The day you've been waiting for for months is almost here. You're probably crossing your fingers for the day your little one will come into this world. While the whole journey is so beautiful, it's normal to feel a little curious and a little scared. So, today we'll talk about what to expect from the moment you start to feel the urge to have a baby until the first few days with your new baby.
What are the signs that the start of the rainy season is near?
No one can say exactly when you will have your baby. The 'due date' your doctor gives you is just an approximation. It is very common for labor to start three weeks before or two weeks after that date. If you are experiencing the symptoms below, it means that you are not long before delivery.
| Sign | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Lightening | This is when the baby's head is getting ready to be born and is moving down into your pelvis. Your belly may look a little lower. It may also feel easier to breathe as the pressure on your lungs decreases. However, you may need to go to the toilet more often as the baby is pressing on your bladder. |
| Bloody show | This is the shedding of the mucus plug that protects the cervix from infection. It can be seen as a pink to brown discharge. This can happen a few days before or right after your period starts. |
| Diarrhea | If you experience frequent loose stools, that could also be a sign that menopause is approaching. |
| Rupture of the membranes (Ruptured membranes) | If you suddenly feel watery or a watery liquid leaking from your vagina, it means that the protective amniotic sac around your baby has ruptured. If this happens , you should go to the hospital immediately . Most of the time, labor will start within 24 hours. If it doesn't, your doctor may try to induce labor to prevent infection. |
| Contractions | These are contractions of the uterine muscles. Sometimes false contractions (Braxton Hicks) can occur. But if contractions occur continuously, at intervals of less than 10 minutes, and gradually increase in intensity , that is the main sign that real labor has begun. |
The three main stages of labor
Childbirth is generally divided into three main stages. The length of time each mother goes through these stages may vary. So don't worry.
Stage 1
This is the longest stage. It is also divided into three more parts.
- Latent phase: In this stage, the contractions are not as severe. But they gradually increase. During this stage, the cervix is gradually opening (dilating) to make way for the baby to come out. If your contractions are regular, you may be admitted to the hospital during this stage.
- Active phase: This is when your cervix is beginning to dilate rapidly. You may feel a sharp pain or pressure in your back or abdomen with each contraction. You may feel the urge to push, but wait until your doctor tells you to.
- Transition phase: At this point, the cervix is 10 centimeters, meaning it is fully dilated. The contractions are very strong, painful, and frequent. They may come every 3-4 minutes and last about 60-90 seconds.
Stage 2
This stage begins when your cervix is fully dilated. This is when your doctor will tell you to "push." Your pushing and the force of your contractions will help bring your baby down the birth canal. The baby's head has delicate spots (fontanels) that make it easier for him to pass through this narrow passage.
When the widest part of the baby's head comes out at the vaginal opening, we call it crowning. Once the baby's head is out, the doctor will remove any excess fluid, blood, and mucus from the baby's nose and mouth. Then, as you continue to push, the baby's shoulders and body will come out.
Once the baby is fully born, the doctor or your partner (if you have requested it in advance) will cut and clip the umbilical cord. It is one of the most beautiful moments of your life.
Stage 3
After you deliver your baby, you enter the final stage of labor. This is when the placenta, which has provided nourishment to the baby inside the womb, comes out.
Remember, every birth is different. The time it takes to go through these stages varies. If it's your first baby, it can usually take about 12-14 hours. This time will be much shorter for second and third babies.
What can be done for the pain of arthritis?
Just like the length of labor, the amount of pain experienced varies from person to person. Things like the baby's position, size, and strength of contractions can affect the pain. While some mothers can manage pain with breathing exercises and relaxation techniques, others need other methods.
Pain management with medications
There are several types of medications used to relieve pain. These are largely safe for both mother and baby. There are two main types of painkillers :
- Analgesics: These only reduce pain without completely eliminating sensation.
- Anesthetics: These eliminate all sensation, including pain.
Epidural blocks (or spinal blocks ) are very popular these days. These numb the lower part of your body and greatly reduce pain. You can discuss this with your doctor beforehand.
Non-Drug Options
Pain can be reduced through things like acupuncture, hypnosis, breathing techniques, and comfortable positions. Even if you choose one of these methods, you have the right to request pain medication at any time during labor.
What happens to your body after having a baby?
Just like before and after having a baby, your body goes through a lot of changes.
Physically you may experience these things:
- Pain at the site of the stitches: To make it easier for the baby to come out, the doctor may make a small cut (episiotomy) in the area between the vagina and the anus (perineum). Or the area may tear on its own. The stitches in these areas can cause pain when walking, sitting, coughing, or sneezing.
- Breast pain: During the first few days of lactation, your breasts may become swollen, hard, and painful. Your nipples may also hurt.
- Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins around the anus are common after pregnancy.
- Constipation: Stitches, hemorrhoids, and muscle pain can make it difficult to have a bowel movement for a few days.
- Fever and chills: Changes in hormone levels and blood flow can cause you to sweat one moment and shiver the next.
- Difficulty controlling urine or stool: Due to the muscles that were stretched during childbirth, you may leak some urine when you laugh or cough. This will go away after a while.
- "After pains": You may feel a slight cramping sensation for a few days as your uterus shrinks back to its original size. This may be more noticeable when you are breastfeeding.
- Vaginal discharge (Lochia): After giving birth, there is a heavier flow of blood than during menstruation. Over time, this changes to a white or yellow color and stops completely within two months.
Mentally, in the days or weeks after having a baby, you may experience the "baby blues," which are feelings of irritability, sadness, and even crying. This affects up to 80% of new mothers. It's common for this to occur with hormonal changes, stress, and new responsibilities.
However, if this sadness and anxiety continues, be sure to tell your doctor about it . Because it could be a more serious condition called ``Postpartum depression.'' There is treatment for it.
Take-Home Message
- If you see signs of labor starting (water breaking, regular pain that lasts less than 10 minutes), don't panic and go to the hospital.
- Every mother's birth is different. The time it takes is different. Don't compare yourself to others.
- Talk to your doctor beforehand about your options for pain control (such as an epidural).
- After having a baby, there are many changes in your body and mind. Most of these are temporary.
- Although the "baby blues" are common, if sadness and anxiety persist for more than two weeks, it is important to seek medical advice.
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