The Pregnant Mother and Childbirth

Stages of Childbirth

  • The 3 stages of childbirth are:

    • Stage 1: Uterine contractions cause the cervix to dilate.

    • Stage 2: The baby is delivered through the birth canal.

    • Stage 3: The placenta passes through the birth canal.

  • During the first stage, the amniotic sac may rupture, often referred to as the “water breaking.”

Lamaze and birth practices

  • Lamaze: 6 Healthy Birth Practices:

    • Let labor begin on its own.

    • Walk, move around and change positions throughout labor.

    • Bring a loved one, friend or doula for continuous support.

    • Avoid interventions that are not medically necessary.

    • Avoid giving birth on your back and follow your body’s urges to push.

    • Keep mother and baby together — it’s best for mother, baby and breastfeeding.

Medication, delivery, and APGAR

  • Medication use during birth: In the USA, 80%+ of births involve medications.

    • Analgesics reduce pain.

    • Anesthetics reduce pain.

    • Both pass through the placenta to the child and may cause decreased heart rate and decreased respiration in the fetus.

  • Types of delivery:

    • Cesarean

    • Natural

    • Home

  • APGAR scoring:

    • The newborn is rated 0, 1, or 2 on each subtest for a maximum total score of 10.

    • Appearance (color): 0 = Blue; 1 = Blue extremities; 2 = No blue.

    • Pulse (heart rate): 0 = Absent; 1 = Slow; 2 = Rapid.

    • Grimace (reflex irritability): 0 = No response; 1 = Grimace; 2 = Coughing, crying.

    • Activity (muscle tone): 0 = Limp; 1 = Weak and inactive; 2 = Active and strong.

    • Respiration (breathing): 0 = Absent; 1 = Irregular and slow; 2 = Crying, good.