NORMAL  LABOR   AND  DELIVERY

The big event is almost here – the birth of your baby !!!! Many pregnant women fear they will miss the early signs of labor and not know what to do. The following information will help prepare you and your family.

    No one really knows what starts labor but researchers think hormonal changes in the baby and uterus cause the cervix to begin to soften and thin out. Soon after this contractions start and labor begins.

Signs and Symptoms of Labor

Baby Dropping in the Pelvis or Lightening

·         Baby drops lower in the pelvis and may cause more pressure in the lower stomach and back;  urinating more often because the baby is pushing on the bladder

·         This may occur several weeks before your first delivery, but it may happen in just hours with your second, third or above pregnancies.

Increased Braxton –Hicks contractions or Irregular contractions

·         Irregular contractions with low stomach and or back pain may begin to occur more often, more intense, even more painful.

Bloody Show

·         Small blood vessels on the cervix start to bleed as it starts to open, or dilate, and this produces a pink, maroon or brownish discharge

·         A blob of mucous like material may fall out of the vagina. It can be bloody and or stringy

·         This bloody show can come out hours to weeks before labor starts

·         Heavy, bright red bleeding ( more than 3 tablespoons)  can signal a problem with the placenta and you should call the office and go to the hospital immediately.

Diarrhea and Nausea

·         Just before labor you may become nauseated, have an upset stomach, have stomach cramps and diarrhea

Energy Bursts

·         Some women notice a surge of energy a few days prior to labor

 

Go to the Hospital When the Following Occurs:

·         Contractions are 5 – 10  minutes apart or closer

·         A lot of pelvic pressure is occurring even without contractions

·         There is a sudden increase or decrease in activity of the baby

·         If you suspect your membranes ( water bag ) has broken or ruptured with clear fluid leaking from the vagina

·         Heavy vaginal bleeding noted with or without contractions

 

    False labor occurs very frequently  in some women. do not feel embarrassed  if you go to the hospital and your symptoms turn out to be a false alarm; that happens to many women.

 

Signs of False Labor

·         Contractions are irregular

·         Contractions do not get stronger in intensity or become more frequent

·         Contractions decrease with walking

·         Changing your position may ease the contractions

·         Contraction discomfort located in the stomach only and not in lower back

 Stages of Labor

  Labor is divided into three stages called the first,  second,  and third stages of labor. The following information will help patients in labor to understand these different stages and the process of delivering a baby.

First Stage of Labor

 The first stage of labor begins when you start to have regular contractions. The contractions will usually continue until you have achieved full dilatation of the cervix at about 10 centimeters. You will be examined on a regular basis to determine changes in the dilatation of your cervix. A fetal monitor will be applied to your stomach to evaluate the baby’s heart rate and the frequency of your contractions.  Family members are encouraged to attend, assist and support you during this stage of labor.

   You may request pain medications if the contractions are too painful. Medications may not remove all of the discomfort, but will assist in relieving enough to continue toward delivery of the baby.

 

Second  Stage  of  Labor

The second stage of labor begins with complete dilatation of  the cervix and ends with the delivery of the baby. Mothers usually have to push the baby out of the birth canal during this stage of labor. Crowning occurs when the baby’s head can be seen coming out of the vagina. Often nurses may assist you pushing, and at times a soft plastic suction cup may be applied to the baby’s head to assist in delivery. If needed, an episiotomy may be necessary to allow more room for the large fetal head coming through the vagina.   

Third Stage of Labor

This stage is the delivery of the placenta and the fetal membranes. After the delivery of the placenta, the labor and delivery period is complete.

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                                                  KENNETH GOODRICH, M.D.  -  OBSTETRICIAN- GYNECOLOGIST       

            Specializing in General Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery- Hysterectomies
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