- Health A to Z
Healthline Premium Tools
Advertisement
Marketplace
Licensed from
|
You'll start to feel strong contractions. That's when the muscles of your uterus tighten up to help push your baby out during birth.
|
|
Your health care provider may describe the progress of your labor in terms of your baby's "position and station,” as well as by the effacement and dilation of your cervix.
|
|
This part of labor can last for many hours. If there are no medical problems, expect to spend this time at home. If there are health concerns, you may need to go to the hospital sooner.
|
|
During early labor, be sure to time the contractions. Keep the setting soothing.
|
|
You may be told to call your doctor when it becomes hard to walk or talk during contractions or if your amniotic sac breaks.
|
|
There are many ways to manage pain during labor. These include relaxation techniques, pain medications, and anesthesia. You may plan to use little or no medication, but you may change your mind as labor progresses.
|
|
Anesthetics may numb only one region of your body, or they may let you sleep during surgery. These medications are given by trained specialists. Whenever possible, regional anesthesia is used so you can be awake during your baby's birth.
|
|
Labor induction is a way to help get your labor started. Even when labor is induced, it can still take you up to a few days to give birth.
|
|
If you control your blood sugar, you are more likely to have a normal birth. You and your baby will be monitored to make sure you're both doing well.
|
|
A large study has concluded that walking during the first stage of labor is neither harmful nor beneficial to the mother or baby.
|
|
Once your cervix becomes fully dilated, you can begin pushing. At this point you may have a burst of energy. The delivery itself may take a few contractions or a few hours.
|
|
An epidural numbs your lower body by blocking the nerves that enter your lower spine. Anesthetic is injected into the space between the bones in the spinal column and the covering around the spinal cord.
|
|
With breech presentation, your baby is in a buttocks or feet-first position. A breech presentation can make it hard for the baby's head to fit through the birth canal.
|
|
After birth, most women shake and get chills. This is over quickly. Your temperature and blood pressure will be watched until they are stable. Sanitary pads absorb the discharge of the uterine lining.
|
|
If you are having triplets or more multiple births, your doctor will perform a scheduled cesarean delivery. If you are having twins, your doctor will discuss with you options for delivery.
|
|
Right now, you're likely to have a lot of questions. Once your concerns are eased, you can look forward to what's really important -- the birth of your baby.
|
|
In most cases, a cesarean is not expected. A cesarean may be needed because of concerns about the baby, the mother, or the baby's passage through the birth canal.
|
|
Whether a cesarean is scheduled or not, the preparation is nearly the same. Often, your partner can stay with you for most of this time.
|
|
You will receive regional or general anesthesia, depending on how quickly your baby needs to be born.
|
|
In a cesarean birth, incisions are made in both the skin and the uterus. Either incision may be transverse (from side to side) or vertical. Your skin and uterine incisions may differ.
|
|
When the cesarean is over, you may be moved to a recovery unit or taken back to your room. Your baby may be taken to the nursery. After he or she has been observed for a little while, your newborn may join you.
|
|
|
After birth, most women shake and get chills. This is over quickly. Your temperature and blood pressure will be watched until they are stable. Sanitary pads absorb the discharge of the uterine lining.
|
|
Use this time to rest and ask questions. If your hospital offers classes on breastfeeding or newborn care, you might want to attend.
|
|
If you are having triplets or more multiple births, your doctor will perform a scheduled cesarean delivery. If you are having twins, your doctor will discuss with you options for delivery.
|
|
Your recovery will be closely monitored. You'll likely be able to greet your baby and start your new life together. While you're being cared for, your baby receives his or her first exam.
|
|
Your stitches should dissolve within weeks. Until then, use this guide to help ease any discomfort and aid healing.
|
|
Your blood sugar will most likely return to normal after delivery. But gestational diabetes is a warning sign that you are at risk for getting diabetes later in life. You're also more likely to have gestational diabetes with your next pregnancy.
|
|
Before you and your baby go home, a healthcare provider will make sure that your baby has no health problems. You will also be checked to be sure you are healthy enough to take care of your baby and yourself.
|
|
Many experts urge hearing tests before newborns leave the hospital. Every year, about 12,000 American babies are born with hearing problems.
|
|
You may think your child's first test will come in school, but it will actually happen before leaving the hospital's newborn unit. Early screening tests for babies can find problems before symptoms arise, prompting early treatment.
|
|
Even the best-prepared parents may be surprised by a few things that are quite normal in newborns.
|
Home | About | Health Experts | Careers | Site Map | Feedback | Help | Health Tools | Tell a Friend
Advertise | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Advertise | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2005 - 2009 Healthline Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.