occur during stage 4 labor.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Near the end of her pregnancy, Emily experienced intense contractions that were regularly spaced and lasted longer each time. Emily is:

A) beginning labor.
B) having Braxton-Hicks contractions.
C) in danger of having a miscarriage.
D) in need of rest in order to avoid premature birth.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

__________ refers to the way the baby positions itself with its head down prior to birth.

A) Quickening
B) Contracting
C) Breeching
D) Dropping

Question 5

The pain associated with labor is thought to be due to:

A) dilation of the cervix.
B) intensity of the contractions.
C) length of the process.
D) the crowning of the baby's head.

Question 6

Ella has been in labor for several hours. Her midwife tells her that her cervix must dilate to about __________ before the baby's head can begin to move through into the birth canal.

A) 10 inches
B) 4 inches
C) 3 inches
D) 18 inches

Question 7

Which of the following is accurate about oxytocin?

A) Both mothers and fathers have releases of oxytocin in response to a baby's birth.
B) New mothers have the advantage of oxytocin to support their maternal instinct.
C) Adoptive mothers won't bond with their babies well because they lack oxytocin.
D) Mothers have oxytocin as a result of lactation and so will always have a close bond with their baby.

Question 8

__________ is a hormone released during labor that stimulates uterine contractions.

A) Oxytocin
B) Progesterone
C) Prostaglandin
D) Pitocin

Question 9

___________ is known as the "cuddle chemical," because it is thought to initiate attachment between parents and their baby.

A) Prostaglandin
B) Estrogen
C) Progesterone
D) Oxytocin

Question 10

When the cervix dilates __________, the second stage of labor is imminent.

A) 10 centimeters.
B) 5 centimeters.
C) 7 inches.
D) 2 inches.

Question 11

Before the 20^th century, most babies were born:

A) in convents.
B) in midwiferies.
C) at home.
D) in hospitals.

Question 12

Hasna was near the end of her pregnancy when she experienced her "water breaking." What actually happened?

A) Pressure from the baby on Hasna's bladder allowed urine to leak out.
B) Interstitial fluid from the uterus is being released due to the weight of the baby.
C) Increased fluid retention has caused perspiration to occur to restore water balance.
D) The amniotic sac has been breached, allowing the fluid to escape through the vagina.

Question 13

By the middle of the 20^th century, most babies were born:

A) in hospitals.
B) with the assistance of a midwife.
C) in institutions.
D) in homes.

Question 14

During her labor, Madison felt intense pain. This is most likely due to:

A) dilation of her cervix.
B) expansion of the walls of her uterus.
C) pressure from the amniotic fluid on the cervix.
D) release of the chorionic villi from the uterine wall.

Question 15

Yon was worried about her baby's position prior to birth when her physician explained the baby had dropped. What does this mean for Yon?

A) Yon's baby is in the breach position and may require surgical delivery.
B) Yon's baby is in the breach position but will delivery normally with assistance.
C) Yon's baby has rotated with its head down and so will require surgical delivery.
D) Yon's baby has rotated with its head down so is in the optimal position for delivery.

Question 16

While a popular conception of imminent birth is __________, this generally doesn't occur until labor is well under way.

A) a discharge of mucus
B) "water breaking"
C) a small amount of bleeding vaginally
D) Braxton-Hix contractions

Question 17

Tanya is nearing her pregnancy due date. Her midwife tells her to watch for which of the following signs to know she has started labor?

A) Vaginal bleeding
B) Passing of amniotic fluid through the vagina
C) Uterine contractions
D) all of these

Question 18

Akil was alarmed because his wife told him she had experienced vaginal bleeding accompanied by mucus. She is nearly 40 weeks into her pregnancy. What can Akil expect now?

A) He can expect to be with his wife in delivery in one to two days.
B) He can worry that his wife may be having a miscarriage.
C) This is normal, so he can assume she will be in labor in a week or two.
D) The baby will be moving into the breach position soon.

Question 19

Which of the following is part of stage one labor?

A) Crowning
B) Dilation
C) Expulsion
D) Afterbirth

Question 20

When a woman experiences what is called a "bloody show," it typically is an indication that labor will begin in:

A) one to two hours.
B) eight to 12 hours.
C) 24 to 48 hours.
D) two to three days.

