Labor and Delivery LABOR AND DELIVERY by Justina June 13, 2024 June 13, 2024 A+A- Reset 35 The journey of pregnancy culminates in labor and delivery, a profound and transformative process. Labor is the natural process through which your body gives birth, starting with your first steady contractions and continuing through the delivery of your baby and placenta. The onset of labor varies significantly from person to person, and its exact cause remains unknown. However, hormonal and physical changes in the body signal the beginning of labor. Causes Labor begins when the body signals that it’s time for the baby to be born. Various factors contribute to the onset of labor: Hormonal Changes: Shifts in hormone levels, particularly the increase of oxytocin, trigger uterine contractions. Fetal Signals: The baby’s development can prompt labor, with the mature fetal lungs releasing proteins that influence labor onset. Uterine Stretching: The growing baby stretches the uterus, which eventually leads to labor. Prevalence Labor and delivery occur in approximately 85% of pregnancies after 37 weeks, with around 15% experiencing preterm labor. The process is a universal experience for women who reach full term in their pregnancies. How Labor Works Labor is the process through which a baby is born, involving several stages that prepare the body for delivery. Labor experiences vary widely, with some people having quick and easy labors while others have long and challenging ones. Stages of Labor First stage: Early Labor: Duration: The average labor lasts 12 to 24 hours for a first birth and 8 to 10 hours for subsequent births. Process: This is the initial phase of the first stage of labor. The cervix dilates from 0 to 6 centimeters. Contractions: Typically mild to moderate, resembling menstrual cramps or a dull ache in the back and lower abdomen. Active Labor: Duration: This phase can last several hours. Process: The cervix dilates from 6 to 8 centimeters, progressing to full dilation (10 centimeters). This marks the transition from early labor to the second stage. Contractions: Stronger, more frequent, and more intense contractions occur, causing the cervix to open more quickly. Transition: Process: The final part of the first stage of labor, where the cervix dilates from 8 to 10 centimeters. This phase is often the most intense. Contractions: Very strong and close together, causing significant discomfort and pressure. Second Stage of Labor (Pushing and Birth): Process: Begins once the cervix is fully dilated (10 centimeters) and ends with the birth of the baby. Contractions: Strong and rhythmic, helping to push the baby through the birth canal. Pushing: The mother actively pushes with each contraction to assist the baby’s descent and delivery. Third Stage of Labor (Afterbirth): Involves the delivery of the placenta, which usually occurs within 5 to 30 minutes after the baby is born. Mild contractions help separate and expel the placenta. Afterbirth involves: Cervical Changes Dilation: The cervix stretches and opens to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. Measured from 1 to 10 centimeters. A provider checks dilation through vaginal exams during labor. Full dilation (10 centimeters) occurs by the second stage for delivery. Effacement: The cervix thins and shortens to facilitate dilation. Measured in percentages from 0% (no effacement) to 100% (fully effaced). Preparation for Labor As your body prepares for labor, you may experience: Braxton Hicks Contractions: Irregular, mild contractions that do not lead to labor but help prepare the uterus. Lightening: The baby drops lower into the pelvis, which can occur a few weeks before labor. Bloody Show: The release of the mucus plug that seals the cervix during pregnancy, indicating that labor may be near. Knowing when you are in labor can be challenging, especially for first-time parents. Understanding the signs of true labor and how to differentiate them from false labor (Braxton Hicks contractions) is crucial. Here’s how to tell if you’re in labor and some pre-labor signs that labor might start soon. Pattern of Contractions: Frequency: True labor contractions come at regular intervals and gradually get closer together. Use a journal or a labor app to track the timing of each contraction. Duration: Contractions last longer as labor progresses. Time the length of each contraction using a stopwatch, clock, or phone timer. Intensity: Contractions grow stronger over time. You may feel them intensify as you move through the stages of labor. Track how the intensity changes to determine if you are in true labor. Differences Between True Labor and Braxton Hicks Contractions Braxton Hicks contractions are often referred to as “practice contractions.” Here are key differences between them and true labor contractions: Braxton Hicks Contractions: Irregular in frequency and duration. Typically do not get closer together or increase in intensity. Often stop with changes in activity or position. Do not cause significant cervical dilation. True Labor Contractions: Regular and follow a predictable pattern, increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity. Continue regardless of changes in activity or position. Cause progressive cervical dilation and effacement. Signs of Approaching Labor As you near the end of your pregnancy, your body undergoes several changes that signal labor is approaching. Here’s what to look out for: 1. Lightening During Labor: Lightening is when your baby settles or lowers into your pelvis, often called “dropping.” Timing: This can occur a few weeks or just hours before labor begins. Symptoms: Increased need to urinate due to added pressure on the bladder. Easier breathing and less heartburn as the pressure on your upper abdomen decreases. 