North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

What is true about the frequency of contractions that are effective during labor?

1. They remain consistent throughout labor

2. They decrease in frequency as labor progresses

3. They should become more frequent and regular

4. They are irregular and unpredictable

The correct answer is: They should become more frequent and regular

During labor, the frequency of contractions is a key indicator of progress and effectiveness in the labor process. As labor advances, it is expected that contractions become more frequent, intense, and regular. This pattern reflects the body's preparation for childbirth, as the cervix dilates and effaces in response to the increasing frequency of contractions. Effective contractions are critical for helping to move the baby down the birth canal and facilitate the delivery. Early in labor, contractions may be spaced apart and less intense, but as labor progresses, they should tighten in frequency, creating a rhythmic pattern. This progression indicates that the body is actively working to bring about delivery. Therefore, it is true that during labor, contractions should become more frequent and regular, aligning with the physiological changes necessary for childbirth. The other options do not accurately reflect the typical labor process. Consistency throughout labor does not accurately capture the expected progression, as contractions should change in both frequency and intensity. A decrease in frequency is contrary to the expected patterns of labor, which show an increase in regularity and intensity as the process continues. Lastly, while contractions may start off irregular, during active labor they typically become more ordered and predictable, contrasting with the notion of being irregular and unpredictable.