Giving birth to a baby is a very special moment in your life. Your body goes through various physical and emotional changes.
Lightening occurs a few days to a few weeks before delivery. It indicates that the baby has moved further into the pelvis and is getting ready for birth. The shape of your abdomen changes and is often described by friends as "your baby has dropped."
If you are in the hospital during this stage, the nurses will start an intravenous (IV) line. Your doctor will do frequent pelvic examinations to check on your progress. The nurses and doctors will monitor your heart rate and the baby's heart rate through various monitors. An anesthesiologist may come in to insert an epidural catheter. This is a special needle that is inserted into the epidural space, which is near your spinal cord. This allows pain medications to be given in the most effective manner. Talk to your about the advantages and disadvantages of epidural medications.
Stage two is the period of expulsion. The labor contractions are the strongest and the frequency of the contractions is usually every two-three minutes. If your membranes have not already ruptured, the doctor will break them at this point. For new mothers, this stage typically lasts about one hour. The doctor often will perform an episiotomy (incision in the perineum) to help with the birth and to prevent tissue tears.
Ideally, the baby's head is delivered first followed by the shoulders and then the legs. Your doctor will tell you when to push and when to stop pushing during this stage. After the baby has been delivered, the umbilical cord will be tied and cut.
Stage three is the period of placental delivery. The placenta provided the nourishment and cushion for your baby inside the uterus. The placenta is generally delivered within ten to fifteen minutes after the baby. After the placenta is delivered, the doctor will stitch the episiotomy.
Emotions during childbirth can range from happiness, to anxiety, to fear, to stress. It is normal to feel ecstatic one moment and anxious the next. Your emotions fluctuate for many reasons including hormone surges, pain and the effects from the pain medications.
Here are a few other important points:
The Lamaze technique is widely used in the United States. Its based on the belief that childbirth is a normal, and natural. It helps women give birth with confidence. If you wish to follow the Lamaze method, call your local hospital and sign-up for classes. The classes will teach you relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and massage tips. Bring your partner to the classes with you.
The Bradley method focuses on a natural approach to birth with the active participation of your partner. It believes in the avoidance of medications unless necessary. Classes are available on this method as well.
It seems that every woman has a story to tell about childbirth. Your friends may have the best intentions, but take everyone's story with a grain of salt and talk to your doctor about any fears or anxiety that you may have.
