Final answer:
A 16-year-old pregnant female exhibiting frequent and very painful contractions without crowning indicates a need for immediate medical attention and preparation for possible delivery. The cases of Devin and Janine illustrate different labor scenarios requiring distinct medical responses, with the latter receiving pitocin to induce labor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pregnant female should be prepared for imminent childbirth and the possibility of delivery without crowning present. However, if crowning is not present and contractions are very painful and frequent, transport to a medical facility is necessary. In the case of Devin at 35 weeks, the intact mucus plug and absence of cervical dilation indicate she is not yet in active labor, explaining why she was advised to return home.
For Janine at 41 weeks, prolonged labor and only 2 cm dilation required medical intervention using pitocin to induce stronger contractions, hinting at a stalled labor process. When a newborn takes their first breath, the circulatory pattern changes as the lungs expand, increasing blood flow to the lungs and reducing flow through the fetal circulation pathways, such as the ductus arteriosus. This marks a significant shift from placental to pulmonary respiration.