Baby delivery laborHow long does a vaginal baby delivery labor take?
The actual delivery of the baby and placenta (not including the laboring process) takes anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.
How long does a Cesarean baby delivery labor take?
It usually takes from 30 to 60 minutes. However, the part that takes the longest is not the birth of the baby that is performed fairly quickly. Stitching closed the skin and muscle layers after the baby is born takes the greatest amount of time.
Will I deliver in the same room I labor in?
This is the setup in some hospitals and is called LDRP, which means labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum. With LDRP, you labor and deliver in the same room, then remain there during your recovery and your stay at the hospital. Not all hospitals or birthing centers are equipped this way. In many places you will labor in one labor room, then move to a delivery room to deliver. Then you will recover in a wardlike setting, where you will remain until you go home.
I've read that other birth positions are possible besides lying on my back with my feet in stirrups. Is that true?
Yes. You may not have to use stirrups, or you may deliver lying on your side or squatting, if you make arrangements to do this.
Will my doctor have to use forceps during the delivery?
It depends on the situation at the time of delivery. The following factors are involved:
• the size of the baby
• the size of your pelvis • how well you are able to push
• whether your baby needs to be delivered immediately.
What are forceps?
Forceps look like two metal hands and are used to protect the baby's head during delivery. However, they are not used as much today as they were in the past. Instead, physicians more often use a vacuum extractor or perform a Cesarean section.
What is a vacuum extractor?
A vacuum extractor is a plastic cup that fits on the baby's head by suction. When you push during labor, your doctor is able to pull and deliver the baby more easily.
My partner wants to take a baby delivery labor video of the birth, but I don't want him to. Am I being unreasonable?
No, you're not. The birth process is very private for many women, and they don't want to be videotaped or photographed or forced to share it with others. If this is your wish, explain it to your partner. He should respect your wishes. If he won't listen, discuss the problem with your doctor. Ask him or her to explain your objections to your partner.
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