Birth!

Signs of Labor Methods of Childbirth Childbirth Medications Stages of Labor Neonatal Care The Effects of Birth Postpartum Period

Final Preparations Mother will have weekly checkups as she nears her due date. Ultra sounds will be done to check that the baby is in position Pack a bag!

Signs of Labor Approaching Labor Labor Begins

Signs of Labor Approaching Labor Pre-labor contractions – False labor Braxton-Hicks Contractions may begin as early as week 20 Lightening Baby moves position and relieves pressure Passage of Mucus Plug Gel substance that seals the cervix

Signs of Labor Labor Begins Water Breaks – Passage of Fluid True Contractions Contractions are pains felt during labor when the muscles of the uterus tense.

Methods of Childbirth Traditional Childbirth Family-Centered Childbirth Lamaze Method – mother in control Leboyer Method – minimize trauma for infant Cesarean Delivery

Childbirth Medications General Anesthetics Regional Anesthetics Epidural Local Anesthetics Episiotomy

Stages of Labor Dilation Stage Delivery Stage Afterbirth Stage

Stages of Labor Dilation Stage Expand the cervix Normally less than a centimeter wide During labor cervix will dilate to 10 Each contraction cause the cervix to dilate more Once mother reaches 7-8 cm, transition phase Most painful part of pregnancy Water should be broken at this point Longest stage of labor, 8-20 hours Shortens with additional children

Stages of Labor Delivery Stage Cervix has reached full dilation Lasts typically 30 minutes – 2 hours Time to Push! Crowning, first view of baby’s head Episiotomy? After head appears, doctor will rotate baby Routine care or skin-skin contact

Stages of Labor Afterbirth Stage Final Stage of Labor Lasts 10-20 minutes Expels the afterbirth, placenta Doctor checks to ensure its whole Apgar Test Newborn evaluation

Neonatal Care Neonate = newborn, birth to one month Umbilical cord cut Vernix is washed off Id band

Neonatal Care Newborn Screening Tests The Brazelton Score Blood tests Movement, reflexes, responses, and general state Blood tests Anemia, PKU (phenylketonuria) Eye drops Prevent any STI-related eye infections

Neonatal Care Emergency Care Premature Birth, before week 35 Low Birth weight Drug Addiction Low Apgar Test Serious Health Condition

Neonatal Care Circumcision Removal of male’s foreskin Religious reasons Health reasons Uncircumcised males: smegma Reduces likelihood of cancer

The Effects of Birth Bonding – A Critical Experience What promotes bonding Delays in Bonding Handling Negative Feelings Unplanned/unwanted pregnancy Medical problems Depressions stress

Postpartum Period Lasts about six weeks after birth Going Home Moving around helps speed recovery Shrinking of uterus Heavy bleeding, similar to menstrual period will last for a week or more Going Home Normal birth, a day C-Section, 3 days