Labour is not just a single phased process as we may think: It actually has been divided into three stages:
1. Stage1: Dilation of the Cervix: This stage begins with the commencement of the contractions which leads to dilation of the cervix and ends when the cervix has been fully dilated. Within stage 1 we have two phases: in the early labour your cervix thins out and your cervix dilates. During the 2nd phase of stage 1 the contractions become stronger and more frequent.
2. Stage2: This phase involves the birth of your little bundle of joy.
3. Stage3: This stages sees the delivery of the placenta, immediately after arrival of your baby.
Having looked at that we shall now discuss the types of labour:
1. Natural/Normal labour
2. Induced Labour
3. Ceasarian Section (C-Section)
Normal Delivery:
The choice of delivery is usually a womans personal choice. Some opt to decide to go through child birth via medications, and some without or simply naturally.
Natural or normal delivery involves birth of the baby via the vagina without assistance of little or no pain medications. Instead the one is presented with different pain management options such as hypnosis, water births etc.
Old wives tales believe that natural child birth allows one to have more self control over the birthing process and allows better bonding with the baby.
Having a natural child birth is not about being brave, but many women find the experience rewarding.
Basically it involves:
As discussed how the woman decided to cope with the pain of the process varies. However we have two main methods which many ladies are opting now days:
The Lamaze technique teaches that birth is a normal, natural, and healthy process but takes a neutral position toward pain medication, encouraging women to make an informed decision about whether it's right for them.
The Bradley method emphasizes a natural approach to birth and the active participation of a birth coach. A major goal of this method is the avoidance of medications unless absolutely necessary. The Bradley method also focuses on good nutrition and exercise during pregnancy and relaxation and deep-breathing techniques as a method of coping with labor. Although the Bradley method advocates a medication-free birth experience, the classes do prepare parents for unexpected complications or situations, like emergency C-sections.
Other ways women handle pain during labor include:
Although Labour is often thought of as a painful process, the actual pain depends from woman to woman. Some women barely feel the pain, where as other feel it intensely. In general the process is a painful one for 1st time mothers.
The length of the delivery process also varies from woman to woman...some woman could be in labour for as short as an hour, where as some could last for even 24hrs or longer.
Induced Labour:
Induced labour is when one doesnt naturally go into labour at the expected or delayed time, and thus your doctor is required to use artificial methods to help you go into labour.
The possible reason for induction are:
1. Prolonging your pregnancy may have a negative effect on you or your baby.
2. If your water has broken but there are no signs of labour pains.
3. You are more than 2 weeks past your due date.
4. Your placenta has developed some problems and is not functioning as it should.
5. You have a history of still birth.
The method of induction depends on the status of your cervix and below and couple of scenarios:
1. Stripping the membranes: this method is used when your cervix has already begun dilating. Your doctor will use his fingers to separate the layers of bags of water from the lower part of the uterus, thus stimulating the required hormones to commence contractions.
2. Prostaglandin medications: This method is used to ripen your cervix by inserting medications into your cervix, which stimulates contractions and in turn helps dilate your cervix.
3. Foley Catheter: Here an uninflated catheter is inserted into your cervix which is then filled with water, which helps stimaulte prostgladins hormones into your system thus resulting in cervix dilations.
4. Rupturing the membranes: This involves manually breaking your water bag which initiates the doctor inserting a hooked instrument and breaking your waters. This will kick start your labour. In addition your doctor may also decide to use oxytocin.
However there are occasions under which labour should not be induced:
1. when the baby needs to be delivered immediatley due to complications.
2. You have placenta previa (when the placenta is covering the cervix)
3. When your body is not able toc ope with the contractions
4.You have had more than 1 C-Section
5. Your baby is in a breech position
6. You are having twins and the 1st one is in breech position
CEASARIAN SECTION:
A C Section is the delivery of the baby via a cut through the mothers abdominal walls and uterus.
C-Sections are an optional method of delivery usually used in case of cases where the mother is unable to deliver naturally due to various reasons medical and others.
A C-section may be planned or unplanned. However in most cases, they are usually performed during a problem that may arise during labour such as:
1. Labour is not progressing or has stopped completely, and medications are not helping.
2. The baby shows signs of distress.
3. Problems with the placenta or umbilical cord that may result in risks to the baby.
4. The baby is too big to be delivered via the vagina.
Also some times, there may be a need to plan for a C-section prior for reasons:
1. The baby is in breech position i.e head down jst before your due date.
2. You have a medical condition that may not allow natural child birth.
3. You have an infection that could pass onto the baby during vaginal birth.
4. A previous C section, and you may be having the same problems again, or the doctor feels you may end up tearing the previous scar.
5. Multiple pregnancies.
6.You have placenta previa.
