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Birth To Labor
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Beginning Labor
For an expectant mother, time seems to slow down. During this time, they feel lightening. Lightening is when the baby settles deep in the pelvis near the time of birth. -
Early Signs of Labor
A common sign is called the "show" or "bloody show", which refers to a few drops of blood or a pinkish vaginal stain that occurrs when the mucus that plugs the uterus during pregnancy disolves. This prevents bacteria from moving into the uterus. A contraction is the tightening and releasing of the muscles of the uterus. When the uterus contracts it pushes the fetus against the cervix. Some women realize they are in labor when they feel a trickle or gush of warm fluid from the vagina. -
Stages of Labor; first stage
Contractions open the cervix.
The first stage occurrs when contractions are coming at regular intervals. Contractions last up to 30 seconds and occur up to 20 minutes apart. When they last 60 seconds and occur 2-5 minutes apart, the women is in active labor. It also becomes thinner, this thinning is called effacement. As the cervix dialates, the baby moves into the lower pelvis. First stage ends in transition, which is when the cervix becomes fully dialated and the baby's head slips out. -
Second Stage
Contractions are more productive during the second stage. It pushes the baby through the pelvis and out of the vagina. Pushing helps but also tears the delicate tissues. A baby's body is designed for this journey, a soft skull lets the baby's head become longer and narrower than usual. Sometimes doctors use surgical tongs called forceps to graps the baby's body. Another tool is a vacuum, which applies suction to the baby's head. The vacuum may be used if the baby needs to be moved quickly. -
Thid Stage
After the birth, the mother will feel a few contractions and the desire to push. Once the mother pushes the placenta out of her bod, the birth process is complete.
