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Chapter 5: Time to be born!. What are the possible signs that labor has begun?. Contractions: tightening and releasing of uterine muscles Braxton Hicks: false labor Lightening: baby dropping into the pelvis mother can breath easier leg cramps common urinate more often.
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What are the possible signs that labor has begun? • Contractions: tightening and releasing of uterine muscles • Braxton Hicks: false labor • Lightening: baby dropping into the pelvis • mother can breath easier • leg cramps common • urinate more often
Define SHOW • Vaginal discharge prior to the beginning of birth • Mucus plug is released from the cervix • brownish or blood tinged • 1 Tbsp. in size • Labor will usually begin in 3 days
Natural Childbirth • a method of delivery that does NOT use drugs • developed in the 1930’s by Dr. Richard Read. . . he thought the pain was due to fear! • woman is trained to breathe and relax during childbirth • father plays an active role
Birthing Room • Used for labor, delivery, and recovery • Furnished like a bedroom • Now offered by most hospitals
Lamaze Method • invented by Dr. Fernand Lamaze • mother is taught to focus on something other than the pain • she uses breathing patterns to keep her mind off pain • father plays the role of coach and goes to classes with her
Epidural • drug given through a tiny tube placed in the small of the back • mothers feel touch and pressure but not pain • considered safe these days • Usually in a “drip-like” form so it can be adjusted for pushing
FONTANELS • “Soft Spots” • Open spaces where the skull has not been joined • Allows for skull to be molded during delivery & accommodate growing brain • On top and towards the back of the head
1st Stage of Labor • Water breaks • could lose 1 quart of amniotic fluid (4 cups) • Effacement • cervix prepares for delivery (softens and thins) • Cervix dilates (opens) • 9-10 centimeters ( 3 1/3 to 4 inches) • Contractions get longer and stronger and closer together • 3-5 minutes long . . . About 5-10 minutes apart • Longest stage • Hours or days
2nd Stage of labor • Cervix completely dilated • Contractions push baby down from the pelvis into the vagina and give birth! • Contractions feel like a severe menstrual cramp • Mother asked to “bear down” • crunch and push • Baby is BORN!!! • Much shorter stage (30-90 min)
EPISIOTMY • Surgical cut to the perineum • Local anesthetic (numbing agent) • Prevents possible tearing of the tissue • Increases the size of the vaginal outlet (more room for baby)
Forceps • Pressure on baby’s head can be relieved • Birth not progressing on its own • Baby must be in middle or lower part of pelvis • Episiotomy is first performed
Vacuum Extractor • Soft silicone cup attached to baby’s head • Doctor then guides baby out as mother pushes
Breech Birth • Bottom/feet down in uterus • May try and change baby’s position • Require a c-section delivery
3rd Stage • Baby has already arrived and umbilical cord is already cut • Expulsion of the placenta • Contractions (less painful) • 15-20 minutes after the birth of baby • “Afterbirth”
Caesarean Birth • Over 30% of births are Caesarean • Delivery of baby through a surgical incision in the abdominal wall • Incision is now made horizontally and is approximately 2-3” wide • Reasons for C-Section • baby too big • Baby is breech • fetal distress • medical illness (mom)
BONDING • Developing a feeling of affection • Important to both baby and parents • What can parents do in the time after birth to help them bond with their babies?
Postpartum Care • Care the mother receives during the hours following the birth of her baby. • Medical staff will monitor; • blood pressure, vital signs, pulse until all body functions have stabilized • Being released from the hospital: • Mother must be up and moving and all vital signs must be normal • Baby must pass all doctor given tests • Apgar, Respiratory, feeding properly and all Reflexes • Baby will not be released until the mother is ready to leave – Almost always released together
After the Hospital: • Mother will need to take it easy and rest as much as possible • C-section will require a lot more time to heal and very little activity • Mother needs to make an appointment with doctor for a 6-week check up
Mom’s Mental Health 10% of all women experience… Baby Blues - lasts a few days or weeks Postpartum depression – more severe Postpartum psychosis – most severe, not common