Birth Process

The Uterus Gestation- The period of development in the uterus from conception until birth; pregnancy The uterus is made up of muscle cells Throughout the mothers pregnancy, muscle cells in the uterus increase in size and number The uterus continually grows during the pregnancy. It starts off about the size of a fist then grows to be as large as a small watermelon

During Pregnancy In the months leading up to birth, the babies head penetrates into the mothers pelvis The mother will gain weight during the pregnancy. She will also experience mood swings

Signs of Labor The mother will feel pains in her abdomen caused by contractions Contractions come at regular intervals and last seconds, as time goes on the intervals become closer.

Labor The Amniotic sac surrounding the mothers baby may tear naturally to let the baby pass through, “Breaking of the water” is just another way to say it. Dilating is when the mothers cervix starts to widen to get ready to deliver. When a women reaches 5 centimeters its considered the early stages of labor. From 5 centimeters to 7 centimeters is the beginning of active labor. From 7 centimeters to 10 centimeters a woman is near to having her baby.

Vaginal Birth and Cesarean Section Vaginal birth means the baby is delivered through the birth canal and exits out the vagina. Cesarean Section(C-Section) is when the baby is delivered through an incision in the mothers abdomen and uterus. A C-Section is usually scheduled to happen if the mother is pregnant with more then one baby It is also done when there is a complication.

During Birth Epidural Anesthesia is a pain reliever, it stops the mother from feeling anything during the process of delivering.

During Delivery When the baby is being born, the head must come out first to make the delivery smoother. Once the baby is delivered the umbilical cord is the only thing attaching the baby to its mother. An umbilical cord is a cord connecting the embryo or fetus to the placenta of the mother to transport nourishment.

Procedures After the Baby is Born When the baby is born, it nose and mouth must be suctioned out so he/she doesn’t choke on the remaining fluids It is very important that the baby is warm and dry, because they don’t have the ability to control their temperature Skin to skin contact is a good way to keep your baby warm and bond at the same time.

MEET JACK!

Jack’s First and Second Week of Life! Jack’s immature eyes can only focus about 8 to 10 inches from his face. It is normal for him to be sleepy for the first few days Jack has been through a traumatic experience and is now facing the changes from being in the womb to the outside world.

Jack’s Third and Fourth Week of Life! Expect him to be in a curled up position, that’s what he was used to while he was in his mothers uterus. His hands will remain tightly clenched His eyesight is still immature. Jack is still getting used to life outside the womb so you may notice occasional muscle twitches. He will be able to lift his head but not very high and only for a quick second. Allow him to dictate when he needs to eat and sleep.    

Jack’s Fifth and Sixth Week of Life! Jack has just adjusted to life outside the womb Expect him to be more interactive He might start making small sounds or wet throat sounds.

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