Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular contractions that prepare your body
for true labor. They slow down when you move or walk around and are not as
painful as true contractions. Braxton Hicks labor contractions are felt more in
your abdomen. True labor contractions may be felt more in the back.
Before the onset of labor and delivery your body will give you signs that
full blown labor is about to begin. One of the signs of labor is "Lightening"
which is when your abdomen seems to drop thus the term. Your baby moves into
position for birth. Indigestion will not be as apparent in labor.
Another of the labor signs is the release of the mucous plug. As the cervix
begins to dilate or open up, there will be a mucous discharge. It may be tinges
with blood or be pinkish in color. If you notice any bright red discharge call
your health care provider immediately! You could be bleeding which could be a
life threatening condition.
Just before labor begins you may experience "nesting", a sudden urge to clean
or a burst of energy.
All of the above conditions can occur days or week before labor and indicate
that labor is imminent.
Your membranes may rupture. When this happens you may feel a gush of fluid
coming from your vagina. Call your health care provider immediately. You are in
true labor. You'll need to be monitored as infection can set in causing danger
to your baby. If you think you are too early to delivery it will be too late to
stop the labor. Labor contractions will increase in frequency and pain after the
rupture of the amniotic sac. With most women this does not occur until they are
about to deliver.
Stage I of Childbirth
Famous Quote: "I don't know nothing 'bout birthing no babies". Where was it
from?
Early Labor
Early labor is exciting at first as you realize that it is now time to have
your baby and that childbirth is imminent. It is the longest part of labor and
the easiest. Your cervix will dilate to four centimeters during this period.
Contractions will last between 30 and 60 seconds and be 5 to 10 minutes apart.
When you think you are in labor call your health care provider. The early stage
of labor may last from 2 to 10 hours. You'll be instructed not to eat just in
case an emergency cesarean section is needed.
Active Labor
During Active Labor you will dilate from 4 to 8 centimeters. Your
contractions will be about 45 seconds in length and be about 2 minutes apart. As
time goes on you will want to focus on what you are doing and become increasing
irritable. This is the stage when nasty things are normally said to a partner.
You mind is on childbirth or "getting your baby out!".
Transition
This is your shortest but most intense phase of labor. Your contractions will
last from 45 to 60 seconds and be 1 to 2 minutes apart. Your baby will be here
soon. Don't be surprised to hear a groan come out of your mouth. It happens to
most women and is quite normal during childbirth. You may have uncontrollable
trembling or feel cold. You may feel like you want to vomit. You are less
concerned about modesty at this point. You may feel a loss of control over the
situation or feel like you can't take another contraction. If offered medication
you are most likely to take it.
Before the onset of labor and delivery your body will give you signs that
full blown labor is about to begin. One of the signs of labor is "Lightening"
which is when your abdomen seems to drop thus the term. Your baby moves into
position for birth. Indigestion will not be as apparent in labor.
Another of the labor signs is the release of the mucous plug. As the cervix
begins to dilate or open up, there will be a mucous discharge. It may be tinges
with blood or be pinkish in color. If you notice any bright red discharge call
your health care provider immediately! You could be bleeding which could be a
life threatening condition.
Just before labor begins you may experience "nesting", a sudden urge to clean
or a burst of energy.
All of the above conditions can occur days or week before labor and indicate
that labor is imminent.
Your membranes may rupture. When this happens you may feel a gush of fluid
coming from your vagina. Call your health care provider immediately. You are in
true labor. You'll need to be monitored as infection can set in causing danger
to your baby. If you think you are too early to delivery it will be too late to
stop the labor. Labor contractions will increase in frequency and pain after the
rupture of the amniotic sac. With most women this does not occur until they are
about to deliver.
Stage II of Labor
At this stage your cervix is completely dilated and effaced. You may here the
doctor say that you are 100% effaced and 10 centimeters dilated (approx. 4
inches). Contractions are between 3 and 5 minutes apart and last between 1 to 1
1/2 minutes. This is called the pushing stage. When you feel like pushing be
sure to let the nurse or health care professional know immediately so that they
can get everything ready. Don't push until your health care professional tells
you to push. Your baby is pushed through the birth canal at this stage. The
pushing can be short or take up to 2 hours depending on how many children you
have had before. When your baby comes through the birth canal your doctor may
ask you to stop pushing. This is necessary as he may have to clean out the
baby's airways before continuing. Your baby is here. The cord is clamped and
cut.
