Chapter 5: Time to be born!. What are the possible signs that labor has begun? Contractions: tightening and releasing of uterine muscles Braxton Hicks:

Chapter 5: Time to be born!

What are the possible signs that labor has begun?

Contractions: tightening and releasing of uterine musclesBraxton Hicks: false labor

Lightening: baby dropping into the pelvismother can breath easier leg cramps commonurinate more often

Define SHOW

Vaginal discharge prior to the beginning of birth

Mucus plug is released from the cervixbrownish or blood tinged 1 Tbsp. in size

Labor will usually begin in 3 days

Mucus Plug

1st Stage of Labor

Water breaks could lose 1 quart of amniotic fluid (4 cups)

Effacement cervix prepares for delivery (softens and thins)

Cervix dilates (opens) 9-10 centimeters ( 3 1/3 to 4 inches)

Contractions get longer and stronger and closer together 3-5 minutes long . . . About 5-10 minutes apart

Longest stage Hours or days

EPISIOTMY

Surgical cut to the perineumLocal anesthetic (numbing agent)Prevents possible tearing of the tissueIncreases the size of the vaginal outlet

(more room for baby)

Dilation

Stage #1 Diagrams

2nd Stage of laborCervix completely dilatedContractions push baby down from the

pelvis into the vagina and give birth!Contractions feel like a severe menstrual

crampMother asked to “bear down”

crunch and pushMuch shorter stage (30-90 min)

Head has arrived

Forceps

Pressure on baby’s head can be relieved

Birth not progressing on its ownBaby must be in middle or lower

part of pelvisEpisiotomy is first performed

Forceps being used

Vacuum Extractor

Soft silicone cup attached to baby’s headDoctor then guides baby out as

mother pushesMother does not need to be completely

dilatedLess pain medication or chance of

episiotomy

Vacuum Suction

Breech Birth

Bottom/feet down in uterus

May try and change baby’s position

2.4% of all births are breech

Require a c-section delivery

3rd StageBaby has already

arrivedExpulsion of the

placentaContractions (less

painful)15-20 minutes after

the birth of baby“Afterbirth”

Caesarean Birth Over 23% of births are Caesarean Delivery of baby through a surgical incision in

the abdominal wall Incision is now made horizontally and is

approximately 2-3” wide Reasons for C-Section

baby too big Baby is breech fetal distress medical illness (mom)

Birthing Room

Used for labor, delivery, and recovery

Furnished like a bedroom

Now offered by most hospitals

After you give birth, you move to a regular hospital-stay room

Natural Childbirth

a method of delivery that does NOT use drugs

developed in the 1930’s by Dr. Richard Read. . . he thought the pain was due to fear!

woman is trained to breathe and relax during childbirth

father plays an active role

Lamaze Method

invented by Dr. Fernand Lamazemother is taught to focus on

something other than the painshe uses breathing patterns to keep

her mind off painfather plays the role of coach and

goes to classes with her

Epiduraldrug given through a tiny

tube placed in the small of the back

mothers feel touch and pressure but not pain

considered safe these daysUsually in a “drip-like” form

so it can be adjusted for pushing

FONTANELS

“Soft Spots”Open spaces where the

skull has not been joinedAllows for skull to be

molded during delivery & accommodate growing brain

On top and towards the back of the head

BONDING

Developing a feeling of affection

Important to both baby and parents

What can parents do in the time after birth to help them bond with their babies?

Postpartum Care Care the mother receives during the hours following the birth

of her baby. Medical staff will monitor;

blood pressure, vital signs, pulse until all body functions have stabilized

Being released from the hospital:Mother must be up and moving and all vital signs must

be normalBaby must pass all doctor given tests

Apgar, Respiratory, feeding properly and all ReflexesBaby will not be released until the mother is ready to

leave – Almost always released together

After the Hospital:Mother will need to take it easy and rest as

much as possibleC-section will require a lot more time

to heal and very little activityMother needs to make an appointment with

doctor for a 6-week check up

Mom’s Mental Health

10% of all women experience…

Baby Blues - lasts a few days or weeks

Postpartum depression – more severe

Postpartum psychosis – most severe, not common