3rd Stage Of Labor.
What is the 3rd stage of labor?
Stage 3 of labor is usually short. During stage 3, the uterus contracts and expels the placenta (afterbirth). You will be given oxy tocin to help contract the uterus.
Somewhere I read there's a 4th stage of labor. Is this true?
Some doctors describe a 4th stage of labor, referring to the time period after delivery of the placenta, while the uterus continues to contract. Uterine contraction is important in controlling bleeding after the birth of your baby.
When I am in labor, how is it determined that I will need a C section?
Each situation, each labor must be considered individually. A reason for a C-section in the 1st stage of labor is if the cervix stops dilating; say, you get to be 5cm and then don't dilate any more. In the 2nd stage of labor, a reason for a C-section could be fetal distress or if you can't push the baby out.
My best friend told me she had a bloody show just before she went into labor. What is it?
You may bleed a small amount following a vaginal exam or at the beginning of labor. This bloody show occurs as the cervix stretches and dilates. If it causes you concern or appears to be a large amount of blood, call your doctor immediately.
I read that I may pass a mucus plug at the beginning of labor. Is this dangerous?
Along with a bloody show, you may pass some mucus, sometimes called a mucus plug. This is not dangerous. Passing this mucus doesn't always mean you'll have your baby soon or that you are beginning labor.
I've heard how important it is to time contractions once labor begins. Why?
There are two reasons for timing contractions:
• to find out how long a contraction lasts
• to find out how often contractions occur
It's important for your doctor to have this information so he or she can decide if it's time for you to go to the hospital.
How do we time a contraction for how long it lasts?
Begin timing when the contraction starts, and end timing when ^—^the contraction lets up and goes away.
How do we time a contraction for how often it occurs?
Ask your doctor which method he or she prefers because there are two ways to time contractions.
• Start timing when the contraction starts, and time it until the next contraction starts. This is the most common method.
• Start timing when the contraction ends, and note how long it is until the next contraction starts.
What if I go into labor and my partner isn't with me?
Before your delivery date, sit down and talk with your partner about how you will stay in touch as your due date approaches. Some couples rent personal pagers for the last few weeks for the partner to carry. (Some hospitals or HMOs supply pagers for expectant couples the last few weeks.) With cellular phones readily available now, this may not be a problem. Line up a backup support person, in case your partner cannot be with you or if you need someone else to take you to the hospital.
I've heard I can't drink anything during labor. Why?
Women often get nauseated, which may cause vomiting. It is for your safety that you are not allowed to eat or drink anything during labor to keep your stomach empty.
If my labor is a long one, can I have anything to drink?
No, just sips of water or ice chips to suck on. If labor is long, you may be given fluids through an I.V.
What about food if my labor is extremely long, can I eat anything?
No, you can't. It's for your safety that you will not be allowed anything to eat.
I'm nervous about whether my baby is too big for me to deliver. Can my doctor tell if I'll have problems before labor begins?
Even with an estimation of how much your baby weighs, your doctor cannot really know if the baby is too big for you until after labor begins. Usually labor must begin so your doctor can see how
the baby fits into your pelvis and if there is enough room for the baby to pass through the birth canal.
I've heard many different stories from friends, but I need an answer. Will I have to have an enema when I go to the hospital to have my baby?
You may not be required to have an enema it is usually a choice. Discuss this at one of your prenatal appointments. There are benefits to having an enema early in labor. It decreases the amount of contamination by bowel movement or feces during labor and at the time of delivery. It may also help you after delivery if you have an episiotomy, because having a bowel movement very soon after delivery can be painful.
What can I expect when I have my first bowel movement after delivery?
Your first bowel movement usually occurs a day or two after delivery. If you had an enema, it could take a few days longer. It could be painful, especially if you have had an episiotomy.
A friend said her doctor prescribed stool softeners for her, and they helped. Is this common?
Yes. Most doctors prescribe stool softeners after delivery to help with your bowel movements. They are safe to take, even if you are nursing.
What is back labor?
Back labor occurs when the baby comes out through the birth canal looking straight up. This type of presentation often causes lower back pain.
If my baby is looking up, will that make my labor longer?
This type of labor may take longer for delivery. It may require rotation of the baby's head so it comes out looking down at the ground rather than looking up at the sky.
My sister-in-law had all sorts of friends present during her labor and when she gave birth last year. I don't want anyone but my husband with me. Is this unusual?
Discuss this ahead of time with your partner. The birth experience is stressful. As long as it's acceptable to your doctor, you and your partner can make a lot of the decisions about labor and the birth. Too many people in the delivery room can be distracting. Delivery is a very personal experience for you both; it is not a spectator sport.
Tests during Labor
My doctor was mentioning fetal monitoring during labor and delivery. What is this?
In many hospitals, a baby's heartbeat is monitored throughout labor, making it possible to detect any problems early so they can be resolved.
What kind of monitoring do they do?
There are two types of fetal monitoring during labor external fetal monitoring and internal fetal monitoring.
What is external fetal monitoring?
This type of monitoring can be done before your membranes rupture. A belt with a receiver is strapped to your abdomen, and it records the baby's heartbeat.
What is internal fetal monitoring?
Internal fetal monitoring is a more precise method of monitoring the baby. An electrode is placed on the fetal scalp to record the fetal heart rate; it gives a more exact reading.
I recently read about fetal blood sampling during labor. What is this test?
It is another way of evaluating how well a baby is tolerating the stress of labor.
How is fetal blood sampling done during labor?
Membranes must be ruptured, and the cervix must be dilated at least 2cm. Your doctor applies an instrument to the scalp of the baby to make a small nick in the skin. He or she collects the baby's blood in a small tube and checks its pH [acidity).
What can the doctor learn from fetal blood sampling?
The pH level can help determine whether the baby is having trouble during labor. Results help the physician decide whether labor can continue or if a Cesarean section is necessary.
|
