labor & birth delivery
centimeters and is thus complete. There will be intense pressure on the lower back and rectum. Your delivery team will tell you not to push as extra pressure could cause the cervix to swell and tear. Focus on one contraction at a time — with each one, you are closer to holding your baby.
Stage 2: Birth The delivery can take a few minutes or two hours. The second stage is the pushing phase. The cervix is fully dilated. Your provider will tell you when to push. Over two hours with no progress is called prolonged second stage and is not normal, though there is no time limit for delivery. Most women opt to vary positions. Some
prefer a birthing bed; others choose to squat or labor on all fours. The breathing techniques learned in childbirth education classes can keep you focused on pushing during — and relaxing between — contractions. A back mas- sage can help you relax. Well-named, labor is work, but the effort
is well worth it, as you rejoice in seeing your baby. Right after birth, your baby will be placed on your abdomen. You are now a new parent!
Stage 3: The Placenta Is Delivered When your provider sees signs of separation of the placenta (afterbirth) from the uterine wall about 5 to 30 minutes after delivery, your lower abdomen might be massaged to aid the uterus in expelling the placenta. Usually one or two pushes delivers it easily. Your provider will check that all portions of the placenta are expelled, which minimizes the chances of bleeding or infection. If you need suturing, you will be injected with a local anesthetic, if you are not already numb. You may receive medication to encourage uterine contractions to decrease bleeding.
40 Talk with your delivery team about the
protocol for labor and delivery, and rely on them to guide you through the process. Do your research, and ask questions. The more informed you are, the smoother the progres- sion of labor and delivery.
Adair R. Heyl, PhD, is Vice Chair of Education and Assistant Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
Peter S. Heyl, MD, is Chief of Service of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Emory Uni- versity Hospital Midtown, as well as associate professor in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Emory University School of Medi- cine, Atlanta, GA.
To share your own birth experience on
youandyourfamily.com, email
em@cwpg.com.
For more information on labor and birth, go to
youandyourfamily.com.
www.youandyourfamily.com
After birth, your baby will be placed on your abdomen. You are now a new parent!
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