Risks of the C-Section:
1. Infections of the scar or uterus.
2. Blood clots in your legs or lungs
3. Major blood loss.
4. Side effects from the Anaesthesia.
Before a C Section, you will be injected with medicines and fluids via an IV inserted through one of your veins. You will then be taking over to the operation theatre where you under go couple of processes such as : given either part of full anesthesia, your belly washed with antiseptics, a catheter inserted into your bladder through your urethra etc.
In part Anesthesia: only the legs and belly will be numbed and you will be awake during the pricedure and able to hear the on goings.
Full anesthesia is given only during emergencies, during which you will be asleep during the procedure.
Once the anesthesia is working, the doctor will make a small cut- either vertical from the naval to the pubic hair line, or horizontal (some times called the bikini cut) down the belly just above the pubic hair line. The baby and the placenta will be removed via this incision and the cut closed via stitches.
Most women take 3-5 in the hospital before they can be released, unlike a vaginal birth which takes 1-2 days.
Recovery of the C-sections is also longer approx 4-6 weeks unlike the 1-2 weeks of vaginal birth.
Also extra care needs to be taken for C-sections to ensure the cut doesnt rupture or get infected. In addition for recovery of the incision, one need to take it easy and rest a lot.
You will be given pain medications to help relieve the pain, and will be encouraged to walk short distances, which will help relieve gas build up in the abdomen. Please ensure you follow the below:
1. Rest alot as and when you can.
2. Try to walk each day and increase your distance every day. This will prevent build up of gas, pneumonia, blood clots and constipation.
3. Avoid streanous activities or any exercises until after 6 weeks or when your doctor advises.
4. Hold a pillow over your incision when you cough or take deep breaths.
5.Pat your incision dry after a shower.
6. Vaginal bleeding is to be expected. Use sanitary towels and not tampons.
7. Follow your regular diet\
8. Drink lots of fluids
9. Your bowel movements will change. Try adding fibre to your diet.
Packing your Bags for the big day:
You need to ensure that at the commencent of your 8th month, you pack your hosiptal bag and kept it ready for the run.
Below are some items that you will be required to carry along with you for yourself, baby and your partner:
For You:
1. Your hospital paperwork i.e admission card (if you have registered early), and any other documents that you will require prior to admission and during release from hospital.
2. Birth Plan
3. Toiletries: Toothbrush/Toothpaste, soaps, towels, sanitary towels, deodrant, hair brush, some make up etc.
4. Bathrob, couple of nightgowns, slippers, socks.
5. any thing else that will help you relax: books, ipod etc.
6. List of people to call when the baby arrives
7. Healthy snacks.
8. Maternity bras and underwears.
9. Going home outfit.
For your partner:
1. Camera/Video Camera/Charger/ Batteries.
2. Toiletries.
3. Some clothes
4. Some snacks
5. Comfortable shoes
6. Some reading materials.
7. Cheque book/Insurance paperwork etc.
For your Baby:
1. Installed infant seat
2. Going home outfit
3. Receiving blankets
DO NOT CARRY: Lots of cash, other valuables, diapers (hospitals will provide).
Immediately upon the birth of your baby, the pediatrician will check your baby health to ensure that all is in order.Basics include
Heart Rate
Breathing
Reflexes
Skin Color
Muscle Tone
Further assesments include:
Recovery from Labour
Aches & Pains
1. Stage1: Dilation of the Cervix: This stage begins with the commencement of the contractions which leads to dilation of the cervix and ends when the cervix has been fully dilated. Within stage 1 we have two phases: in the early labour your cervix thins out and your cervix dilates. During the 2nd phase of stage 1 the contractions become stronger and more frequent.
2. Stage2: This phase involves the birth of your little bundle of joy.
3. Stage3: This stages sees the delivery of the placenta, immediately after arrival of your baby.
Having looked at that we shall now discuss the types of labour:
1. Natural/Normal labour
2. Induced Labour
3. Ceasarian Section (C-Section)
Normal Delivery:
The choice of delivery is usually a womans personal choice. Some opt to decide to go through child birth via medications, and some without or simply naturally.
Natural or normal delivery involves birth of the baby via the vagina without assistance of little or no pain medications. Instead the one is presented with different pain management options such as hypnosis, water births etc.
Old wives tales believe that natural child birth allows one to have more self control over the birthing process and allows better bonding with the baby.
Having a natural child birth is not about being brave, but many women find the experience rewarding.
