Partograph

It is a graphical representation of events, through which maternal or fetal condition is assessed simultaneously in a single sheet.

Key features in the recording from above to below in the partograph, as-

• Starting with a patient profile consisting of Name, date of admission, obstetrical score, gestation weeks, consultant name, etc.
• Below is a recording of fetal heart rate FHR in every 30 minutes. Mention it by. (dot) & join these by a line.
• Below FHR is, status of the membrane, if Intact denote ‘I’ if ruptured, note the color of amniotic fluid as clear ‘C’ or Meconium stained by ‘M’.
• Next section consisting, plotting for cervical dilatation in c.m. (PLOT X) or descent of head (PLOT O). In primigravida cervical dilatation in the active phase (after 3 cm. dilatation) is at the rate of 1c.m./hr or in multipara 1.5 c.m./hr. The average duration is about 8 hrs. in primigravida or 4hrs. in multipara during the active phase.
• Below this is a uterine contraction, mentioned in squares of a vertical column in a 10-minute interval, & fill it according to intensity of duration of contraction.
• Mild (<20sec.) , moderate (20-40sec.) , severe (>40sec.) .
• The next section is oxytocin U/L, in which its dilution or drops/min to be infused.
• Below is the drugs or I/V fluids infusion.
• The next area for recording is the maternal pulse rate every 30 min denoting it by. (dot), or BP by  ↕ in every 2 hrs. Below is a temperature in ° C.
• The last section includes urine analysis consisting of physical characteristics color, volume, pH, specific gravity, or the test for the presence of acetone, glucose, and protein.

Thus it identifies deviation from the normal labour duration in 1^st stage & early assessment of prolonged labour.

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Check out the video of the Partograph plotting here: