Labor & Birth: A New Beginning

The time is near and very soon you will experience the incredible process of giving birth. The entire pregnancy must have been an amazing process. When you reach the final stage i.e. pregnancy labor then it is the most challenging, stressful and critical time.

When you are about to reach that stage there are certain things that you can make a note of. These labor signs will help you to be prepared for any kind of emergency. To begin with:

• The first signs of labor that you may notice are the feeling that the baby has “dropped” or moved a little lower down your pelvis.
• Many times you may not feel anything. It is advisable to visit the doctor at regular interval so that if there is any change in the cervix then you can be informed. Generally when there is a change in the cervix it is another sign that the labor is approaching.
• Another very common sign is that when the labor period approaches then some women feel the impulse to cook or clean which in medical terms is called “nesting”.
• You will experience contractions at short and more regular intervals. It becomes stronger as the time approaches.
• You will feel constant cramping and intense lower back pain.
• You will feel a large gush or constant trickle which means that your water has broken.
• You will face a bloody mucus discharge. The discharge is kind of brownish or red tinged. This mucus is what blocks the cervix. Thus when the discharge starts it usually means that your cervix is becoming softer and thinner and opening up.

 

There are three stages of labor the last stage of which is birth of the baby. In each of these stages every women covers a milestone.

 

• The First Stage: The onset of labor is the start of the first stage and it ends as soon as the cervix opens up. It is the longest of all the tree stages of labor. This stage last for over 12-19 hours. Most of the first stage is spent at home. As you near the conclusion of the first stage you will experience stronger contractions and it will also last longer. Transition is the most difficult period of the first stage. Towards the end moment when the cervix is stretching the contractions become more frequent and powerful.
• The Second Stage: The second stage last for around 20 minutes to two hours. In the second stage during contractions you are advised to push hard and then rest between contractions. In this stage you will be constantly guided by your doctor when you need to push.
• The Third Stage: The delivery of the placenta takes place in the final or the third stage. This stage can be the shortest at it lasts between 5-30 minutes. Once the placenta is delivered the labor is over. During this time you will feel shakiness and chill.

This will be the end of your pregnancy journey and you can rest and relax while you enjoy your newborn!