Labor
and Delivery: What to Expect
Labor
and delivery is one of the most anticipated times for expecting mothers.
Understanding the stages of labor and being prepared for delivery can help ease
anxiety. Here is a guide to what to expect during this amazing process.
- Signs
Labor is Starting
- When
to Go to the Hospital
- Stages
of Labor
- Pain
Management
- Labor
Interventions
- Vaginal
Delivery
- Cesarean
Birth
- Recovering
After Delivery
- Frequently
Asked Questions
Signs Labor is Starting
As
you near your due date, look for these signs that labor will soon begin:
- Contractions
at regular intervals
- Water
breaking
- Cramps
and backache
- Pelvic
pressure
- Nesting
instinct and burst of energy
When to Go to the Hospital
Call
your doctor when contractions are 5 minutes apart for 1-2 hours. Go to the
hospital when:
- Water
breaks
- Contractions
are 3-4 minutes apart
- Bloody
show passes
Stages of Labor
- Early
labor: Contractions,
water breaking, backache, cramps
- Active
labor: Regular
contractions, cervix dilates 3-4cm
- Transition: Intense contractions every
2-3 mins, 7-10cm dilation
- Delivery: Urge to push, baby is born
Pain Management
Options
for managing labor pain include:
- Breathing
techniques
- Massage
or warm bath
- Walking
and changing positions
- Medications
such as epidurals
Labor Interventions
If
labor is not progressing, interventions may include:
- Breaking
water to strengthen contractions
- Oxytocin
to induce or improve contractions
- Forceps
or vacuum assisted delivery
- Episiotomy
to enlarge vaginal opening
Vaginal Delivery
During
the pushing stage, follow instructions to push during contractions. Stay
focused and allow your body to guide you. The baby's head will crown before the
body is finally birthed. You did it!
Cesarean Birth
A
C-section becomes necessary if complications arise. The doctor will make an
incision through the abdomen and uterus to safely deliver the baby.
Recovering After Delivery
Expect
bleeding, cramping and swelling for several weeks after birth. Get lots of rest
and allow your body to heal. Be patient with yourself during this transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How will I know when I'm in labor?
Look
for regular contractions, water breaking, cramps, backache, pelvic pressure and
a burst of energy.
2. What if my water breaks before contractions?
Call
your doctor if your water breaks. Go to the hospital if contractions don't
start within a few hours.
3. How can I cope with labor pain?
Use
breathing techniques, massage, warm baths, walking, changing positions and
consider an epidural.
4. What happens in a C-section?
The
doctor makes an incision in the abdomen and uterus to deliver the baby if
complications arise.
5. How long is the postpartum recovery
period?
Expect
bleeding and discomfort for several weeks after delivery. Allow your body time
to heal.
