Ahpra Midwifery OBA flashcards

34 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Definition of normal labour

Spontaneous onset between 37+0 and 41+6 weeks, single cephalic fetus, no identified risk factors, progressing without intervention to vaginal birth with mother and baby well.

Latent first stage

The period from the onset of labour to about 4-5 cm cervical dilatation, with variable duration and irregular painful contractions; progress is not judged by strict time limits.

Active first stage

From about 4-5 cm dilatation to full dilatation, with regular contractions and cervical change; expected progress is roughly 0.5-1 cm per hour in nulliparae.

Second stage delay

Failure to progress in the active second stage, commonly diagnosed after 2 hours in nulliparae and 1 hour in multiparae, prompting review and possible intervention.

Active third stage management

Prophylactic uterotonic (commonly 10 IU IM oxytocin), controlled cord traction with counter-traction, and assessment of uterine tone and blood loss after placental birth.

Primary postpartum haemorrhage

Blood loss of 500 mL or more within 24 hours of vaginal birth (1000 mL after caesarean), with or without haemodynamic compromise; causes are tone, trauma, tissue and thrombin.

Uterine atony

Failure of the uterus to contract and retract after placental birth; the most common cause of postpartum haemorrhage, managed with massage, uterotonics and volume resuscitation.

Baseline fetal heart rate

The mean fetal heart rate over 10 minutes, excluding accelerations and decelerations; normal range is 110-160 beats per minute.

Late deceleration

A deceleration that begins after the contraction peak and returns after it ends, reflecting uteroplacental insufficiency; recurrent late decelerations require urgent review.

Early deceleration

A deceleration that mirrors the contraction, beginning and ending with it, caused by fetal head compression; usually benign and requires no intervention.

Variable deceleration

A sharp deceleration of variable shape and timing, caused by umbilical cord compression; atypical features (prolonged, slow recovery, loss of variability) require review.

Apgar scoring

Assessment at 1 and 5 minutes of appearance, pulse, grimace, activity and respiration, each scored 0-2; total 7-10 is generally reassuring.

Fetal station

The level of the presenting part relative to the ischial spines, recorded from -5 (above the pelvic inlet) to +5 (at or below the perineum).

Left occipito-anterior position

The fetal occiput lies in the left anterior quadrant of the maternal pelvis; the most common and favourable position for vaginal birth.

Bishop score components

Cervical dilatation, effacement, consistency, position and fetal station, each scored 0-3; a higher total predicts greater likelihood of successful induction.

First breastfeed support

Uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding initiation within the first hour after birth support thermoregulation, glucose stability and lactation establishment.

Neonatal hypoglycaemia signs

Jitteriness, poor feeding, lethargy, hypotonia, apnoea or seizures in an at-risk infant (e.g. infant of a diabetic mother, preterm, growth-restricted); requires blood glucose testing.

Puerperal sepsis warning signs

Fever, offensive lochia, uterine tenderness, tachycardia and malaise after birth; requires urgent medical review, cultures and antibiotics to prevent deterioration.

Venous thromboembolism risk

Pregnancy and the puerperium increase clotting risk; risk assessment on admission, during labour and after birth guides thromboprophylaxis and early mobilisation.

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy

Pre-eclampsia is new hypertension after 20 weeks with proteinuria or organ dysfunction; severe features include headaches, visual disturbance and epigastric pain requiring urgent review.

Shoulder dystocia manoeuvres

Call for help, McRoberts position, suprapubic pressure, then internal manoeuvres (internal rotation, delivery of posterior arm); the head-to-body interval is documented.

Neonatal resuscitation initial steps

Dry, warm and stimulate the newborn; assess breathing and tone; if not breathing, open the airway and give positive pressure ventilation, escalating per neonatal resuscitation algorithm.

Delayed cord clamping

Clamping the cord at least one minute after birth in uncompromised term infants improves iron stores; for preterm infants it reduces intraventricular haemorrhage and transfusion need.

Shared Code of conduct

The national code for registered health practitioners setting out expectations for safe, person-centred, ethical and culturally safe practice and professional behaviour.

Midwife standards for practice

Seven standards describing the registered midwife's practice, including person-centred care, assessment, planning, provision of care, evaluation, communication and professional collaboration.

Mandatory notification duty

A registered practitioner must notify Ahpra when they reasonably believe another practitioner's conduct or health places the public at substantial risk of harm.

Informed consent elements

Consent requires capacity, adequate information about risks, benefits and alternatives, and voluntariness; it is an ongoing process that may be withdrawn at any time.

Confidentiality exceptions

Disclosure of health information without consent may be lawful when required by statute (e.g. child protection), court order, serious public health risk, or to prevent serious harm.

Scope of practice

The range of activities a midwife is educated, competent and authorised to perform; working beyond it requires additional competence and referral or consultation.

Cultural safety

Practice that examines the midwife's own biases and power, and delivers care that is respectful and safe for each person's cultural identity, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Open disclosure

An honest discussion with the patient after an adverse event, including an apology, factual explanation, consequences and follow-up; it does not imply legal liability.

Professional indemnity insurance

Registration under the National Law requires appropriate professional indemnity insurance arrangements covering the midwife's practice, including privately practising midwives.

Continuing professional development

Registered midwives must complete at least 20 hours of CPD per year, relevant to their practice, recorded and auditable by Ahpra.

Recency of practice

The requirement that a registered practitioner has practised within their scope for a minimum period (generally 450 hours over five years) to maintain registration.