2. Passing of the Mucus Plug The mucus plug accumulates at the cervix during pregnancy and is discharged when the cervix begins to open. Appearance: The plug may be clear, pink, or slightly bloody, known as “show” or “bloody show.” Timing: Labor can start soon after the mucus plug is discharged or up to 1-2 weeks later. 3. Labor Contractions Contractions are the tightening of the uterine muscles. Symptoms: Discomfort or dull ache in the back and lower abdomen. Pressure in the pelvis. Wave-like motion from the top to the bottom of the uterus. Similar to strong menstrual cramps for some women. Unlike Braxton Hicks contractions, true labor contractions do not stop when you change position or relax. Ability to relax between contractions despite discomfort. 4. Diarrhea Loose or watery stools can indicate that labor is 24-48 hours away. This is a normal pre-labor symptom. 5. Back Pain Common throughout pregnancy due to extra strain and posture changes. During Labor: Lower back pain and cramps that do not go away, often accompanying contractions. Pain typically starts in the back and moves to the front. 6. Weight Loss Many women lose a few pounds in the days leading up to labor, even after consistent weight gain throughout pregnancy. 7. Nesting Instinct A sudden burst of energy and an urge to prepare for the baby’s arrival, often after feeling fatigued. Activities: Shopping, cooking, and cleaning. Caution: Avoid overexertion as childbirth requires a lot of energy. 8. Activity of the Baby Observation: Your baby may move less as labor approaches. However, significantly reduced movement can indicate a problem, so notify your doctor if this occurs. Managing Early Labor During early labor, it’s important to stay as comfortable as possible and conserve energy for active labor. Here are some tips: Stay Active: Gentle activities like walking can help labor progress. Rest: Take naps if possible to conserve energy. Hydrate and Eat Light: Drink plenty of water and eat light, easy-to-digest foods. Relaxation Techniques: Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, listening to music, or taking a warm bath (if your water hasn’t broken). Timing contractions accurately is crucial during labor to monitor progress and determine when to contact your healthcare provider or head to the hospital. Here’s how you can time contractions effectively: How to Time Contractions Start the Timer: Begin timing from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. Use a stopwatch, a clock, or the timer on your phone. Record the Duration: Note the length of each contraction in seconds or minutes. Record this information immediately after each contraction ends to avoid forgetting. Track the Frequency: Record the time between the start of one contraction and the start of the next. This interval represents the frequency of contractions and helps determine their regularity. Note the Intensity: While it can be challenging to measure the intensity of contractions accurately, pay attention to how each contraction affects your ability to walk, talk, or concentrate. This subjective assessment can provide valuable insights into the progression of labor. Tips for Coping with Contractions Stay Relaxed: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, or mindfulness to help manage pain and discomfort during contractions. Change Positions: Experiment with different positions such as walking, rocking, or kneeling to find what feels most comfortable during contractions. Use Comfort Measures: Apply heat or cold packs to the lower back, take a warm shower, or use massage techniques to ease tension and promote relaxation. Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Drink plenty of fluids and eat light, nutritious snacks to maintain energy levels during labor. Seek Support: Lean on your partner, a doula, or a healthcare provider for emotional and physical support throughout labor. Their encouragement and reassurance can make a significant difference in managing contractions. Stay Informed: Educate yourself about the stages of labor, pain relief options, and potential interventions to feel more empowered and confident during the birthing process. Recognizing when your water breaks is an essential part of preparing for labor and childbirth. Here’s how you can identify this event and what steps to take afterward: Recognizing When Your Water Breaks Sudden Gush or Trickle: You may feel a sudden gush or a steady trickle of fluid from your vagina. This fluid is usually odorless and may be