1. Pregnancy to Birth

2. Overview The changing body Common discomforts of pregnancy
Anatomy of pregnancy
Gestational period
Preterm labour and birth
Fetal development
Stages of labour

3. The Changing Body
In early pregnancy, the body may not look very different, but it has already gone through several changes that may cause a woman to feel very different
High levels of pregnancy hormones are responsible for most of the changes that a woman’s body will go through

4. The Changing Body The curve of the waist is starting to disappear
The uterus is growing
Breasts are growing and changing in preparation for breastfeeding
A pregnant woman may start to feel
out-of-breath
The menstrual period will stop

5. Common Discomforts of Pregnancy
Increased frequency
of urination
Morning sickness
Headache
Increased vaginal secretions

6. Common Discomforts of Pregnancy
Breast tenderness/changes
Feeling faint
Feeling tired
Low back pain
Constipation

7. Common Discomforts of Pregnancy
Leg cramps
Heartburn
Hemorrhoids
Shortness of breath

8. Anatomy of Pregnancy
The growing baby has everything it needs to live within the uterus
Anatomy Animation 1:18 min

9. The Gestational Period
The 40 weeks of pregnancy are classified into 3 trimesters
First Trimester: Date of woman’s last menstrual cycle to 13 weeks (conception happens about 2 weeks after woman’s period begins)
About 85% of babies will arrive within one week before or one week after their due date
Second Trimester: weeks
Third Trimester: weeks

10. The Gestational Period

11. Preterm Labour and Birth
Preterm labour is labour that starts before 37 weeks of pregnancy
6% of all births in the Niagara Region are premature
Approximately 1 in 17 babies in Niagara are born too soon
Premature labour can happen to anyone
Krystal’s Story 3:38 min

12. Signs and Symptoms of Labour
Bad cramps or stomach pains that do not go away
(may actually be contractions)
Trickle or gush of fluid from your vagina may be amniotic fluid and indicate that your water has broken
Lower back pain/pressure, or a change in lower backache (may actually be contractions)
A feeling that the baby is pushing down

13. Signs and Symptoms of Labour
Contractions, or change in the strength or number of
them
Significant change in your baby’s movements
An increase in the amount of vaginal discharge
Some women may feel that “something is not right”
If you experience any of these symptoms before 37
weeks of pregnancy, seek medical attention

14. Your Body Preparing for Labour
Signs of labour may begin up to 3 or 4 weeks before actual labour takes place, or may not occur until just before. Some may not occur at all.
Examples of pre-labour include:
Bowel
Movements
Vaginal Discharge
Loss of Mucous Plug
Lightening
Energy Levels
Pink or Bloody Show
Braxton Hicks Contractions
Bwel Movements

15. True vs. False Labour True Labour False Labour
Contractions will not weaken or become further apart if you change positions
Contractions may weaken at times or stop if you change positions
Contractions will get LONGER, STRONGER and CLOSER TOGETHER
Contractions are irregular and never really settle into a pattern

16. Timing Contractions Contraction 1 minute Duration = 1 minute
Frequency = 3 minutes (from start of one to start of next)

17. When to go to the Hospital
When contractions are regular and 5 minutes apart
(and the hospital is less than 30 minutes away)
If contractions are 10 minutes apart and you live
farther than 30 minutes away
If you suspect your water has broken
If you are unsure, call the labour and delivery unit or
go to your local hospital

18. Stages of Labour 1st Stage Cervix thins and opens 2nd Stage
Pushing and birth
3rd Stage
Delivery of placenta

19. 1st Stage has 3 Phases Early Labour 4 - 9+ hours Active Labour
Transition
30 minutes - 2 hours

20. Phase 1: Early Labour Contractions Emotions: Happy,
Time: hours
Strength
30-40 sec
5-20 minutes
Emotions:
Happy,
Excited,
Some
anxiety
Cervical Dilation: 0-3 cm
3 cm

21. Phase 2:Active Labour Contractions Cervical Dilation: 4-7 cm
Time: hours (less usually for second baby)
Strength
45-60 sec
3-5 minutes
Cervical Dilation: 4-7 cm
Emotions: Serious, Focused
7 cm

22. Phase 3:Transition Phase
Contractions
Time: ½ hour - 2 hours
Strength
60-90 sec
2-3 minutes
Cervical Dilation: 8-10 cm
Emotions: Frustrated, Dependent
10 cm

23. 2nd Stage: Pushing and Birth
Contractions (there may be a lull before contractions restart)
Time: Up to 2 hours or more
Strength
60-90 sec
2-5 minutes
Emotions: Happy,
Relieved, Exhausted
Dilation:
Fully dilated/crowning

24. Pushing Positions
Positions 1:20 min

25. 3rd Stage: Delivery of Placenta
The placenta detaches
from the uterine wall
5-20 minutes after birth
You may feel a mild contraction as it detaches
Your healthcare provider will examine the placenta to ensure it has come away in one piece
Delivery of the placenta

26. Birthing Video
Christina’s Birth 11:22 min