When your cervix has opened all the way, the baby starts moving down the birth canal. Usually it comes head first. You will feel an urge to push, or bear down. It can feel like the urge to move your bowels. Tell your doctor or nurse when you start to feel this way.
Generally, in early labor should try not to bear down each time you have a contraction. You should try to relax between contractions. After the cervix dilates all the way, you will be told when to push and when not to push. To avoid pushing, you need to control your breathing. Even if you did not take a childbirth class or learn special breathing techniques, the nurse will help you. As the baby moves down the birth canal, your doctor or nurse keeps track of the progress and will tell you how to help it along. If necessary, an episiotomy may be done to prevent tears in the perineum. When the baby’s head can be seen at the opening of the vagina, it is called crowing.
The baby’s head will be born first. After the head comes out, the baby’s body turns so that first one shoulder and then the other appears. After the shoulders come out, the rest of the baby’s body follows quickly.
Just after birth, your doctor or nurse will hold the baby with his or her head lowered to help keep amniotic fluid, mucus, and blood from getting into the lungs. Sometimes the baby is placed on your abdomen or thigh while these fluids drain. The baby’s mouth and nose may be suctioned with a small bulb syringe. You and your baby are still attached by the umbilical cord. The cord will then be cut and the placenta delivered. Your uterus will be massaged to keep it firm and hard. Your vagina, cervix, and perineum will be examined. If you had an episiotomy, it will be repaired now, along with any tears that may have occurred.
The baby will then be dried and wrapped in blankets; he or she may also be warmed with heat lamps or a heated bassinet. Drops or ointment to prevent infection will be put into the baby’s eyes, and identification bands will be placed on you and the baby before you leave the delivery room. The baby’s handprints and footprints may also be taken.
To check the health of your newborn, a method called the Apgar score is used.
Unless you or your baby is having medical problems, you will probably be able to hold the baby. If you decided to breast-feed, you may be able to start at this time. Some babies want to nurse right away, although others do not. It is a very rewarding feeling for you and your partner to be close to your baby just after birth.
Recent Comments