Question

Pain during the first stage of labor

A. Results from the stimulation of visceral aff erents that innervate the lower uterine segment and cervix and enter the spinal cord at L4 and L5 segments
B. Can lead to high concentrations of catecholamines. Labor analgesia reduces plasma concentrations of epinephrine and its associated effects on the myometrium.
C. Can be reliably treated by a pudendal block
D. Can be reliably treated by a paracervical block
E. Is necessary for the course of labor to proceed efficiently

Answer 1

Labor pain is attributed to myometrial hypoxia caused by uterine contractions and stretching of the cervix. Hormones such as oxytocin and prostaglandins are essential for labor progression, and synthetic oxytocin may be used to induce labor if necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pain during the first stage of labor is caused by several physiological processes. The stretching of the cervix and myometrium by the full-term fetus, in combination with uterine contractions, leads to myometrial hypoxia which contributes to the pain experienced during labor. This cervical dilation is a necessary part of childbirth, allowing for the baby and placenta to be expelled. The increased contraction intensity is due in part to oxytocin and prostaglandins, hormones that play vital roles in labor progression. If labor does not progress, synthetically created oxytocin, known as Pitocin, may be administered to induce or maintain labor.