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At admission, LifeSpring provided us with a rate estimate and at discharge, we paid the same amount. We were really happy not to pay anything extra…
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from ayah to nurses, receptionist to doctor, everybody took a lot of care of my daughter and her baby” |
– Mother of customer, Shivaleela |
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During labour
What are the different phases of stages of labour?
The first stage involves the 3 phases of labour – early, active and transitional phases which end with the dilation of the cervix. The second stage encompasses the delivery and ends at the birth of the baby. The third and final stage involves the afterbirth, or the delivery of the placenta. This whole process takes about 14 hours in first pregnancies and under 8 hours in second time mothers.
The First Stage of Labour – Dilation of Cervix
What happens in the first stage of labour ?
The first stage involves the 3 phases of labour – early, active and transitional phases which end with the dilation of the cervix. This stage can spread over a period of days or weeks, without noticeable labour or can cover a period of 2-24 hours of obvious contractions, which usually last about 30-45 seconds. They are usually mild or slightly strong and could be fairly irregular, ranging anywhere between 5-20 minutes apart.
What will I experience?
You may experience menstrual like cramps, backache, indigestion, diarrhoea or maybe a slightly bloody discharge. A warm sensation in the abdomen is also indicative of this early stage.
Will I be in a lot of pain?
Even though it is the longest phase, it is thankfully also the least intense, and consists of the opening and thinning of the cervix to about 3 cms. You will need to go to the hospital at the end of this phase or the beginning of the next. Until then, relax and make yourself comfortable. You could try diverting your mind by going about your usual routine or you could solve a puzzle or play a game. But whatever you do, don’t lie on your back as this will only slow down labour and may reduce blood supply to the baby. And certainly do not touch an aspirin. You could eat a light snack if you are hungry, but avoid having a heavy meal as it will lead to increased discomfort later. Please do not start your breathing exercises in this phase.
The Second Stage of labour – Pushing and Delivery
Summary - The second, more active phase of labour
This phase averages about 2 – 3½ hours of more concentrated labour. The contractions are now more intense and come every 3-4 minutes, lasting for 40-60 seconds. By the time the cervix dilates to about 7 cms., you should be at the hospital, as you will be experiencing increasing discomfort, fatigue, leg and back pain, and certainly more blood. If your water has not yet broken, it is most likely to happen in this phase. And if it does not, your doctor would need to intervene by artificially rupturing your membranes, sometime during this phase.
Even though there is less time to rest between contractions, try to relax. Keep on changing positions and walk around. If you are not on any medication, keep your mouth moist and replenish your system with clear fluids. But remember to urinate at least once every hour, or it could slow down your progress. Sometimes, due to the pressure on the pelvis, you may not even notice the need to empty your bladder. So keep this in mind.
At this point, you should start your breathing exercises. Use relaxation techniques between contractions and concentrate on breathing and pushing during them.
What happens in the second stage?
This stage involves pushing and delivery of the baby. Up until now, your cervix and uterus have been working overtime. Now, it is your turn – you need to push the baby the remaining way through the birth canal, and out into this world. A truly uplifting experience.
How long does it last?
This stage lasts anywhere between 10 minutes in second deliveries to 2 – 3 long hours in first-time mothers. Contractions will be more regular, and you will have respite between them as they come every 2-5 minutes and are less painful in most cases.
How can I help in the progress?
What you need to do is get into a pushing position that is most comfortable for you. A semi-sitting or squatting position gives you more pushing power, due to gravity. Push with all your might as the more effort and energy you put into it, the sooner your baby will be out. But make sure you co-ordinate it with your doctor’s instructions, or you might just end up wasting energy.
How will this stage end?
As the head emerges, you will feel a strong urge to push as well as tremendous rectal pressure, visible rising of the uterus with each contraction and a tingling, burning or stretching sensation in the vagina. Some women experience a burst of God–given energy, to help them through this phase. Besides a bloody show, you will experience a slippery, wet feeling as the baby slides out.
I wonder how my baby survived the journey through the birth canal?
Your baby has a soft pliable body, but a fairly strong head. Both of which adapt themselves to a curved lower birth canal. As it descends, your baby’s body goes through several twists and turns in order to achieve a soft and smooth landing.
Firstly, it brings its chin down on its chest, as it descends through the pelvis. Then it rotates its head and extends it backwards so that it touches its back as it emerges from the birth canal and vagina. A sideways wriggle turns its head to one side and the shoulder on that side is delivered. Another little wriggle swings its head all the way around, so that the other shoulder is delivered. Lastly, the trunk, buttocks and legs emerge and the journey is complete. Destination: your awaiting arms.
Summary – The advanced stage of labour
The third phase is probably the most demanding, intense and exhausting phase, mentally and physically. This is called the transitional or active phase, where the contractions come 2 or 3 minutes apart and last between 60 – 90 seconds. The cervix has to dilate by another 3 cms and this can take place anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. At this point you will find it difficult to relax between the contractions.
You will most likely feel a strong pressure in the lower back or perineum and your legs will tremble and cramp. You could experience nausea, vomiting and may break out in a cold sweat. You may feel chilly or experience hot flushes. Rectal pressure increases, but there is no urge to push and the bloody flow from the vagina will definitely get messy. You will be totally exhausted.
If you feel the urge to push, and your cervix is not fully dilated to 10 cms, it is better to pant and blow instead. Use your breathing techniques and try to relax between contractions. By the end of this phase, your cervix will be fully dilated and you will begin to push your baby out.
What happens in the third stage of childbirth?
During the last and final stage of childbirth, the placenta, which has acted as your baby’s life support system until now, will be delivered. It could take about 5 minutes to half and hour, in which time you will be expected to help expel the placenta by pushing when directed. You might experience mild contractions of about 60 seconds as the uterus squeezes out the placenta from the uterine wall and moves it down so that you can push it out.
What happens after the delivery of placenta?
Once it is delivered, your doctor might need to take care of any tears or lacerations that have happened during delivery or stitch up an epsiotomy.
What will I experience after this stage ends?
Some women experience chills and waves of hunger and thirst. You will get a heavy, bloody, vaginal discharge (lochia) like a menstrual flow. The worst is over. You now have your baby in your arms. Take pride in your accomplishment.
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