Childbirth demystified
Suddenly it will be time to meet your little one. Suddenly
before you know it, the big day is today! How prepared are you for
childbirth? While, in the presence of able doctors and nurses,
along with the sure way Nature makes your body work, the
preparation you actually need is zero, it won't hurt to know a bit
about what is happening and what could happen yourself. So let me
guide you through some basic stages so that you can look at all the
options available to you at the time.
If your partner has decided to be with you through labour and
delivery, work out a birth plan with him so that he can do all the
talking with the midwife that you would have done yourself had your
pains not been in the way.
Keep a packed bag ready to pick up and go once labour starts. It
should contain essentials that you will need that night. Like a
comfortable pair of shoes, a fresh nightgown, a toothbrush, a comb,
and something to eat and drink.
How to tell when you are in labour? Here are a few pointers
though every case is different. In early labour, also called the
latent phase you may feel the following: Persistent lower back or
abdominal pain, a bloody show, painful contractions that occur at
regular and increasingly shorter intervals and become longer and
stronger in intensity, broken waters, and you may have loose
bowels. In case your labour is overdue your doctor will
artificially induce labour. This is nothing to worry about and your
doctor will be there to advise you about it.
Labour moves forward in three stages: The first stage consists
of contractions that gradually open up the cervix. This first stage
consists of early labour, active labour and the transitional phase.
Early labour consists of the widening of your cervix to 3 or 4 cm.
Active labour consists of further widening to 10 cm accompanied by
more regular and frequent contractions. The transitional stage is
when you start pushing. The second stage of labour happens when you
finally push your baby out. The third stage consists of the
delivery of your placenta.
There are a variety of pain relief options you can ask for
during your stages of labour. Make sure to discuss with your doctor
about each one and what would be suitable for you.
And then after all the pain and effort when you will be
presented your bundle of joy, trust me, it will all be worth it.
Any mother would vouch for that. Ask yours.