Basically it involves:
- going through labor and delivery without the help of medications, including pain relievers such as epidurals
- using few or no artificial medical interventions such as continuous fetal monitoring or episiotomies (when the area between the vagina and anus, called the perineum, is cut to make room for the baby during delivery)
- allowing the woman to lead the labor and delivery process, dealing with it in any way she is comfortable
- to lead the labor and delivery process, dealing with it in any way she is comfortable
As discussed how the woman decided to cope with the pain of the process varies. However we have two main methods which many ladies are opting now days:
The Lamaze technique teaches that birth is a normal, natural, and healthy process but takes a neutral position toward pain medication, encouraging women to make an informed decision about whether it's right for them.
The Bradley method emphasizes a natural approach to birth and the active participation of a birth coach. A major goal of this method is the avoidance of medications unless absolutely necessary. The Bradley method also focuses on good nutrition and exercise during pregnancy and relaxation and deep-breathing techniques as a method of coping with labor. Although the Bradley method advocates a medication-free birth experience, the classes do prepare parents for unexpected complications or situations, like emergency C-sections.
Other ways women handle pain during labor include:
- hypnosis (also called "hypnobirthing")
- yoga
- meditation
- walking
- massage or counterpressure
- changing position (such as walking around, showering, rocking, or leaning on birthing balls)
- taking a bath or shower
- immersion in warm water or a jacuzzi
- distractions via activities that keep the mind otherwise occupied
- listening to soothing music
Although Labour is often thought of as a painful process, the actual pain depends from woman to woman. Some women barely feel the pain, where as other feel it intensely. In general the process is a painful one for 1st time mothers.
The length of the delivery process also varies from woman to woman...some woman could be in labour for as short as an hour, where as some could last for even 24hrs or longer.
Induced Labour:
Induced labour is when one doesnt naturally go into labour at the expected or delayed time, and thus your doctor is required to use artificial methods to help you go into labour.
The possible reason for induction are:
1. Prolonging your pregnancy may have a negative effect on you or your baby.
2. If your water has broken but there are no signs of labour pains.
3. You are more than 2 weeks past your due date.
4. Your placenta has developed some problems and is not functioning as it should.
5. You have a history of still birth.
The method of induction depends on the status of your cervix and below and couple of scenarios:
1. Stripping the membranes: this method is used when your cervix has already begun dilating. Your doctor will use his fingers to separate the layers of bags of water from the lower part of the uterus, thus stimulating the required hormones to commence contractions.
2. Prostaglandin medications: This method is used to ripen your cervix by inserting medications into your cervix, which stimulates contractions and in turn helps dilate your cervix.
3. Foley Catheter: Here an uninflated catheter is inserted into your cervix which is then filled with water, which helps stimaulte prostgladins hormones into your system thus resulting in cervix dilations.
4. Rupturing the membranes: This involves manually breaking your water bag which initiates the doctor inserting a hooked instrument and breaking your waters. This will kick start your labour. In addition your doctor may also decide to use oxytocin.
However there are occasions under which labour should not be induced:
1. when the baby needs to be delivered immediatley due to complications.
2. You have placenta previa (when the placenta is covering the cervix)
3. When your body is not able toc ope with the contractions
4.You have had more than 1 C-Section
5. Your baby is in a breech position
6. You are having twins and the 1st one is in breech position
CEASARIAN SECTION:
A C Section is the delivery of the baby via a cut through the mothers abdominal walls and uterus.
C-Sections are an optional method of delivery usually used in case of cases where the mother is unable to deliver naturally due to various reasons medical and others.
A C-section may be planned or unplanned. However in most cases, they are usually performed during a problem that may arise during labour such as:
1. Labour is not progressing or has stopped completely, and medications are not helping.
2. The baby shows signs of distress.
3. Problems with the placenta or umbilical cord that may result in risks to the baby.
4. The baby is too big to be delivered via the vagina.
Also some times, there may be a need to plan for a C-section prior for reasons:
1. The baby is in breech position i.e head down jst before your due date.
2. You have a medical condition that may not allow natural child birth.
3. You have an infection that could pass onto the baby during vaginal birth.
4. A previous C section, and you may be having the same problems again, or the doctor feels you may end up tearing the previous scar.
5. Multiple pregnancies.
6.You have placenta previa.
Risks of the C-Section:
1. Infections of the scar or uterus.
2. Blood clots in your legs or lungs
3. Major blood loss.
4. Side effects from the Anaesthesia.
Before a C Section, you will be injected with medicines and fluids via an IV inserted through one of your veins. You will then be taking over to the operation theatre where you under go couple of processes such as : given either part of full anesthesia, your belly washed with antiseptics, a catheter inserted into your bladder through your urethra etc.
In part Anesthesia: only the legs and belly will be numbed and you will be awake during the pricedure and able to hear the on goings.
Full anesthesia is given only during emergencies, during which you will be asleep during the procedure.
Once the anesthesia is working, the doctor will make a small cut- either vertical from the naval to the pubic hair line, or horizontal (some times called the bikini cut) down the belly just above the pubic hair line. The baby and the placenta will be removed via this incision and the cut closed via stitches.