Stage III of Labor
The placenta is delivered during this stage. Contractions will continue. Your
nurse may push on your abdomen to help expel the placenta or your health care
professional may ask you to push once more. He or she will examine it to make
sure that is intact.
It's certainly exciting to "watch" your baby grow as you progress
through your pregnancy. And it's just as important to know what these
changes mean and to track the changes that are happening with your
baby and inside your own
body.
There are three stages of pregnancy called trimesters:
First Trimester The first trimester of pregnancy lasts for three and a half
months or 14 weeks. During this stage of pregnancy you may experience
the dreaded morning sickness (which can occur anytime during the day
and sore and enlarged breasts. During this stage it's vital that you
get enough vitamins, minerals and nutrients as they are essential for
growth and development. It's a good idea to consult with your health
care provider to determine what is best for you.
Nutrition and Exercise
2200 calories/day
Well balanced, healthy diets with adequate fiber promotes baby’s
growth and mother’s energy and comfort
Take prenatal vitamins as prescribed
Avoid the use of alcohol and tobacco
Small, more frequent meals may help a nauseous woman get good
nutrition
Many women can continue to exercise regularly.
Daily exercise that suits your level of fitness can help decrease
fatigue and stress
Discuss your exercise habits with your health care provider
Avoid overheating and maintain good hydration during exercise
Second Trimester This second stage of pregnancy lasts until the end of the
seventh month and is many times the easiest stage of pregnancy as most
women will start to regain some of their energy. During this stage
your stomach will begin to expand and those around you will start to
notice that you are pregnant. At this time any feelings of morning
sickness should dissipate, although some women may continue to
experience it (usually to a lesser extent). At this point you may also
feel your baby beginning to kick and move. If you wish, you can find
out whether you are having a girl or boy.
Nutrition and Exercise
2500 calories/day
Continue to maintain a well balanced diet with plenty of fiber
Continue to take prenatal vitamins if prescribed
Continue to avoid the use of alcohol
Modify your exercise regimen if needed to protect weight bearing
joints, back and abdominal muscles
Take care with lifting and carrying
Third Trimester As you enter into the final trimester of your pregnancy you
may notice that you feel more sensitive, emotional and anxious. Be
rest assured, these feelings are very natural. It's common to begin
worrying about about what kind of mother you are going to be. Many
times, the increased size and weight of your baby can cause increased
pain (often in your back), making you feel more uncomfortable and
anxious.
Nutrition and Exercise
2500 calories
You may need to resume small frequent feedings to prevent heartburn
Continue prenatal vitamins as prescribed
Continue to avoid the use of alcohol
Adequate hydration and avoiding overheating are important to protect
the baby and you
Further modify your exercise regimen as needed to protect muscles
and joints
Shortness of breath is common on exertion-You may need to reduce the
intensity of your exercise regimen if you are becoming too winded
Stretch and tone to prepare for childbirth
Tracking Fetal Development
Fetal Development
Fetal Organs
First Month (Embryo)
Vital organs are forming and the brain and beginning of the
spine are evident.
Fifth Week
Heart begins to beat and circulate blood; arm and led buds
emerge; brain, spinal cord, and nervous system are established.
Sixth Week
Digestive system is forming and arms and legs begin to grow.
Seventh Week
The umbilical cord joins the embryo to the placenta; long bones
and internal organs are developing.
Second Month
(Fetus)
Human face, arms, legs, fingers, toes, elbows, knees, eyelids
and bone cells are forming.
Twelfth Week
Sex is distinguishable; fingers and toes are moving; teeth buds
are present and the kidney and bladder form. Baby is 2-4" long and
weighs an once or two.
Sixteenth Week
Baby moves and kicks, sleeps and wakes, swallows; hair forms,
digestion becomes active; fetus is pick in color and has a large.
20 Weeks
Spurt in baby's growth; internal organs are maturing; hair,
eyebrows and lashes are present; baby increases storage of iron.
Baby is 8-12" long and weighs 1/2 pound.
24 Weeks
Baby's skin is wrinkled; covered by lanugo and vernix; and baby
has an audible heartbeat.
28 Weeks
Most rapid growth; red and wrinkled; eyelids can open and close;
baby storing large amounts of calcium and iron; fetus has a chance
of surviving if born. Baby is 15" long and weighs 3 pounds.
32 Weeks
Weight gain and rapid growth; settles in favorite position;
valuable fat increases.
36 Weeks
Baby gains 1/2 pound per week; bones of head are soft and
flexible; baby has developed immunities. Baby is 18" long and weighs
6 pounds.
Birth
38-42 Weeks
Organs developed; respiratory system is mature.