Question 21

The preferred method of widening the vaginal canal during the second stage of labor is:

A) an episiotomy.
B) massage and lubrication.
C) a leucotomy.
D) waiting until the vaginal tissue is about to tear and then making a necessary incision.

Question 22

At which point during labor does the baby's head appear at the opening of the cervix?

A) During the dilation phase
B) During what is known as the "bloody show"
C) During the afterbirth phase
D) During the expulsion phase

Question 23

The stand taken by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists regarding episiotomies is:

A) to perform them only when other methods have not worked and the baby is in distress.
B) that they should be performed more often than not to reduce damage to the pelvic floor.
C) to perform them on every first-time mother but only as a last resort for subsequent births.
D) that they are necessary to avoid unnecessary and hard to repair tears and so should be mandatory.

Question 24

After a baby is out of the birth canal, it is critical that:

A) breathing is promoted.
B) the umbilical cord is cut as soon as possible.
C) the baby is kept warm.
D) the baby has her/his foot prints taken to avoid misidentification.

Question 25

Inès and Raphael were anxious to continue to hold their baby right after she was born, but it was important that she be washed and dried before she was returned to the safety of her parents. Why is this necessary?

A) to reduce the risk of infection
B) to initiate breathing
C) to allow time for the baby to calm after the birth process
D) to ensure that the baby's presence does not interfere with stage 3 labor

Question 26

The placenta is discharged in what is known as the __________ phase of labor.

A) contraction
B) expulsion
C) crowning
D) afterbirth

Question 27

Luke has been assisting his partner, Anna, with her delivery. Both their midwife and Luke were ecstatic to see the baby's head appear through the vaginal canal. What is this event called?

A) crowning
B) dropping
C) lightening
D) quickening

Question 28

At what stage of labor does the baby's head move into the birth canal?

A) Stage 1
B) Stage 2
C) Stage 3
D) During Braxton-Hicks contractions

Question 29

The afterbirth actually is:

A) the sloughing of the endometrial lining of the uterus.
B) the stage at which the rest of the baby's body emerges from the birth canal.
C) the point at which the uterus begins expanding to expel the infant.
D) the placenta and other membranes.

Question 30

Gina is in the process of giving birth to her first child, and her cervix is fully dilated. If her delivery is typical, how much longer can she expect the expulsion phase to last?

A) A few minutes
B) 30 to 45 minutes
C) About two hours
D) About 12 hours

Question 31

Charlotte is in labor with her first child. Her partner, Joshua, who has been assisting with the delivery, tells her the baby's head has just crowned. If this is a normal birth, how long can Charlotte expect to remain in labor?

A) a few minutes
B) at least another hour
C) until the water breaks
D) it depends upon if the baby is breach or not

Question 32

A(n) __________ is a surgical cut made to widen the vaginal opening.

A) episeotomy
B) vaginectomy
C) colonectomy
D) cingulectomy

Question 33

Typically, the final stage of childbirth lasts about:

A) 7 to 8 hours.
B) 5 to six hours.
C) 2 to 3 hours.
D) a few minutes.

Question 34

Leonie is in Stage 3 labor. What is happening?

A) The placenta has been expelled
B) The baby's head has just crowned
C) The baby's shoulders are emerging
D) The umbilical cord has detached from the baby

Question 35

As the end of stage 1 labor nears, contractions tend to:

A) decrease in duration.
B) increase in duration to about 60 seconds.
C) increase in duration to about 5 minutes.
D) decrease in frequency.

Question 36

If the afterbirth is not expelled in a few minutes to an hour after the baby has been delivered,:

A) then it is likely the woman is having twins.
B) pitocin must be administered.
C) the doctor will remove it.
D) an episiotomy will be performed to permit its expulsion.

Question 37

After their baby's head crowned, Julia was in labor for another 5 hours. Gabriel, the baby's father was worried. What should their attending physician tell him?

A) Julia's labor is normal, as most women's second stage of labor after crowning is this long.
B) Julia's labor is lasting longer than is typical; it is still within normal limits.
C) Julia's labor is abnormal, and he should demand a cesarean section.
D) Julia's labor is abnormal but will be shortened if she takes advantage of pain medications.

Question 38

If Aleena is typical of women of her generation in the 1860's, she will give birth:

A) at home with family members.
B) at home with a physician.
C) in a hospital with family members.
D) in a hospital with a physician.

