Labor and Delivery, Vaginal Birth(Vaginal Birth; Labor and Delivery)
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Editorial Staff and Contributors DefinitionIn a vaginal birth, the baby will come out through the birth canal. Most women give birth at around 38-41 weeks of pregnancy. However, there is no way to know exactly when labor will happen. Reasons for Procedure TOPLabor is the process that positions the baby for birth, delivers the baby out of the birth canal, and passes the placenta after birth. Possible Complications TOPYour doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
What to Expect TOPPrior to ProcedureDuring pregnancy you should:
True Versus False LaborBefore true labor begins, you may have periods of false labor. These are irregular contractions of your uterus (where the baby grows during pregnancy), called Braxton Hicks contractions. They are normal but can be painful. They are usually also felt in the stomach and not the back. Timing the contractions is a good way to tell the difference between true and false labor. Note how long it is from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. Keep a record for an hour. If the contractions are getting closer together, longer, stronger, and are being felt in your back, then it may be true labor. If you think you are in labor, call your doctor. Birth LaborDuring this process, you will prepare to deliver your baby. At the beginning of labor, the uterus will begin to contract, moving the baby down the vagina (birth canal). The cervix, the opening of the uterus into the vagina, will slowly enlarge to a diameter of about 10 centimeters. This will allow the baby to pass through and be delivered through the opening of the vagina. This process usually takes a while. However, if you have delivered vaginally before, labor can be quick. AnesthesiaLabor can cause severe pain, but keep in mind that every woman's labor is different. Everyone experiences pain differently. While planning the delivery, talk to your doctor about your options for pain relief. In the early stages of labor, techniques like rhythmic breathing, meditation, and acupressure may be helpful. Some women do not require any other pain control. There are many medical options for pain control. All treatments to relieve pain during labor have risks and benefits. Make sure you discuss these with your doctor:
Description of the Procedure TOPWhen the cervix is fully dilated (opened) and the baby seems to be heading down the birth canal, the nurses will help prepare you for delivery. Your legs may be draped with cloths. Some doctors will clean the area around the vagina with an antiseptic solution. Each time you have a contraction, you will be instructed to push. This involves you bearing down, like you are trying to have a bowel movement. You may put your legs into holders, especially if you have an epidural. The nurses and your support people may hold your legs in a comfortable position. This will help you to push. Your doctor may encourage you to find a position that is right for you. "Crowning" is when the baby's head is seen at the opening to the vagina. When this happens, you may be asked to slow your pushing. Depending on your delivery plan, the doctor may massage your perineum to gently stretch it. An episiotomy is not routinely done, but in some cases, it is necessary. Once your baby's head is out, you will be asked to stop pushing. The doctor will check to make sure that the umbilical cord is not around the baby's neck. Then, you will be able to push the rest of the baby out. If the baby appears healthy and is breathing well, the baby may be placed on your stomach. The umbilical cord will be clamped and cut. Within the next 20 minutes, the placenta will be delivered.
Sometimes the baby's head does not move as expected through the birth canal. If this happens, your doctor may use forceps or vacuum extraction to move the baby. Immediately After Procedure TOP
How Long Will It Take? TOPThe average time for you to deliver your first baby and the placenta is 12 hours. This can vary greatly, though. Will It Hurt? TOPLabor causes severe pain during contractions. There may be brief periods of relief after each contraction. Talk to your doctor about your options for managing pain. Average Hospital Stay TOPThe usual length of stay for a vaginal delivery is 1-3 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise. Post-procedure Care TOPHaving a baby will change you physically and emotionally. Physical EffectsPhysically, you might have the following:
Emotional EffectsEmotionally, you may be feeling:
Ways to Take Care of Yourself
Call Your Doctor TOPAfter you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occur:
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away. RESOURCES:American Pregnancy Association http://www.americanpregnancy.org The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists http://www.acog.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Baby Center http://www.babycenter.ca Women's Health Matters http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca References:Depression during and after pregnancy. Office on Women's Health website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated July 12, 2017. Accessed September 11, 2017. Epidural anesthesia. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated March 24, 2017. Accessed September 11, 2017. Spinal block. American Pregnancy Association website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated August 8, 2015. Accessed September 11, 2017.
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Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG Last Updated: 12/9/2013 |
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