The Royal Women's Hospital Childbirth Education Online: All About Labour

Summary

This video provides an in-depth look at the changes and stages of labor, from early signs like backache and Braxton Hicks contractions to the birth of the baby. It explains how the body prepares for labor, the importance of recognizing when to go to the hospital, and details on cervical dilation, contractions, and the process of delivering the baby. It also covers post-birth procedures such as placenta delivery and delayed cord clamping, offering guidance for expectant mothers on what to expect during this life-changing event.

Takeaways

• 😀 Your body undergoes significant changes during pregnancy and continues to change during labor.
• 😀 The uterus, a muscle, does most of the work during labor, with the cervix softening and opening as labor progresses.
• 😀 Backache and increased pressure on the bladder are common symptoms as the baby drops lower in the uterus.
• 😀 Braxton Hicks contractions are normal pre-labor tightenings that help prepare the body, but they are not true labor contractions.
• 😀 Labor begins when contractions become regular, intense, and close together (3-4 minutes apart, lasting 45-60 seconds).
• 😀 If your waters break but contractions haven’t started, it's essential to go to the hospital for an assessment.
• 😀 The Mucus Show (a thick or bloody discharge) is a normal sign, but any other bleeding should be checked by a doctor.
• 😀 For second-time moms, labor may progress quicker, so it's recommended to go to the hospital earlier.
• 😀 The second stage of labor, when the baby is born, can take 1-2 hours for first-time moms, and includes pushing or breathing techniques.
• 😀 Delayed cord clamping is practiced, meaning the cord is not clamped until it stops pulsing, with partners often given the chance to cut it.
• 😀 Post-birth, skin-to-skin contact with the baby is encouraged, and the placenta will be delivered either naturally or with medical assistance.

Q & A

What changes occur in a woman's body during labor?

During labor, a woman's body undergoes several changes, including increased pressure as the baby drops further down. The uterus, which is the main muscle involved in labor, contracts to help open the cervix. Women may experience backache due to the baby’s position and added pressure on the bladder.

What is Braxton Hicks, and how does it differ from actual labor contractions?

Braxton Hicks are practice contractions that make the abdomen feel tight. They are different from actual labor contractions as they are not painful and do not cause the cervix to open. Braxton Hicks occur as the body prepares for labor.

When should a woman go to the hospital during labor?

A woman should go to the hospital when her contractions are regular, about three to four minutes apart, lasting 45-60 seconds, and becoming more intense. If the waters break but contractions haven't started, she should also visit the hospital for assessment.

What are the signs that labor is progressing?

Signs that labor is progressing include regular, intense contractions, a bloody or thick discharge known as the mucus show, and a noticeable increase in pressure as the baby descends further. The cervix also begins to soften and dilate.

What is the role of the cervix during labor?

The cervix acts as the gateway between the uterus and the vagina. As labor progresses, the cervix becomes shorter, softer, and begins to open, facilitating the passage of the baby through the birth canal.

What should a woman do if she experiences signs of labor before 37 weeks?

If a woman experiences signs of labor before 37 weeks, she should immediately go to the hospital for an assessment. Preterm labor requires careful monitoring to ensure the health of both mother and baby.

What should a woman bring to the hospital when labor begins?

A woman should refer to the 'Having a Baby at the Women's' handbook, which she received during her booking appointment. Alternatively, she can check the hospital’s website for a fact sheet on what to bring and how to plan for her hospital stay.

How is the baby's health monitored during labor?

The baby's health during labor is monitored by checking the baby's heartbeat, assessing the position of the baby, and examining the color of the amniotic fluid. Clear or pink fluid is normal, but brown or gray indicates possible distress.

What happens during the second stage of labor?

The second stage of labor begins once the cervix is fully dilated (10 cm). During this stage, the baby is delivered. Women may either push with each contraction or breathe through them. This stage typically lasts between one to two hours for first-time mothers.

What are the options for delivering the placenta after the baby is born?

After the baby is born, the placenta can detach and be birthed naturally, or, in cases of intervention like induction or epidural, it may be assisted with an injection to help detach the placenta. In either case, the midwife or doctor will assist in its delivery.