Labor, Birth, and Newborn Babies

Labor Labor is moving the child out of the uterus through the vagina by muscle contractions. Labor is moving the child out of the uterus through the vagina by muscle contractions. Delivery: The moment of birth- baby coming out. Delivery: The moment of birth- baby coming out.

Labor: Stage I Water breaking- membrane holding amniotic fluid- for many women this does not happen until after many contractions. Water breaking- membrane holding amniotic fluid- for many women this does not happen until after many contractions. Contractions- tightening and relaxing of the uterine muscle. Over time contractions last longer, feel stronger, and happen closer together. Contractions- tightening and relaxing of the uterine muscle. Over time contractions last longer, feel stronger, and happen closer together. Contractions open the cervix-dilate and thin it- called effacement. Contractions open the cervix-dilate and thin it- called effacement. As the cervix dilates and effaces(0-10cm) the baby moves lower into the pelvis. Transition happens when contractions are 2-3 minutes apart and dilation and effacement are complete. As the cervix dilates and effaces(0-10cm) the baby moves lower into the pelvis. Transition happens when contractions are 2-3 minutes apart and dilation and effacement are complete. This is the longest and most painful stage. It lasts from 5 hours to 30 hours This is the longest and most painful stage. It lasts from 5 hours to 30 hours

Labor: Stage II Baby comes out- Sometimes suction is needed to help the baby along. Baby comes out- Sometimes suction is needed to help the baby along. This stage lasts only a short amount of time (30min.- 2hrs.) This stage lasts only a short amount of time (30min.- 2hrs.) Ligament hat joins the bones of the pelvis stretch to allow the child to pass. Ligament hat joins the bones of the pelvis stretch to allow the child to pass. No pain medication can be given at this time. No pain medication can be given at this time. Baby’s skull is soft and has spaces in it so it will get smaller during birth. These are called fontanels. Baby’s skull is soft and has spaces in it so it will get smaller during birth. These are called fontanels.

Labor: Stage III Stage III lasts from 0 – 30 minutes Stage III lasts from 0 – 30 minutes Slight contractions begin after a few minutes. Slight contractions begin after a few minutes. The placenta is birthed. The placenta is birthed.

Cesarean Birth Delivery surgically, through abdomen Delivery surgically, through abdomen Many are performed while woman is awake, but she has had a strong epidural. Many are performed while woman is awake, but she has had a strong epidural. Coach is present with doctor’s permission. Coach is present with doctor’s permission.

Newborn Baby Mouth and nostrils are suctioned to remove fluid. Mouth and nostrils are suctioned to remove fluid. Once umbilical cord becomes limp, it is clamped and tied off. Once umbilical cord becomes limp, it is clamped and tied off. Open spaces in baby’s skull are called fontanels. 2 soft spots- Top of head, back of head. Don’t close completely until between 6 to 18 months old. Open spaces in baby’s skull are called fontanels. 2 soft spots- Top of head, back of head. Don’t close completely until between 6 to 18 months old.

Evaluation of Baby: Apgar Scale and other testing Method of determining physical condition. It evaluates breathing, pulse, muscle tone, color, and reflex to stimulation. Method of determining physical condition. It evaluates breathing, pulse, muscle tone, color, and reflex to stimulation. Apgar readings are done at 1 minute and 5 minutes. Apgar readings are done at 1 minute and 5 minutes. A score of 6-10 at 1 minute is normal. A score of 6-10 at 1 minute is normal. Low score indicates that baby needs medical attention. Low score indicates that baby needs medical attention. Silver nitrate (or other antibiotic) is put in the eyes to prevent infection. Silver nitrate (or other antibiotic) is put in the eyes to prevent infection.