Labor and Delivery (antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum care)

By the end of the OB/GYN Clerkship Labor and Delivery component, the BUSM III student will be able to

  • List the signs and symptoms of normal labor
  • Describe the three stages of normal labor
  • Recognize common abnormalities of labor
  • Differentiate the methods of delivery with the indications and contraindications of each
  • Evaluate common puerperal complications
  • Describe each of the following antepartum procedures and list the indications and contraindications for each:
    • Ultrasound
    • Chorionic villous sampling
    • Amniocentesis and cordocentesis
    • Antepartum fetal assessment
  • Describe each of the following intrapartum procedures and list the indications and contraindications for each
    • Intrapartum surveillance
    • Induction and augmentation of labor
    • Episiotomy
    • Operative vaginal delivery
    • Breech delivery
    • Cesarean delivery
  • Identify the pertinent issues regarding vaginal birth after cesarean delivery
  • Recognize the normal postpartum events allow appropriate care, reassurance and early recognition of abnormal events.
  • Discuss the normal maternal physiologic changes of the postpartum period
  • Describe the components of normal postpartum care and the appropriate postpartum patient counseling
  • Recognize that labor is expected to progress in an orderly and predictable manner.
  • Identify careful observation of the mother and fetus during labor that allows early detection of abnormalities so that management can be directed to optimize outcome.
  • Describe methods of fetal surveillance
  • Discuss fetal and maternal effects of oxytocin administration
  • Discuss strategies for emergency management in Obstetrics
  • List the normal physiologic and anatomic changes of the breast during the pregnancy and lactation
  • Recognize and treat common postpartum abnormalities of the breast
  • Provide the reasons why breast feeding should be encouraged
  • Identify commonly used medications which are appropriate and inappropriate to use while breast feeding
  • Counsel the lactating patient about commonly asked questions, such as frequency, duration, inadequate production of milk, etc.