the beginning of labor lightening- occurs when the baby settles deep into the mother’s pelvis....
TRANSCRIPT
The Beginning of LaborLightening- occurs when the baby
settles deep into the mother’s pelvis.Lightening may occur days or weeks
before labor depending on the pregnancy.
Lightening typically occurs closer to delivery with every pregnancy each mother has.
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Early Signs of Labor“Show” or “Bloody Show” – refers to as
loosing the mucus plug.Throughout the pregnancy the mucus
plug seals the Cervix: the lower part of the uterus.
This mucus helps prevent bacteria from moving up the vagina into the uterus where it might cause infection.
As birth gets closer, the mucus begins to liquefy- the woman may notice a few drops of blood or a slightly vaginal staining.
This “show” may come as early as a few days before labor begins.
Early Signs of LaborIn some women, the onset of labor is
signaled by a trickle- or sometimes a gush- of warm fluid from the vagina.
We commonly refer to this as the “water breaking.”
Occurs when the membrane holding the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby has broken.
For most, this membrane does not rupture until she is at the hospital in active labor.
Early Signs of LaborOnce the water has broken, mother
should take notice of:The timeAmount of fluidColor & odor of fluid
She should contact her doctor immediately & report this information.
The doctor usually will want to deliver the baby within 24 to 48 hours- to protect baby from infection.
Early Signs of LaborContractions: the tightening and
releasing of the muscle of the uterus. When the uterus contracts, it gets
shorter and harder- like any other muscle.
With each contraction the uterine muscle , shortens and harden- holds the hardness for a short time, and then relaxes and rest for a few minutes.
This is the clearest sign that labor has begun.
False LaborSome experience “false labor” hours or
even days before they begin real labor. They begin to feel strong contractions
and believe that labor has begun. Doctors look for these 3 signs to
determine if labor is false:1. Contractions are not regular or rhythmic.2. They do not become increasingly
stronger. 3. They end if the woman walks around.
The 1st StageContractions prepare the mothers
body for birth. With each contraction the uterus pulls
up on the cervix, slowly thinning and opening it.
Contractions get stronger & longer- lasting about 60 seconds. They also get closer together- 5-6 minutes apart.
The 1st StageAs the cervix opens the baby moves into
the lower pelvis. Normally, the baby is head down. Sometimes baby is “breech”- meaning
that they are feet or buttocks first. This stage ends with a period called
“transition”- when the cervix becomes fully dialated.
Contractions become very strong lasting longer- up to 90 seconds.
Contractions become more frequent- 2 to 3 minutes apart.
•Completes the work of the 1st stage. •The cervix becomes fully dilated to a size of about 4 inches (10 cm).•The baby’s head begins to slip out of the uterus into the birth canal.
The 2nd StageContractions at this stage are working
to move the baby down the birth canal.
This stage is when pushing begins The hormone “Relaxin” is released by
the body to allow the ligaments in the pelvis to stretch like rubber bands.
The baby’s skull is soft and flexible so that the head can slide through the pelvis.
The 2nd StageIf the doctor determines that the fit
between mother and baby is not adequate they may perform an “Episiotomy”- widening the vaginal opening by making a surgical cut.
The doctor provides gentle support as the head is delivered.
Sometimes the doctor uses forceps- special tongs that are designed to fit the shape of the baby’s head.
These are used to help the baby emerge more quickly.
The 3rd StageAfter the baby is born, the mother often
experiences a period of rest. Then followed by another spell of
contractions and an urge to push. These contractions are different from
the others- they do not typically cause as much discomfort.
They help the placenta separate from the uterine wall.
Once the mother pushes and delivers the placenta, the birth process is complete.
Cesarean BirthNot all births progress through these 3
stages of labor. If complications arise during pregnancy
or during labor it may be necessary to perform a Cesarean Birth- the delivery of a baby by making a surgical incision in the mother’s abdomen.
With the use of certain medications, mother is able to stay awake to see the delivery of her baby.
Cesarean BirthAfter surgery, mother and baby stay in
the hospital for about 3 days. Woman who have had a cesarean need
about 6 weeks to recover from birth sense they are also getting over major surgery.
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h-c-section-surgery_3656510.bc
The NewbornThe newborns head is large and wobbly.It may appear strangely lopsided or
pointed due to the passage through the birth canal. With time it will return to normal.
The baby’s head has 2 fontanels- open spaces where the bones have not joined yet.
One of these “soft-spots” is just above baby’s forehead- the other toward the back of the skull.
The NewbornSome babies have fine downy hair
called “lanugo” over their forehead, back, and shoulders. This will disappear.
To protect baby’s skin it is covered with a rich creamy substance called “vermix.” After birth some vermix may be found in the creases of the skin- it can be removed with warm water and a washcloth.