Birth and date
Pregnancy is completed at the 37th week of pregnancy, and the head of the fetus may be transferred during the last weeks of pregnancy or when labor starts to the pelvis in preparation for birth. In most women, birth and labor initiation occurs under the supervision and follow-up of a specialist during the 38th week until the 42nd week of pregnancy.
Early signs of labor and delivery
It is important to note that the body begins to prepare itself for the process of delivery about one month before, so it is difficult to determine the start time of labor with certainty, it is possible that some early signs and symptoms of labor appear before birth days or weeks, and early signs of labor and delivery are as follows:
- Feeling less pressure in the chest area and ease of breathing: The feeling of pressure under the ribcage is reduced due to the fetus being reduced and moving to the pelvic region, leading to ease of breathing. This may occur several weeks before birth.
- Increased incidence of Braxton Hicks contractions: Braxton Hicks Contractions occur in the muscles of the uterus and may begin in the second trimester and are more noticeable during the third trimester. These contractions often result in contractions, However, increased frequency and intensity may be indicative of Prelabor (cervical expansion and thinning), and some women may experience colic-like colic (English) : Menstrual Period) during this period.
- Changes in the cervix: Connective tissue may begin to change in the cervix several days or weeks before the birth, as it becomes softer and more extensive. Vaginal exam is performed by the doctor at the time of the appointment. Birth to make sure these changes occur in the cervix. It should be noted that the cervix may expand by one centimeter before the start of labor in women who have had children before, and that the expansion of the cervix by only one centimeter in women who did not give birth before and forty weeks of pregnancy does not need to be a sure proof On the imminent occurrence of labor.
- Exit mucus plug or bloody vaginal secretions: The mucus plug (Mucus plug) is a compound of mucous membrane that closes the cervix during the nine months of pregnancy. When the cervix is enlarged or near the time of labor and delivery, this seal may emerge as a mucous block at once, Vaginal secretions over several days. It may be noted that this mucous plug may be mixed with blood; it may appear as vaginal secretions mixed with red, pink or brown, and may increase the possibility of exit of the plug and secretions during the vaginal examination or the practice of marital relationship, even if the date of labor is not near.
Confirmed signs of labor and delivery
The following signs indicate that labor and delivery have started or are very close:
- Increasing incidence of contractions is increasing and accelerating: Labor Contractions differ from Braxton Hicks contractions, as labor contractions are more severe and longer, and their duration is longer, because these contractions cause the expansion of the cervix.
- Fluid fluid descent: The amniotic sac, or so-called fetal sac, causes the vaginal fluid to come out of the vagina, or so-called fetal water, and the salivary fluid may be removed at once or in the form of points or drops. In most cases, labor contractions begin to occur prior to the arrival of the amniotic fluid, but in a few cases prior to the descent of the fluid the occurrence of contractions, it should be noted that the arrival of liquid fetus is a sign requiring notification to the doctor.
Stages of labor and delivery
The first stage of labor and delivery
The first stage (First Stage) represents the period from actual labor to complete cervical expansion, and this phase passes through three phases as follows:
- Early labor development: The Early Labor Phase is the period from the beginning of labor to the expansion of the cervix to three centimeters. Where it is preferable to relax at the start of this stage and preoccupied with some simple work, and prefer to get enough sleep in the event of happening at night.
- Active labor development: Active Labor Phase includes a period of cervical expansion of three to seven centimeters; you should go to the hospital when it starts, preferably breathing exercises and relaxation exercises during this period.
- Transition phase: The transition phase is the shortest and most difficult stage, and includes the period when the cervix widens from seven centimeters until it fully expands, ie when it reaches ten centimeters.
Second stage of labor and delivery
The second stage includes the period from the full width of the cervix to the birth of the baby. The mother must begin at this stage to push the child to help give birth until the child’s head is raised. This period ranges from 20 minutes to 2 hours.
Third stage of labor and delivery
The third stage (third stage) is also called postpartum, and includes placenta, where minor contractions occur in the uterus to indicate the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall and its willingness to exit. (Uterus) and umbilical cord (Umbilical Cord). It is possible to jitter and tremble during this stage, and this is normal and not to worry.