Recognize the Signs of Labor

The obstetrician may give a due delivery date, but labour pains can begin as early as three weeks before the due date or after two weeks.

• Lightening: When the baby's head drops out of the pelvis, you may feel lighter and find breathing easy with reduced pressure on the lungs. The mother may feel an increased need to urinate as the baby puts pressure on the urinary bladder.
• Bleeding: The mucus plug comes out as a blood-hued or brownish discharge from the cervix.
• Contractions: Contractions that occur at intervals of less than 10 minutes indicate the early onset of labour.
• Diarrhea: Recurrent loose stools could mean that labour is on the way.
• Ruptured Membranes: When membranes of the amniotic sac rupture, amniotic liquid can gush out of the vagina. After this, most women go into labour within 24 hours. If not so, labour may be induced to prevent infections and delivery complications.

Stages of Labor

Labour is divided into three stages.

Stage 1

This stage consists of three phases, namely latent, active and transition.

The latent stage is the least painful and longest phase. In this, the doctor will perform frequent pelvic exams to check if the cervix has dilated so that the baby can pass through the vagina. If contractions are regular, you will be admitted to the hospital.

During the active phase, intense pain will be felt in the back or abdomen as the cervix begins to dilate more rapidly. You may feel the urge to push, but the doctor will tell you to wait until the cervix is completely open.

During the transition phase, the cervix dilates to 10 centimeters. Frequent painful contractions, lasting 60 to 90 seconds, maybe felt every three to four minutes.

Stage 2

During stage 2, the cervix is completely open. The obstetrician may tell you to start pushing the baby. The soft spots on the baby's head will come out first through the narrow canal. As soon as the baby’s head comes out, amniotic fluid, blood and mucus are suctioned from the nose and mouth. You will be told to push to help the baby’s shoulder and body to come out.

After the baby has been delivered, the doctor or your partner can come and cut the umbilical cord.

Stage 3

In the third stage, the placenta is delivered, which provided nutrients and oxygen for the baby in the womb.

Labor for every woman is different. While some may experience excruciating pain, for some, it is easy. Usually, the first labor can range between 12 to 14 hours, while subsequent pregnancies can take a shorter time.

Assisted Vaginal Delivery

Assisted vaginal delivery is performed with the help of tools or procedures to help in the birth of the baby.

• Forceps Delivery: The obstetrician uses forceps to cup the baby's head and guide the baby through the birth canal.
• Vacuum Extraction: The obstetrician uses suction to apply a plastic cup to the baby's head and gently pulls the baby from the birth canal.
• Amniotomy: The obstetrician uses a small plastic hook to create an opening into the amniotic sac. You may feel a warm rush of liquid when this happens.
• Induced Labour: The obstetrician helps in initiating labour and prepares the cervix by initiating the contractions with the help of drugs and other techniques.

After the Delivery

The body undergoes many changes after delivery. The changes are as follows:

• Pain at the Site of Episiotomy or Laceration: An episiotomy is a cut made by the obstetrician in the area between the vagina and anus that helps in delivering the baby. In laceration, the tear happens on its own. Stitches at this site can make walking or sitting painful. Coughing and sneezing can also induce pain.
• Hemorrhoids: Swollen varicose veins in the anal area, also called Hemorrhoids, are common after delivery.
• Sore Breasts: As milk is produced, the breast may become swollen, hard, and painful. The nipples may also turn sore.
• Hot and Cold Flashes: The hormonal fluctuations after delivery can make you feel sweaty or cold.
• Constipation: Bowel movements can be difficult due to episiotomies, hemorrhoids and sore muscles.
• Uterine Contractions: Although the baby is delivered, you might feel uterine contractions as it returns to its original size.
• Urinary of Fetal Incontinence: Since the muscles have been stretched for a long-time during pregnancy, it can lead to uncontrolled urine, and you may lose control over bowel movements.
• Vaginal Discharge (Lochia): After birth, you will experience heavier than regular periods. The discharge fades to white or yellow as days pass and stops entirely over two months.

Consult the best obstetrician at Matrix Hospital today to form your birth plan. The distinguished obstetricians will help you deliver your baby with utmost care that will double your happiness throughout your delivery journey.