Chapter 14: Labor and Delivery Kelsey Finchum

What to be concerned about? “Bloody show” which is a sign of cervix dilation, usually the color is light pink or brown, if red you should call a doctor Membrane rupture is when there is a lot of amniotic fluid leaking, you should call doctor Induction of labor (speeds up labor) Past due pregnancy Mother has diabetes or a chronic illness

Questions If you ever have any questions it is always important that you call your doctor, better safe then sorry. Always call a doctor if you believe you are having or feeling irregular contractions In order to avoid back problems, keep large amounts of pressure off your back. You can also apply a hot or cold compress to areas of pain

Emergency Labor if you’re alone tips Remain calm Call 911 ASAP Find a neighbor or anyone that can help Breathe heavily in order to abstain from pushing If help is on the way, remain as calm as possible and wait until they can get to you

Tips/ Info Eat healthier, drink plenty of water after/when you are pregnant. It is important that you as a mother stay healthy in order to keep the baby healthy Always make sure you have scheduled checkups and doctor appointments after being pregnant Try to keep stress at the minimum, having stress can make the pregnancy feel less comfortable

Stages of Childbirth: 1 Labor is the first stage of childbirth. A woman will start to feel more contractions, have a backache, menstrual like cramps or a bloody show. It will depend on the woman's body, some women may have 2 or more symptoms. Make sure you try to remain calm and relax as much as possible Try to sleep if possible Make yourself comfortable (relaxation techs) Eat a light snack if you’re feeling hungry Remember to urinate frequently

Stages of Childbirth: 2 The second stage of Childbirth is Pushing and Delivery. A woman will start to feel a overwhelming to push (not every woman). A woman may also feel a burst of energy or fatigue What you can do is get into a pushing position(depends on what is comfortable for woman) Make sure to give all the effort you can Relax your body, rest between contractions

Stages of Childbirth: 3 The third stage of Childbirth is delivery of the placenta or the afterbirth. The woman will usually feel extremely fatigued or have the burst energy Hold your baby if possible Help expel placenta or afterbirth Thank the doctor or coach (whoever helped the pregnancy)

Additional Facts The vagina will return to close to its original size after the child birth Always call the doctor will questions, even after you have given birth Remaining calm and relaxed during the pregnancy Helping to maintain the healthiest baby as possible (diet, no drugs or alcohol)