How to prepare for a safe delivery ? Dr. Abeer Abdul Azeem MS, MRCOG Al Omooma Hospital Riggae – Kuwait

. INTRODUCTION Pregnancy is time to be happy, healthy and stress free. As women near the ninth month, they start to feel the pressure in body and mind and worries about the delivery. It is important here to note that labour and delivery is the end of pregnancy and beginning of new life.

. HOW TO PLAN A SUCCESSFUL DELIVERY Best Antenatal Care – The Key for Successful delivery ANC play and important role to achieve a successful labour and delivery process. Regular ANC classes help in the physical and mental preparation of women and help them relax during those last months

. ROLE OF ANTENATAL CARE - ANC 1. To ensure maternal and foetal well being Regular visits to the doctor during the pregnancy is aimed to ensure that the health of the pregnant woman and the growing foetus is well maintained. When all stays well and proper care is taken, the pregnancy is generally low- risk.

. ROLE OF ANTENATAL CARE - ANC If any abnormality develops during the pregnancy or if there are any pre existing factors then it becomes a high risk pregnancy. The abnormalities that may develop during the pregnancy includes : 1.Increased blood Pressure, 2. Diabetes, and 3.Growth Restriction of the foetus. The pre existing risk factors includes previous CS and pelvic abnormalities.

. ROLE OF ANC 2. To prepare for the labour, delivery and post partum period Normal labour and delivery depends on good physical and mental preparation during the antenatal period. The pregnant woman is taught good breathing exercise and relaxation techniques and muscle toning exercises In order to relieve anxiety and fear, knowledge should be given about the labour and the delivery process. This includes a clear understanding of what to expect in labour, ways of monitoring the labour, options for pain relief and the mode of delivery.

. NORMAL LABOUR At about 36 weeks gestation the mode of delivery should be discussed with your doctor. If decision is taken to proceed with normal labour and vaginal delivery then regular visits are continued till labour starts. This weekly visits ensure that all is well and thus it is important to feel good foetal movements during this time. You will also feel contractions and pain intermittently. But these are just warm up labour pains.

. ONSET OF NORMAL LABOUR The start of labour happens with one of the following 1.Abdominal pain and contractions 2.Leakage of clear water 3.Blood stained mucous discharge In any of the above, if you are unsure, it is the best to contact your doctor for guidance

. WHAT TO DO AT HOME WHEN LABOUR BEGINS 1.Get ready to travel to hospital 2.Do not take heavy meal. Liquids is the best form of intake as it avoid rehydration 3.If possible take rest and lie down on your LEFT side When awake it is good to move around as it help the baby’s head to push against the neck of the womb and improve the contractions

. STAGES OF LABOUR There is 3 stages for a labour: First stage : from the onset of labour to the full dilation of the neck of the womb Second Stage: from the full dilation to the delivery of the baby Third stage: from delivery of baby to delivery of the placenta and membrane

. If approached in an ill – prepared manner, it is unlikely to be a positive experience. Hence it is important to take utmost care and proper preparation. The first labour and delivery is the most challenging and subsequent ones become relatively easier on the most occasions.

Dr. Abeer Abdul Azeem Al Omooma Hospital- Riggae, Kuwait Thank you