labour and childbirth

Gestation

Period of pregnancy from conception until birth

Labour

Process of preparation for birth involving contractions

Parturition

The birth of the baby

Hormonal changes during labour

Soften pelvic ligaments, increase uterine responsiveness, and strengthen contractions

Typical foetal position before birth

Head down, knees drawn up, head pressing on bladder and bowel

Labour pains

Weak irregular contractions that become stronger and more regular

Braxton Hicks contractions

Practice contractions that tighten the abdomen but do not dilate the cervix

Braxton Hicks contractions feel like

Abdominal tightening or mild menstrual cramps

Do Braxton Hicks cause labour?

No

Three stages of labour

1. Cervical dilation 2. Expulsion 3. Afterbirth

First stage of labour

From onset of labour until full cervical dilation

Duration of first stage

8-9 hours for first baby, about 4 hours for later babies

Contractions during first stage

Travel from upper uterus toward cervix

Effect of contractions on cervix

Pull cervix open causing dilation

Full cervical dilation

10 cm

Birth canal

Uterus, cervix and vagina forming one continuous passage

Second stage of labour

Stage of expulsion of the baby

Duration of second stage

20 minutes to 2 hours

Waters breaking

Rupture of the amniotic sac releasing amniotic fluid

What happens as the baby moves through the cervix?

Baby's head stretching the vagina and stimulates the mother to contract her abdominal muscles.

Forces pushing baby out

Uterine and abdominal muscle contractions

Movement of baby's head during contractions

Advances during contractions and retreats slightly during relaxation

Changes in mother during second stage

Increased heart rate and sweating

Crowning

When the baby's head becomes visible at the vaginal opening

Why can a newborn's head look distorted?

Pressure from passing through the birth canal

Do babies' heads return to normal shape?

Yes, usually within a few days

Percentage of babies born head first

About 90%

Advantage of head-first birth

Head acts as a wedge to open cervix and vagina

Third stage of labour

Delivery of the placenta and afterbirth

What happens after birth?

Baby begins breathing with its own lungs

Umbilical cord after birth

Clamped in two places and cut

What happens to the cord stump?

It dries out and falls off

Umbilicus

The navel or belly button

Vernix

White waxy coating on a newborn baby

Function of vernix

Protects skin and reduces infections

Why is vernix not completely washed off?

It continues protecting the baby's skin

Afterbirth

Expulsion of the placenta and umbilical cord

When is the placenta usually expelled?

About 5 minutes after birth

How is blood loss prevented after birth?

Blood vessels constrict, uterus contracts, and blood clots form

Induced labour

Labour started artificially for medical reasons

Why induce labour after 41 weeks?

Pregnancy is overdue

Why induce labour when waters break?

Labour has not started naturally

Why may mothers with diabetes be induced?

To reduce risks, often after 38 weeks if growth is normal

Conditions requiring induction

Pre-eclampsia, kidney disease, or other conditions threatening mother or baby

First stage =

Dilation

Second stage =

Expulsion

Third stage =

Afterbirth

Cervix fully dilated =

10 cm

Waters breaking =

Rupture of the amniotic sac

Head visible at vaginal opening =

Crowning

Waxy coating on newborn =

Vernix

Belly button scientific name =

Umbilicus

Placenta expelled after birth =

Afterbirth