Labor & Delivery

The most important thing is getting yourself in the right mindset for your labor and delivery. First, it's important not to fear the pain has become a "thing of the past" with modern anesthetics and childbirth exercises that can help you for the big day.

One of the things expectant women experience during pregnancy are contractions. A contraction is the rhythmic tightening of your belly - a spasm that feels a lot like a stomach ache. It can radiate from the lower back and around the belly. You have been experiencing practice contractions called Braxton Hicks since the second trimester. A labor contraction is longer-lasting and causes more discomfort. Each contractions helps open the cervix to accommodate your baby's passage. This stage is divided into the latent and the active phase. 

Instead on focusing on the pain, try to center your attention on the bundle of joy you're about to bring into this world.

Signs of Labor

  • Regular contractions every 15-20 minutes
  • Contractions are getting stronger
  • Contractions are getting longer
  • Contractions are getting closer together
  • Changing positions doesn't help
  • Pain in your lower back
  • Feel the need to empty bowels
  • Mucus plug or bloody show. The mucus plug shielding the cervical opening from bacteria is discharged as cervix thins and dilates. The mucus is thick or stringy, a bit brown, and may have traces of blood. Seek medical attention if discharge turns bright red or increase to at least 2 tablespoon. 
  • Your waters break but sometimes, it may be just a trickle of fluid. The water bag breaks 75% of the time at the last stage of labor or when the cervix is 9cm dilated. 

How can I tell if my water bag is leaking or if I just had an accident?

"Accidents" happen when the baby's elbow jerks into your already constricted bladder. But, it is nothing to be embarrassed about. Just change into fresh underwear with a pad or panty liner. Lie down for 30 minutes, then go back to the bathroom. Check the pad for the leak that smells like bleach. This indicates that the water bag did break. You may also call your doctor if you're unsure.

What's the difference between a false and a real contraction?

  • Duration. Real contractions start at 30 seconds long and increase in duration. False contractions, however, are erratic.
  • Intensity. Real contractions increase in pain intensity even when you lie down. False contractions, however, become weaker as you shift positions or activities.
  • Starting Point. Real contractions start in the lower back, with the pain radiating to the front of the abdomen. False contractions are usually felt on the side.

Choices in Delivering the baby

  1. What kind of chid birth you prefer?
    1. Natural Birth or an Epidural
    2. Support during labor by a husband
    3. Children in the delivery room
    4. Lying down or squatting
    5. Home or Hospital
    6. Doctor or Midwife
    7. Rooming in or having the newborn in nursery
  2. Choosing your baby's doctor
  3. Breast-feed or Bottle-feed

Source:

Anmum Materna, Guide for Mom
Enfamama APP, "The Big Day Faqs"

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