Changes in Your Body
Besides the obvious change in appearance, there are many changes that will
happen during your pregnancy–both physically and emotionally. We don't want
you to be alarmed by these paind and discomforts, so we will explain them here
as well as offer some suggestions for relief.
Nausea (morning sickness)
Early in pregnancy, many women get morning sickness. This is a feeling of
being nauseated (feels like you want to throw up) and can include some
vomiting. Even though it is called morning sickness, some women may feel sick
at different times of the day.
What to do:
Eat saltine crackers, pretzels, or dry toast before getting out of bed.
Wait for 15 minutes before getting out of bed.
East smaller, but more frequent meals.
Avoid spicy, greasy foods.
Constipation
Constipation (hard bowel movements) also may develop during pregnancy.
What to do:
Drink plenty of fluids (eight to ten large glasses of water and juice).
Eat foods high in fiber like salads, bran cereal, whole wheat bread,
fruits and vegetables, to prevent this problem or relieve it if it
develops.
Daily exercise also can help prevent constipation.
Backache and Leg Pains
As your baby grows, your muscles stretch, causing strain on your back.
What to do:
Wear flat shoes when walking.
Use a straight-backed chair when sitting.
Place a pillow behind your back when sitting or lying down.
Have someone massage your back or legs.
Use warm heat like heating pad or warm water.
Sleep on a firm mattress.
Avoid heavy lifting.
When lifting, bend from your knees, not from your waist.
Contact your health care provider for helpful exercises.
Emotional Changes
During pregnancy, your hormones are changing. This may cause you to experience
ups and downs. You may feel excited, tired, worried, or like you need to talk
about everything that is happening to you.
What to do:
Talk about how you are feeling with others.
Let your health care provider know how you are feeling.
Do some activities that you really enjoy.
Remember that having a baby is a very personal experience. Everyone may have
different kinds of feelings. If you are concerned about how you feel, please
talk about it with your health care provider.
Heartburn
Heartburn feels like a burning sensation in your throat. As your baby
grows, your digestion slows down. Also, toward the end of pregnancy, the
growing uterus puts pressure on the stomach. This can cause heartburn.
What to do:
Eat frequent, but smaller meals.
Avoid hot, spicy goods.
Eat slowly.
Eat solid foods first. Save liquids for after the meal.
Sit and sleep with your head elevated.
Avoid lying down right after a meal.
Take antacids, if necessary. Check with your health care provider about
how much to use if you require antacids.
Hemorrhoids (Piles)
Hemorrhoids may be caused by straining with a bowel movement, or by pressure
on your rectum for the growing baby.
What to do:
Exercise.
Avoid constipation.
Apply witch hazel compresses.
Take warm tub baths to soothe the affected area.
Talk with your health care provider about other treatments, if these
steps do not help.
Feeling Short of Breath
You may feel short of breath as the baby grows and fills up your abdomen.
This puts pressure on your diaphragm, a muscle in your chest.
What to do:
Elevate your head when sleeping.
Rest when out of breath.
If your symptoms are not relieved by these suggestions, call your health
care provider.
Feeling Tired
Most women feel tired during the early and later weeks of pregnancy.
What to do:
Eat a proper diet.
Avoid becoming over tired. Get help at home from friends and relatives.
Get regular exercise.
Take frequent rest periods.
Urinary Frequency
As the baby grows larger, your bladder will hold less and less urine.
What to do:
You will need to urinate more frequently.
If you have burning or pain during urination, please contact your health
care provider.
Continue to drink lots if fluids (eight to ten glasses of water or juice
a day). This is good for your baby.
Vaginal Discharge
A vaginal discharge occurs normally during pregnancy, because of hormonal
changes. A yellow or cheesy white discharge that is accompanied by itching or
burning is not normal and needs to be reported to you health care provider.
What to do:
Wear cotton underpants.
Do not douche or use anything to clean your vagina on the inside.
Keep the outside area clean with regular baths or showers.
Do not use any powders, perfumes, or soaps in your vaginal area.
Report any discharge that is continuous, has an odor (smells bad), or is
yellow or cheesy white and is accompanied by itching or burning, to your
health care provider.
Swelling in Your Hands and Feet
Some mild swelling may occur from the increased weight of the baby and
hormonal changes.
What to do:
When sitting, elevate your legs. Rest on your left side.
Do not wear a girdle or garters.
Get regular exercise.
Avoid eating too many salty foods. Fast foods and prepared mixes tend to
have higher levels of salt.
Report any increase in swelling to your health care provider.
