Question

1. how do premature labor and false labor differ?

1. name three reasons a baby might be delivered by cesarean birth.

1. why do many babies appear to have a pointed head after birth?

Explanation:

1. Premature labor is real labor starting before 37 weeks gestation with progressive cervical changes, while false labor (Braxton Hicks) is irregular, non-progressive contractions without cervical dilation.
2. Common medical reasons for cesarean birth include fetal distress, breech presentation, and maternal complications like preeclampsia or previous cesarean.
3. The baby’s skull bones are soft and not fully fused (fontanelles/sutures), allowing molding to pass through the birth canal, resulting in a temporary pointed shape.

Answer:

1. Premature labor involves real, progressive contractions with cervical change before 37 weeks; false labor has irregular, non-progressive contractions without cervical dilation.
2. 1. Fetal distress (abnormal heart rate). 2. Breech presentation (baby feet/buttocks first). 3. Maternal preeclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy).
3. Skull molding: soft, unfused skull bones shift to fit through the birth canal, causing temporary pointed shape.