Name: Vindhya
November-Moms-To-Be,
We are almost getting there, so thought of sharing this information.
The better you understand the labor experience, the more prepared
you'll be. First of all, although labor is different for each woman and for
each pregnancy, there are three main stages:
- Stage 1 - (the longest) that ends with the dilation of your cervix
- Stage 2 - pushing and delivery
- Stage 3 - delivery of the placenta
Are you dreading labor? Do yourself a favor¡Vlearn as much as you possibly can about labor beforehand. Most women fear labor because of what they think will happen. And while, grant you, labor is no picnic, you can allay many of your fears by understanding what will be happening to your body.
While labor is different for each woman and for each pregnancy, there are 3 main stages:
Stage 1¡Vthe longest stage
During this stage¡Vwhich begins with the first uterine contractions and ends with complete dilation of the cervix¡Vyou¡¦ll probably spend most of your time at home. At first, the contractions are like strong menstrual cramps, lasting from 30 to 40 seconds and occurring every 5 to 15 minutes. They increase in rhythm, strength, and duration until, eventually, they last as long as 60 seconds and come every 2 to 3 minutes.
Here¡¦s what¡¦s happening during stage 1: Your uterus and cervix, which together look like an upside-down pear, are rearranging themselves into the shape of a keg. The cervix, or neck of the pear, is getting shorter and dilating or opening so baby¡¦s head can get through. This change is called effacement. At the end of this stage, the cervix will be dilated to about 10 centimeters (nearly 4 inches).
Stage 2¡Vpushing and delivery
Your labor coach can use a tennis ball to help ease the backaches that occur during early labor by applying firm gentle pressure to the ball while rotating it over your lower back.
Now it¡¦s time to go to work. Although this stage is no more comfortable, at least you¡¦re an active participant, pushing with the contractions. Using the techniques learned in childbirth classes will help you breathe and bear down, making each contraction more effective. Plus, you¡¦ll get lots of coaching from your partner and the medical personnel.
Here¡¦s what¡¦s happening during stage 2: Near the end, the baby¡¦s head can be seen during and after a contraction. That¡¦s called crowning. At this point, the doctor may do an episiotomy¡Va shallow cut into the lower vagina to keep your tissue from tearing. Next (the part you¡¦ve been anticipating forever!) the baby is born, usually head first and face down. At this point, the doctor may place your baby face down on your abdomen for skin-to-skin contact. Your newborn may take a first breath at that moment, or perhaps the doctor will have you gently massage the baby¡¦s back. Sometimes the doctor will perform a little suctioning to make sure the baby breathes freely. Finally, the umbilical cord is cut. Your partner may be allowed to assist here. There also may be other activity, for example treating baby¡¦s eyes to prevent gonorrheal infection, evaluating baby¡¦s condition, or perhaps injecting baby with some vitamin K to aid in blood clotting. And of course, someone will take footprints and issue the ID bracelets¡Vone for you and one for baby.
Stage 3¡Vthe afterbirth
One more job to do¡Vdeliver the afterbirth. Your contractions may have stopped but will restart, and will last between 5 and 20 minutes until the placenta is expelled.
Fetal monitoring
During the first 2 stages of labor, your baby¡¦s progress may be monitored electronically.
What about pain control?
While labor pains sometimes can be significant, there are several ways you can help alleviate the pain.
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We can talk about Fetal Monitoring and Pain Control later :)
Vindhya
great info indeed
U R a Star
Breathing exercises
85$ is quite expensive
Thanks
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