your labor day
What to expect before, during and after your baby arrives BY SARAH KLEINMAN, CNM
The weeks prior to your due date can be exciting and anx- iety-provoking. Most women will go into labor between 39 and 41 weeks, but not knowing the exact date or time can be challenging and make the wait feel like an eternity. Before the big day, you may experience some signs that your body is getting ready. Losing your mucus plug a few weeks or days before labor is not uncommon. Irregular con- tractions are also typical. You might experience a sensation known as lightening as your baby drops into your pelvis. However, none of these symptoms
is a prerequisite for the onset of labor. Even if you never experience any of them, labor may be imminent!
Not All Contractions Are Created Equal
Throughout your pregnancy you may notice your belly peri- odically getting hard and tight. Typically painless, such episodes can happen whether you are active or at rest. These Braxton
Hicks contractions are most often benign and can indicate fatigue, dehydration or just your body getting ready for labor. Usually they will not change your cervix. When painful, menstrual-like cramps deep and low in your abdomen accompany the tightening of your belly, you may be experiencing contractions more likely to change your cervix, especially when they are regular and uncomfortable.
Stages of Labor There are three stages of labor. The first, starting at the onset of labor and ending when you are fully dilated, is divided into two phases: early and active. In early labor you may experience irregular contractions that vary from
mild to strong. In most low-risk pregnancies, home is the best place to be dur- ing this phase. Most women feel more comfortable in their own space, resting
between contractions in a familiar bed or bathtub. In addition, early hospital admissions are not without risk, including higher rates of infection and the potential to slow labor down. Check with your healthcare provider if you think you’re in labor. This will allow you to make a plan specific to your
41
ISTOCK.COM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