Most women take 3-5 in the hospital before they can be released, unlike a vaginal birth which takes 1-2 days.
Recovery of the C-sections is also longer approx 4-6 weeks unlike the 1-2 weeks of vaginal birth.
Also extra care needs to be taken for C-sections to ensure the cut doesnt rupture or get infected. In addition for recovery of the incision, one need to take it easy and rest a lot.
You will be given pain medications to help relieve the pain, and will be encouraged to walk short distances, which will help relieve gas build up in the abdomen. Please ensure you follow the below:
1. Rest alot as and when you can.
2. Try to walk each day and increase your distance every day. This will prevent build up of gas, pneumonia, blood clots and constipation.
3. Avoid streanous activities or any exercises until after 6 weeks or when your doctor advises.
4. Hold a pillow over your incision when you cough or take deep breaths.
5.Pat your incision dry after a shower.
6. Vaginal bleeding is to be expected. Use sanitary towels and not tampons.
7. Follow your regular diet\
8. Drink lots of fluids
9. Your bowel movements will change. Try adding fibre to your diet.
Packing your Bags for the big day:
You need to ensure that at the commencent of your 8th month, you pack your hosiptal bag and kept it ready for the run.
Below are some items that you will be required to carry along with you for yourself, baby and your partner:
For You:
1. Your hospital paperwork i.e admission card (if you have registered early), and any other documents that you will require prior to admission and during release from hospital.
2. Birth Plan
3. Toiletries: Toothbrush/Toothpaste, soaps, towels, sanitary towels, deodrant, hair brush, some make up etc.
4. Bathrob, couple of nightgowns, slippers, socks.
5. any thing else that will help you relax: books, ipod etc.
6. List of people to call when the baby arrives
7. Healthy snacks.
8. Maternity bras and underwears.
9. Going home outfit.
For your partner:
1. Camera/Video Camera/Charger/ Batteries.
2. Toiletries.
3. Some clothes
4. Some snacks
5. Comfortable shoes
6. Some reading materials.
7. Cheque book/Insurance paperwork etc.
For your Baby:
1. Installed infant seat
2. Going home outfit
3. Receiving blankets
DO NOT CARRY: Lots of cash, other valuables, diapers (hospitals will provide).
First few Hours:
Immediately upon the birth of your baby, the pediatrician will check your baby health to ensure that all is in order.Basics include
Heart Rate
Breathing
Reflexes
Skin Color
Muscle Tone
Further assesments include:
checking the abdomen for the positioning of the liver, stomach and intestines
assessing physical proportions, symmetry and any obvious oddity or floppiness
examining the umbilical cord
examining the genital area and anus
examining the hips and flexibility
checking ears, eyes, nose, lips and mouth
checking fontanelles, skull and head size
measuring head size.
You:
Routine checks may be made on your blood pressure, pulse and temperature. Your doctor will check your uterus remains hard and firm, and that there is only minimal bleeding, by feeling your abdomen from time to time. You may be encouraged to go to the toilet and pass urine. It is common to pass a lot of urine immediately after birth. A full bladder will relax the uterus and may cause your uterus to start bleeding again. Unless there have been any complications, you will probably be left alone so as you and your baby can get to know one another.
The First Feed
Most babies will need nourishing within 3-4 hours of birth. Whether you plan to breast feed or bottle feed your baby will benefit from the colostrum, the first feed produced within the breast. This thick liquid contains several essential minerals, vitamins, antibodies. Antibodies produced help protect your baby against infection in the first few weeks of life.
Breastfeeding is the easiest way for your baby to get the colostrum. If this isn’t possible, you can gently express the colostrum and bottle feed.Recovery from Labour
Aches & Pains
Your body is probably aching from the exertion of your labour and delivery. How you are feeling will much depend on your birth experience. If you had an assisted delivery with forceps, an episiotomy or tearing, it is highly likely that your wounds are extremely tender and sore. The pain related to episiotomy and tearing is primarily from swelling and inflammation. The use of icepacks may help relieve the pain and reduce swelling.
Postnatal Bleeding
After giving birth, you will experience a bloody vaginal discharge called lochia for several days, sometimes lasting as long as six weeks. This will turn a brownish colour before tapering to a yellowish-white. Lochia can be alarmingly smelly. It is advisable to use large sanitary pads. Tampons are not advised at this time as there is a risk of ascending infection. Furthermore, the insertion and removal of tampons can irritate the already sensitive vaginal tissue.
Blood loss may leave you feeling weak and dizzy. Be sure to eat plenty of iron-rich foods and carbohydrates for energy to maintain your blood sugar level. Frequent, small meals throughout the day may be better than large amounts of food.
