Labor and Birth
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Labor and Birth When to Call Your Doctor Other Health Concerns Call your doctor or midwife right away if you experience any of these health issues: Preeclampsia A decrease in the baby’s movement Preeclampsia is a serious condition related More than four contractions in one hour to high blood pressure that can happen after the 20th week of pregnancy. A Any bright red bleeding from your vagina woman has preeclampsia when she has (like a period) high blood pressure along with signs of Leaking fluid from your vagina (a gush or liver or kidney damage. It usually develops a trickle) during pregnancy, but it can occur after Vaginal discharge that suddenly increases delivery. Women with preeclampsia can in amount or becomes mucousy, watery sometimes have seizures. This is called or bloody eclampsia and is a medical emergency. Severe menstrual-like cramping A constant dull ache or pressure in your Mental and low back Emotional Wellness Severe dizziness Perinatal mood disorders, which include Pain or burning with urination depression and anxiety, can occur during Painful, red, or swollen area on your leg or after your pregnancy. It can affect any Severe nausea or vomiting woman of any age, education level, culture or income. Mild mood changes during Fever of 100.4° F or more pregnancy and in the postpartum period If you fall or have an injury to your are common, but if these feelings become abdomen severe, get help. Call your healthcare provider if you have Talk to your doctor or midwife if you any signs of preeclampsia: have symptoms of depression or anxiety. Vision changes, such as spots or blurred, You can also contact: tunnel or double vision POEM — Mental Health for Moms Frequent or persistent headaches poemonline.org or 614-315-8989 Pain or tenderness in your stomach, Mount Carmel Moms' Line especially in the upper right section 614-898-MOMS (6667) Call 911 if you have: Net Care Access (Crisis Line) 614-276-2273 Chest pain or trouble breathing A seizure Heavy bleeding that won't stop This book is intended to Thoughts of harming yourself or others provide general information Any other medical emergency and should not replace your doctor’s advice. 2 Table of Contents Preparing for Labor ............................................................................................................................4 When to Go to the Hospital .........................................................................................................................................4 How to Time Your Contractions ................................................................................................................................4 Options to Discuss with Your Doctor or Midwife ..............................................................................................................................................5 Packing for the Hospital ...............................................................................................................................................5 How Your Body Prepares for Labor ...........................................................................................................................6 Signs of Labor ................................................................................................................................................................7 Preterm Labor and Birth ..............................................................................................................................................7 About Labor and Birth ......................................................................................................................8 Stages of Labor ...............................................................................................................................................................8 Checking Your Baby's Health During Labor .............................................................................................................9 Support During Labor ..................................................................................................................................................9 Comfort Measures .......................................................................................................................................................10 Labor Positions ............................................................................................................................................................11 Medical Interventions .................................................................................................................................................12 Birth and Postpartum Doulas ................................................................................................... 14 What is a Doula? .........................................................................................................................................................14 Cesarean Birth .................................................................................................................................... 15 Ways to Reduce the Chance of Cesarean Birth .......................................................................................................15 After the Birth of Your Baby .................................................................................................... 16 What to Expect After Birth ........................................................................................................................................16 Childbirth Terms ................................................................................................................................ 17 3 Preparing for Labor This book contains information that can help Even if you are not having regular you learn about labor and childbirth. Although contractions, call your doctor or midwife this can help you prepare, it is important to right away if you: keep in mind that every pregnancy and birth is Leak fluid from your vagina different. Your individual health and medical history will impact your birth experience. Have any bright red bleeding from your Talk with your doctor or midwife to get vagina (like a period) personalized answers about your care. Are unable to walk or talk during contractions When to Go to the Hospital If you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and are having contractions, drink water and lay My Doctor’s/Midwife’s down on your left side for 1 hour. If you still Contact Number: ______________________ have contractions after the hour has passed, Instructions for calling doctor/midwife when call your healthcare provider. If you have any leaking of fluid, bleeding, or other signs, do labor begins: __________________________ not wait. Call your doctor or midwife right _____________________________________ away. _____________________________________ Your doctor/midwife may give you instructions that differ from the information Discuss with your doctor or midwife when above. Always follow your doctor’s or you should go to the hospital. Commonly, first midwife’s instructions. time mothers are advised to follow the 5-1-1 rule. Labor at home until your contractions are: How to Time 5 minutes apart Your Contractions: 1 minute long Count the time from the START of one contraction to the START of 1 hour or more the next contraction. Talk to your doctor/midwife if you have: A long distance to the hospital. A history of rapid labors. Health complications, such as high blood pressure, bleeding or a multiple pregnancy. 4 Options to Discuss with When do you feel episiotomies are Your Doctor or Midwife necessary? • What suggestions do you have for Making a list of preferences for birth and reducing the need for an episiotomy? talking with your doctor can be very helpful, but it is important to keep in mind that plans How often do you use a vacuum extractor, can change if the unexpected happens. Your forceps, and/or fundal pressure in your doctor or midwife may need to change the practice? plan to protect the health of you and your What is your Cesarean delivery baby. (C-section) rate? Below are suggested topics to discuss with If I have a C-section this time, can I try to your care provider as you prepare for the have a vaginal delivery in the future? birth of your baby: What is your philosophy about delayed Should I call you or the hospital if I think cord clamping? I am in labor? When should I call? What How would you like me to share my birth number do I call? preferences with you? When should I head to the hospital? What can I eat and drink during labor? What is your policy on IVs? Packing for the Hospital How will you want me to be monitored? Most things needed for you and your baby's care will be provided. You are • Intermittent or continuous? welcome to bring personal items that • External or internal? will make you more comfortable at the hospital, such as: • Is wireless monitoring available for me? Nightgowns/pajamas, front-opening if breastfeeding When would you feel that an induction is medically necessary? Nursing bras if breastfeeding or a supportive bra if you are not Are walking and using positions out of breastfeeding bed allowed during labor? Socks, slippers May I use the tub or shower for comfort during labor? Can I still use it if my bag of Robe water has broken? Hair care articles (hair dryer provided) I’m considering an unmedicated birth. Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, lotion, deodorant, • What