Physiologic Labor & Birth

Core Competencies Covered

  • Physiology and stages of labor
  • Mechanisms of birth
  • Maternal and fetal assessment
  • Assessment of labor progress
  • Physiologic labor support
  • Normal spontaneous vaginal birth
  • Physiologic third stage
  • Immediate maternal-newborn transition

Skills Introduced, Practiced & Initially Verified

  • Assess uterine contractions and labor progress
  • Perform Leopold's maneuvers during labor
  • Assess fetal heart rate during labor
  • Perform and interpret vaginal examinations
  • Identify dilation, effacement, station, position, and presentation
  • Demonstrate maternal positioning and physiologic labor support
  • Demonstrate normal vertex birth maneuvers
  • Demonstrate appropriate cord management
  • Assess and support normal third-stage physiology
  • Examine the placenta and membranes
  • Estimate blood loss

Professional Standards Alignment
MEAC/NARM: 4.1–4.12, 4.24–4.32, 4.38, 4.42, 4.45–4.50
Additional Alignment: MANA intrapartum and physiologic-birth competencies
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