Labor Chart: User Guide and Explanation

The labor chart is a crucial tool for monitoring the progress of a woman’s labor. It helps doctors and midwives track the progression of labor, identify any abnormalities early on, and provide timely treatment options.

The main elements of the labor chart include:

• Cervical dilation (CDC): measured in centimeters, indicating the extent of cervical opening.

• Fetal station: measured on a numerical scale, assessing the level of fetal head descent.

• Time: measured in hours, showing the duration of labor.

Here are some important points to keep in mind when using a labor chart:

1. Cases requiring labor chart documentation:

• Pregnant women with severe preeclampsia, eclampsia

• Fetal distress

• Previous cesarean section

• Breech presentation

2. Stages of labor:

• Latent phase: From the onset of labor until the CDC reaches 3cm.

• Active phase: From the time the CDC reaches 3cm until full dilation.

3. Abnormal labor progression:

• Alert line: If the cervical dilation graph touches or crosses the alert line, labor is considered abnormal.

• CDC dilation rate: A slow CDC dilation rate (less than 1cm per hour) is also a sign of abnormality.

4. Symbols on the chart:

• “D”: Indicates ruptured membranes, amniotic fluid is clear.

• “++”: Indicates clear engagement of the fetal head.

• O: Indicates fetal station progression, O at 0/5 corresponds to a low fetal station.

5. Monitoring maternal health:

• Temperature: As per regulations, maternal temperature should be checked every 4 hours.

• Fetal heart rate: Normal fetal heart rate during labor is 120 – 140 beats per minute.

• Blood pressure, pulse: Maternal blood pressure and pulse should be monitored regularly.

6. Management in case of abnormalities:

• Fetal distress: In case of fetal distress, immediate fetal resuscitation and referral to a higher level of care are required.

7. General notes:

• The labor chart is used to record the progression of labor over time using designated symbols.

• The labor chart consists of three main parts: cervical dilation, fetal station, and time.

• Normal labor has a latent phase lasting no more than 8 hours, fetal heart rate of 120 – 140 beats per minute, and pulse and blood pressure within normal limits.

• In labor with a low fetal station, the symbol O at 0/5 is used on the chart.

Conclusion:

The labor chart is an essential tool for monitoring labor progress and detecting abnormalities early on. Effective use of the labor chart is crucial to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.