Chapter 4, Problem 6QFS

Devin is 35 weeks pregnant with her first child when she arrives at the birthing unit reporting that she believes she is in labor. She states that she lias been experiencing diffuse, mild contractions for the past few hours. Examination reveals, however, that the plug of mucus blocking her cervix is intact and her cervix has not yet begun to dilate. She is advised to return home. Why?

Janine is 41 weeks pregnant with her first child when she arrives at the birthing unit reporting that she believes she has been in labor for days but that its just not going anywhere. During the clinical exam, she experiences a few mild contractions, each lasting about 15-20 seconds; however, her cervix is found to be only 2 cm dilated, and the amniotic sac is intact. Janine is admitted to the birthing unit and an IV infusion of pitocin is started. Why?