Chapter 6.1 LABOR AND DELIVERY. The Progression of Labor Giving birth is a powerful and emotional...
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Transcript of Chapter 6.1 LABOR AND DELIVERY. The Progression of Labor Giving birth is a powerful and emotional...
Chapter 6.1
LABOR AND DELIVERY
The Progression of Labor Giving birth is a powerful and emotional
experience! Leaves most new mothers feeling both
exhausted and exhilarated Giving birth, or labor, occurs in two basic
parts: the beginning of labor and the stages of labor
The Beginning of Labor During last few weeks, time often
seems to slow down for expectant mother
Many women become anxious for baby to be born
During this time they may feel lightening This occurs when the baby settles
deep in the pelvis near the time of birth
Because the baby has moved down, the pressure on the women’s upper abdomen is reduced, or lightened
Early Signs of Labor Many signs that the baby is on its way
“Show” or “bloody show” Few drops if blood or a pinkish vaginal stain that occurs when the mucus that
plugs the uterus during pregnancy dissolves Water breaks
When women feel a trickle or gush of warm fluid from the vagina This indicates that the membrane, or amniotic sac, holding the fluid around the
baby has broken Contraction
Tightening and releasing of muscles of the uterus When the uterus contracts, it shortens and closes, pushing the fetus agains the
cervix The uterus relaxes before the next contraction
Premature Labor Full-term pregnancy usually lasts 40
weeks Giving birth a week or two earlier is still
normal Premature, or preterm, labor occurs
when the fetus has been developing in the womb for 37 weeks or less
False Labor Some women feel what is called false labor hours or
days before their real labor starts They begin to feel strong contractions and believe that
labor may have begun Doctors look for three signs that may indicate false labor
Contractions that are not regular or rhythmic Contractions do not get stronger over time Contractions end with light exercise, such as walking or
stretching
Inducing Labor If necessary, the doctor can induce, or start, labor by
artificial means This can be done by using medication or puncturing
the amniotic sac Often induced for medical reasons or in emergencies
If the baby has been slow to develop or is still in the womb after 42 weeks, the doctor may decide to induce labor
Also if the amniotic sac has broken and labor does not begin on its own
Stages of Labor Three basic stages
Stage 1 Contractions open the cervix Stage 2 The baby is born Stage 3 The placenta is expelled
During these stages, the baby makes its way out of the mother’s womb and into the world
The amount of time it takes to give birth depends on the mother and the baby Often takes longer for a mother’s first
6-18 hours for first 2-5 for a later child
The First Stage Officially begins when contractions are coming at
regular intervals Contractions in the uterine muscle pull up on the cervix,
slowly softening and thinning it allowing it to open Contractions increase in strength, length, and frequency Mother will use coping techniques with the help of their
partner such as breathing techniques or exercises This is the stage the mother would receive medication if
she wanted
The First Stage As the cervix dilates, the baby moves
into the lower pelvis The first stage ends with a period called
transition When the cervix becomes fully dilated to a
diameter of about 10 centimeters (4 inches)
This is the most difficult part of labor
The Second Stage Contractions during the second stage
are more productive, pushing the baby through the pelvis and out of the vagina, or birth canal
During this stage, it is safe for the woman to push
When pushing, uses her muscles to expel the baby
How can a baby fit through such a narrow space??
Ligaments, or connective tissue, join the bones of the mother’s pelvis
During labor, a hormone called relaxin allows this tissue to stretch like rubber bands
Stretching moves apart the pelvic bones Also makes it possible for the walls of the
vagina to stretch so the baby can safely pass through
The Second Stage Baby’s body is designed for this journey
Soft skull lets the baby’s head become longer and narrower than usual
Skull consists of five separate bones that move together and allow for the baby’s head to fit through the pelvis and vagina
Sometimes opening of the mother is too small to accommodate baby’s passage so doctor may widen it with a surgical cut called an episiotomy
The Third Stage After birth, the mother may be
able to rest briefly, and then may feel a few contractions and a desire to push
Usually not painful and helps the placenta, the organ that develops in the mother and helps supply oxygen to the fetus, separate from the uterine wall
Once the mother pushes the placenta out of her body, the birth process is complete
Cesarean Birth Not all births progress through the stages of labor If complications arise during pregnancy or labor, a cesarean
birth or c-section may become necessary Delivery of a baby through a surgical incision in the mother’s abdomen
Performed for several reasons Lack of normal progress during labor Baby is in distress or turned in the wrong direction Often planned for multiple births
Because it is a surgery, it carries some risks Women who have had a cesarean birth may need up to six weeks
to fully recover
Premature Birth Between 5-6% of all babies are born prematurely Babies born before 37 weeks of development and
weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces The earlier babies are born, the less developed their
organs are and the lower their birth weight Mothers who have had other premature births, are
carrying more than one baby, or have other medical problems are more likely to have premature babies
Women can reduce their risks by eating well and getting proper prenatal care
Premature Birth Premature babies, or preemies, require special care They are not ready to live outside their mother’s
body Their systems for controlling body temperature,
breathing and feeding are not yet mature To help control the undeveloped body systems, a
premature baby is usually placed in an incubator Special enclosed crib where the oxygen supply,
temperature, and humidity can be closely controlled