Question 39

Stage one of labor is considered to be over when the:

A) cervix reaches a diameter of four inches.
B) baby's head appears at the cervix.
C) cervix reaches a diameter of two inches.
D) baby's head comes through the opening of the cervix.

Question 40

The appearance of the baby's head during the second phase of labor is known as:

A) expulsion.
B) crowning.
C) dropping.
D) dilation.

Question 41

Alex is a trained midwife, but she has not earned a nursing degree. What does this mean?

A) Alex may provide emotional support but not deliver the baby.
B) Alex has the credentials to teach LaMaze classes.
C) Alex is known as a direct entry midwife.
D) Alex is a CPM.

Question 42

The purpose of the LeMaze technique for birth is to:

A) reduce pain.
B) decrease anxiety.
C) increase a woman's feeling of control.
D) all of these

Question 43

Midwives who do not have an education in nursing are called:

A) nurse-midwives.
B) direct entry midwives.
C) practitioners.
D) CPM's.

Question 44

What is CPM?

A) certified practitioner of midwifery
B) conditional pain management
C) certified physician of midwifery
D) certified professional midwife

Question 45

Chen has opted to use the Lemaze method for her delivery. She can expect:

A) to only need moderate sedation.
B) a slightly drowsy baby due to the stress an medication.
C) to have a longer than average labor.
D) to feel less anxiety and more control.

Question 46

Of the following, which is a technique used in natural or prepared childbirth?

A) hypnosis
B) massage
C) acupuncture
D) all of these

Question 47

Lamaze's childbirth strategy involves:

A) a calmer environment to ease the shock of birth.
B) prepared childbirth focusing on relaxation procedures and breathing instructions.
C) home birth under the guidance of a midwife.
D) hospital birth with the assistance of an anesthesiologist.

Question 48

What was a major difference between births in the early part of the 20^th century and those later in that time frame?

A) fewer births were in hospitals in the 1970's
B) more women opted not to have heavy sedation during birth during the 1970's
C) the importance of pain relief was emphasized during the 1970's
D) many women opted for midwife births in hospitals in the 1930's

Question 49

A __________ is a woman trained in the delivery of babies who is typically a nurse.

A) midwife
B) doula
C) duenna
D) nurse practitioner

Question 50

What was a major reason many women chose not to be heavily sedated during childbirth?

A) While the pain was difficult, it wasn't unbearable.
B) The drugs contributed to postpartum depression.
C) The drugs tended to initiate immune responses in the mother that harmed the baby.
D) The baby's were at risk during and after the delivery.

Question 51

Miyu is a medical professional who is trained specifically to assist with the birth process but she is not a physician. She is a:

A) midwife.
B) doula.
C) nurse practitioner.
D) LaMaze instructor.

Question 52

It is 1935, and Grace is giving birth to her baby in a hospital. If she is like many other women in her position, she is:

A) in intense pain but comforted by her midwife and husband.
B) experiencing the relief of an epidural.
C) heavily sedated and won't remember much of the birth process.
D) not allowed either pain medication or family members present.

Question 53

An alternative to a non-medicated birth process is:

A) natural childbirth.
B) twilight labor.
C) spontaneous birth.
D) the Ludovico technique.

Question 54

Which of the following are major components of prepared childbirth?

A) water baths and massage
B) acupuncture and hypnosis
C) breathing and relaxation training
D) hypnosis and herbal analgesics

Question 55

Another name for natural childbirth is:

A) spontaneous birth.
B) the Kitzhaber method.
C) the qui movement.
D) prepared birth.

Question 56

Alesha is an Arabic woman. Traditionally, during her labor and the birth of her baby, she will:

A) attempt to remain covered during the delivery.
B) avoid pain medication.
C) keep smiling.
D) squat or kneel.

Question 57

Which of the following is an example of a cultural variation sometimes seen in birthing?

A) Different birthing positions
B) Different approaches to drugs used for the mother
C) Different degree and kind of support for the mother
D) all of these

Question 58

Among the __________ , it is important that women cover the pain of childbirth and even attempt to smile during the process.

A) Hmong
B) Pueblo
C) Vietnamese
D) Ibo

Question 59

The primary reason births were moved from home settings to hospitals was for better:

A) pain relief.
B) hygiene.
C) control.
D) personal comfort.

