Labour
Labour could start at any time. When your contractions start they may be more uncomfortable than painful, irregular, or may go away if you change your position or have a bath.
When contractions start, they will be
- regular
- getting stronger
- lasting longer
- come closer together
- become more painful
Your Doctor will want to know the length of time and frequency of the contractions.
What to organise before going to hospital. Read More>> (page 321 pink)
The Stages of Labour
Giving birth has three different stages of labour;
- First Stage of Labour- the uterus starts to contract until the cervix dilates to 8-9 cms or wide enough for the baby’s head to pass through. This is the longest stage of giving birth, on average it can last 8 hours
- First Stage Transition - this is the part of the labour between the First and Second Stages when women may feel discouraged and physically tired after several hours of giving birth. Some women feel an irresistible urge to push during this stage even if the cervix is not fully dilated. This is the time when the expectant mum needs the support as the birth is not far away. .
- Second Stage of Labour – this is the delivery of the baby when the cervix is fully dilated. The delivery of the baby can last between 30mins to 1 or 2 hours.
- Third Stage of Labour – follows immediately after giving birth to the baby, when the baby takes its first breath, and lasts until the placenta is expelled.
<<Read More >> about the different Stages of Labour
Signs of early Labour Problems
Call your hospital or Doctor immediately if
- If your water breaks, you will notice a green or dark stain in your waters, this is the baby’s first poo which can be a sign of baby distress
- If you have bright red bleeding, this can indicate a problem with your placenta
- If you can feel or see the umbilical cord in your vagina, this is called cord prolapse. This is an emergency.
When you arrive at the hospital or when the midwife arrives at your house for your homebirth, you will have medical examination.
Medical Examination
- checking your blood pressure
- urine sample
- checking your temperature and pulse
- checking your vagina to see how dilated your cervix is
- monitoring of the baby’s heartbeat
Pain Relief Options
Non Drug Methods
- acupuncture – ok if you can find an expert to use you like a pin cushion during giving birth
- reflexology – massage of the feet
- breathing and meditation – to get any pain release during giving birth you’ll need to be a jedi master
- standing or squatting - some women find it more comfortable during contradictions and childbirth
- hydrotherapy – sitting in water can provide you with some relief as it takes the weight and pressure off the muscles during giving birth
Drug Methods
- Gas – inhalation analgesia is nitrous oxide, or ‘laughing gas’ which is inhaled during labour through a rubber mask. It eases the pain but doesn’t completely block all the pain.Gas can be used through out the labour, and appears to have little or no effect on the baby. However, some women can feel nausea and light headed.
- Epidural – this is when a local anesthetic is injected into your back and then a find needle is inserted between two vertebrate in your lower back. A catheter is inserted and an unaesthetic is injected. The procedure must be performed by an experienced anesthetist and takes about thirty minutes before labour. The anesthetic takes effect in a few minutes and wears off after a couple of hours. If speed is important as in an emergency caesarean a spinal block is used, which goes into the spinal fluid and so works quicker. An epidural works by numbing all sensations in the abdomen and so is used if women are in great pain, if the baby is in an awkward position, its a multiple birth, or the women needs a caesarian. An epidural can make it difficult for you to push during the second stage contractions during labour. There is very little risk associated with having an epidural or spinal block, however, you should consult with your Doctor if you have more questions or concerns.
- Drugs – pethidine is now the most common drug given, normally during the first stage of labour, which dull the sensation of pain by stimulating receptors in the brain and spinal cord. It takes about 20minutes to work and can last a couple of hours. Side effects can include headaches and blurred vision, mood changes and nausea.
- Local anesthesia – two common forms of local anesthesia given during labour are a prudendal nerve block (an injection to numb the lower vagina and perineum) before forceps or vacuum are used; and perineal anesthesia (injected into the perineum) to reduce discomfort.
- General anesthetic – is almost never used during labour, as an epidural or spine block is though safer and is preferred, however a general anesthetic may be used for some caesareans if it is an emergency
Caesarean Delivery
A Caesarean section is a surgical procedure to take the baby out of your uterus through your abdomen. A caesarean is fairly common, and is consider a safe operation when undertaken in a good hospital. Read More >> about Caesareans and giving birth |