clear or straw-colored. Unlike urine leakage, which can occur during pregnancy, amniotic fluid won’t stop once it starts. Continued Leakage: The leakage of amniotic fluid may continue after your water breaks. This distinguishes it from other types of vaginal discharge or leakage. Color and Odor: Take note of the color and odor of the fluid. Amniotic fluid is typically clear or straw-colored and odorless. If you notice any unusual color or odor, inform your healthcare provider immediately. Steps to Take After Your Water Breaks Call Your Healthcare Provider: Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to inform them that your water has broken. Provide details such as the time your water broke, the amount and color of the fluid, and any accompanying symptoms. Observe Contractions: Pay attention to any contractions you experience after your water breaks. Contractions may start immediately or take some time to begin. Note the frequency, duration, and intensity of contractions and inform your healthcare provider accordingly. Monitor for Other Symptoms: Watch for any signs of labor progression, such as bloody show, increased pelvic pressure, or changes in vaginal discharge. Inform your healthcare provider of any new symptoms or concerns. Prepare for Hospital Admission: Depending on your healthcare provider’s instructions and the stage of labor, you may need to prepare for admission to the hospital or birthing center. Follow any guidance provided by your healthcare provider regarding when to go to the hospital. When you arrive at the hospital, the admission process typically involves checking in at the labor and delivery desk. Here’s what you can expect after you arrive: 1. Initial Assessment in Triage Room: Check-In: You’ll check in at the labor and delivery desk, where you’ll provide necessary information for admission. Triage Room: Most hospitals will direct you to a triage room for initial assessment. This is where a healthcare provider will evaluate your condition and determine the next steps. Accompaniment: It’s usually recommended to bring only one support person with you to the triage room to limit overcrowding and ensure privacy. 2. Transition to Labor, Delivery, and Recovery (LDR) Room: Moving to LDR Room: After the initial assessment, you’ll be escorted to a labor, delivery, and recovery (LDR) room. Here, you’ll be prepared for labor and delivery. Hospital Gown: You’ll be asked to change into a hospital gown for comfort and accessibility during labor. Vital Signs: Healthcare providers will monitor your vital signs, including pulse, blood pressure, and temperature, to assess your overall health and well-being. Fetal Monitoring: An external fetal monitor will be placed on your abdomen to monitor uterine contractions and your baby’s heart rate. Cervical Examination: Your healthcare provider will perform a cervical examination to assess the progress of labor by checking the dilation and effacement of your cervix. Intravenous (IV) Line: If necessary, an IV line may be inserted into a vein in your arm to administer fluids and medications to support you during labor. 3. Labor Induction: If your labor doesn’t start naturally or if there are medical reasons for inducing labor, your healthcare provider may discuss labor induction with you. Here’s what you need to know about labor induction: Indication: Labor induction may be recommended if you’re past your due date, have certain health complications, your water has broken without labor starting, or other medical reasons. Methods: Labor can be induced using medications (such as oxytocin), artificial rupture of membranes (breaking your water), membrane sweeping, or medications to soften and open the cervix. Process: The method of labor induction will depend on your specific circumstances and your healthcare provider’s recommendations. The process may take longer than spontaneous labor because of the cervical ripening process. Monitoring: Throughout the labor induction process, your healthcare team will closely monitor your progress and your baby’s well-being to ensure a safe and effective labor and delivery. When to see a doctor Regular Contractions: If contractions occur every 5 minutes for an hour (for first-time parents) or every 10 minutes for an hour (if you have had previous pregnancies). Intense Pain: If you experience severe pain that does not subside. Water Breaking: If you notice a gush or trickle of amniotic fluid. Other Concerns: Any significant changes in your symptoms or if you are unsure whether you are in labor. Sources American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) World Health Organization (WHO) National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) American Pregnancy Association. March of Dimes Cleveland Clinic Health Direct Australia American Family Physician. Mayo Clinic Saint Francis Healthcare System Care New England Health System Salem Health Public Health Scotland U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health. LABOR AND DELIVERY 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinEmail Justina previous post LABOR AND DELIVERY COMPLICATIONS next post LABYRINTHITIS
