Giving Birth

It is expected that after a given period, usually nine months a woman gives birth. Giving birth does not sound very simple; however, it only involves two processes which are labour and delivery. Usually, the delivery date is calculated from when you had your last cycle and 38 or 40 weeks are counted to arrive at the delivery date. Often, doctors add two weeks to cover the first two weeks of conception in which ovulation only occurs. There are signs you see when your due day is near. These signs are known as labour signs. They are:

Baby Depression

Baby Depression is also known as a baby drop. The baby’s head descends to the pelvis region from the last two or four weeks before delivery. During this period, you make more frequent visits to the toilet.

Cervical Dilation

The cervix begins to open and thin out often in readiness for childbirth. Dilation process may be slow but ensure to check in with your doctor.

Pains

The pain increases as the day of labour approaches. Labour pains are as a result of your joints and muscles stretching in readiness for delivery. The joint connected to the pelvis become more relaxed to pave the way for the baby.

Stool

As the muscles in your body, especially in the rectum relax, you feel more urge to use the toilet. Many are scared and have listed this on their list of complaints; however, it is very typical to experience diarrhoea in your last trimester.

Weight Loss

As the delivery day draws near, you may experience weight loss due to frequent waste dispersal and increased activity. You might also experience a burst of energy or extreme fatigue.

Vaginal Discharge

The Uterus breaks its cork, and you may have a frequent vaginal discharge which usually appears thick. Also, it is no problem if you do not see any because some experience this change only on delivery day.

Contractions

Contractions begin a few days or months before the original birth date. It comes and goes. However, there are fake contractions, and there are real ones you experience when your labour becomes active. The real contractions do not go away regardless of positions, and it progresses with time.

Water Breaks

Unlike the common belief, water break does not automatically means you are in labour but is one of the last signs experienced before delivery.

There may be many other symptoms, and not all are normal; hence you are advised to be on the phone with your doctor any time you notice an unusual change.

You can manage labour pains by taking showers, acupressure, occupying your mind with what makes you happy or taking slow breaths.

What Happens in the Labour Room?

In the labour room, you are well settled in the room, and a monitor is connected to the belly to monitor the baby’s heart rate. Once contractions and dilation are confirmed to be a satisfactory rate, you are admitted, and a family member may be permitted to be there with you. Every other thing depends on your birthing method. The standard process involves pushing hard until the baby’s head pops out.

Read articles below for information on different birth methods and birth trauma.