![]() ![]() ![]() Contraction intensity cannot be accurately measured with external fetal monitoring and must be palpated by the nurse. Contraction intensity refers to the strength of each contraction during the acme. Contraction duration refers to the time in seconds between the start of one contraction and the end of the same contraction. Contraction frequency refers to the time in minutes between the start of one contraction and the start of the next contraction. When describing uterine contraction activity, nurses are assessing contraction frequency, duration, and intensity. The interval is the period of uterine relaxation between contractions. The decrement is the " letting up " or decline of the contraction. The peak, or acme, of the contraction is its most intense point. The uterine contraction cycle consists of three phases: The increment, or the ascent, of the contraction starts in the fundus, spreading through the uterus to the cervix. " This retraction ring helps to maintain fetal descent and cervical change. Because the upper portion of the uterus becomes thicker, the lower segment becomes thinner and is pulled upward, resulting in what is known as a " physiological retraction ring. The lower one third of the uterus and the cervix remain less active, promoting the downward movement of the fetus. The upper two thirds of the uterus actively contracts to push the fetus down and out. ![]() The contracting uterus during labor has two opposing features. The first " P " is the " power " of the uterine muscle and the establishment of a satisfactory contraction pattern (primary powers), which takes place primarily during the first stage of labor, and the maternal pushing efforts (secondary powers), which takes place during the second stage of labor. ![]()
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