(introduction...)

Observations and recordings will be explained in the following sequence:

The progress of labour

· Cervical dilatation
· Descent of the fetal head

- Abdominal palpation of fifths of head felt above the pelvic brim

· Uterine contractions

- Frequency per 10 minutes
- Duration (shown by differential shading)

The fetal condition

· Fetal heart rate
· Membranes and liquor
· Moulding of the fetal skull

Fig. II.1

The maternal condition

· Pulse, blood pressure and temperature
· Urine (volume, protein, acetone)
· Drugs and IV fluids
· Oxytocin regime