 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pregnancy Birth Written by: Nancy Wurtzel |
||
|
||
|
Giving birth is an intense and life changing experience, so it is important that you understand what happens, so that you can prepare for the big day.
Firstly it is important to know when you get to the later stages of pregnancy how to recognize the signs of impending labour. Although labour is different for every woman, there are some keys signs that show the body is preparing for the birth, such as:
* Contractions can occur throughout the pregnancy, but when they become intense and start happening at regular intervals then this usually means that labour has begun.
* Persistent lower back pain and cramps can also indicate the body has begun the labour process.
* The mucus plug in the cervix is expelled in preparation for birth, so if you notice a 'bloody show' (dark brown or slightly bloody mucus discharge) then this means labour has started.
* The fluid from the uterus is expelled before the birth, and if your waters break and you also have contractions then this means labour has begun.
* If you have some of these symptoms then a doctor/midwife will look for dilation in your cervix, which will become thinner and softer in preparation for the birth.
Your midwife or doctor will have discussed with you what to do when think you are in labour, and you can always call them to discuss your symptoms if you are unsure. By the later stages of pregnancy you should have made your arrangements for giving birth, whether it is at the local hospital or in a specific maternity unit, so all you should need to do once you confirm you are in labour is put your plans in action.
If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as your waters breaking or leaking but no contractions, persistent vaginal bleeding, changes in your vision or severe headaches then you must call your doctor or midwife immediately, as this could indicate complications that need urgent medical attention.
Many women worry about whether to use pain relief medication when giving birth. This may be only something you can decide once you actually start labour, as each experience is different. Even if you have given birth before you may find that you can cope with the pain once labour starts, or you may need some extra help. Modern advances in medicine have made childbirth safer and less traumatic and it is pointless not to take advantage of these benefits if you need them. The main types of pain relief for labour are as follows:
* Epidural - this is a local anaesthetic, which is injected into the small of your back, using a curved, hollow needle that fits between the vertebrae, so that it delivers the anaesthetic to where it is most needed. This will dull the pain of intense contractions and also ease lower back pain. It usually makes your legs and feet go numb too and the maternity team will monitor the application of the epidural to ensure you are receiving the right amounts. The benefit of an epidural is that it only affects the lower half of your body so you remain awake and lucid during the birth. The disadvantages are that you will need a drip in your arm to combat the loss of blood pressure that epidurals often cause, and also a catheter in your bladder as this area will be numb and you will not be able to control the need to urinate until the effects wear off. You may also feel very out of control, as you will not be able to feel when you need to push, and will have to rely on the maternity team to guide you.
* Entonox - this is a gas mix made up of 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide and is a mild pain killer that can be used on and off throughout the labour to dull contractions and sudden intense pains. You can decide how much Entonox you take, and it doesn't completely dull the contractions so you will still be in control of the birth. Also unlike epidurals it doesn't make your blood pressure drop, and can be used in home births. Entonox can make you feel nauseous though, and is only a mild painkiller so is not effective for severe birth pains.
* Pethidine - this is both a painkiller and an anti-spasmodic drug, and is a synthetic version of morphine. It helps you to relax and can be administered in home births, but it can make you feel nauseous or sleepy, and affect babies by slowly their breathing and causing drowsiness up until a few days after birth.
* Meptid - this is similar to Pethidine but doesn't affect the baby's breathing as much. It can help you deal with strong contractions but is not readily available in all hospitals.
* Spinal - this is an injection of local anaesthetic, directly into the small of your back. It can numb the nerves to your womb and cervix so that you can't feel the painfully contractions anymore and is useful for when forceps or ventouse methods become necessary.
* TENS - this means Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, and is a small box with connector pads that sends little electrical pulses into your back. These pulses interrupt the pain signals from your abdomen and lower back, and can also stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the body's natural 'feel good' substances. TENS is a non-invasive pain control method and is thought to have no effects on the baby, but it is not widely available and is not always effect on really strong contractions. |
|
Thank you for visiting our site - we hope that you enjoy your stay and please tell your friends about us! |
|
|