Question 60

When Lisa was pregnant, she and her husband, Joe, attended a series of eight classes that provided them with information about the physiology of childbirth and instructed them in breathing exercises. This describes:

A) the home birth method.
B) the Bradley method.
C) the Leboyer method.
D) the Lamaze method.

Question 61

Of the following analgesics, which is classified as a narcotic?

A) Demerol
B) Tylenol
C) Advil
D) all of these

Question 62

Maria has decided she will take Tylenol to reduce the pain of her labor. This is a kind of:

A) analgesic.
B) antihistamine.
C) opiate.
D) anesthetic.

Question 63

Abigail's baby is in clear distress and must be delivered immediately. Abigail is likely to undergo a(n):

A) cesarean section.
B) forceps delivery.
C) prepared child birth.
D) episiotomy.

Question 64

A __________ is a woman trained as a caregiver to provide ongoing support to pregnant women before, during, and after delivery.

A) doula
B) duenna
C) dona
D) director

Question 65

About __________ of all live births in the U.S. are cesarean.

A) half
B) one-fourth
C) 90 percent
D) 5 percent

Question 66

Iman has been in labor for approximately twelve hours, long after her cervix had dilated completely. It is now apparent that her pelvis is too narrow to accommodate the baby and Iman will need a(n):

A) cesarean section
B) forceps delivery.
C) general anesthetic.
D) episiotomy.

Question 67

What was a major problem with the general anesthetics used for births in the early 20^th century?

A) induction of high blood pressure in the mothers
B) hyperactivity in the newborns
C) increased risk of hemorrhaging during the third stage of labor
D) longer recovery times for the mothers

Question 68

Hannah had a cesarean section when she delivered her first child due to concerns over the baby's condition. Now that Hannah is pregnant with her second child, what are her chances of having to have another cesarean section?

A) 95 percent
B) 60 to 80 percent
C) 20 to 40 percent
D) 10 percent

Question 69

What is the percentage of births in the United States that occurs at home?

A) 1 percent
B) 2 percent
C) 5 percent
D) 10 percent

Question 70

An epidural is an example of an:

A) anesthetic.
B) analgesic.
C) anodyne.
D) narcotic.

Question 71

Which of the following is considered an analgesic?

A) epidural
B) spinal block
C) Demerol
D) meditation

Question 72

Sara has attempted to have a natural delivery of her baby, but she is in severe pain and in danger of shock. Her partner, Emil, and her physician encourage her to have a spinal block so that she will be relieved of pain from the waist down. If she agrees, Sara will have an:

A) analgesic.
B) opiate.
C) epidural.
D) anxiolytic.

Question 73

__________ are mild medications used to alleviate pain that may be used before and during labor.

A) Anesthetics
B) Analgesics
C) Antihistamines
D) Antibiotics

Question 74

DONA International is the organization that trains and certifies:

A) duennas.
B) direct entry midwives.
C) doulas.
D) professional midwives.

Question 75

Which of the following are risks associated with a C-section?

A) increased chances of maternal infection
B) longer hospital stays
C) longer recovery time
D) all of these

Question 76

When Brenda had her first child, a cesarean section was performed, because the child could not come through the birth canal. Now, during her second pregnancy, she intends to attempt a vaginal delivery. What are her chances of a successful delivery?

A) 20 percent
B) 50 to 70 percent
C) 60 to 80 percent
D) 95 percent

Question 77

Abayomi has the choice of delivering at home or at the hospital. As she and her husband, Azgba, live in the United States, what are the odds that they will decide to have a prepared birth in the comfort of their home?

A) 1 in 50
B) 1 in 25
C) 1 in 100
D) 1 in a 1000

Question 78

Which of the following are conditions for which a C-section is recommended?

A) the baby is in an abnormal position
B) the mother's health is in danger
C) the baby is in distress
D) all of these

Question 79

When the baby cannot fit through the birth canal or if the attending physician feels the baby is in trouble and needs help, she or he will perform a:

A) forceps delivery.
B) cesarean section.
C) Lamaze delivery
D) breech delivery.

Question 80

A(n) __________ involves surgery performed to deliver the baby through the abdomen if the baby could not come through the birth canal.

A) breach birth
B) conditional delivery
C) uterectomy
D) cesarean section