Vaginal Delivery

A vaginal delivery is the most common method of childbirth. A vaginal delivery is a delivery in which the offspring is birthed through the vagina. It is the natural birthing process that almost all mammals go through and the signs of labor vary. The labor process itself contains three stages. The first stage is everything that occurs before the cervix is completely dilated. The second stage is everything that occurs after the cervix has dilated to 10 cm. The third stage involves the delivery of the placenta.

There are many different signs associated with childbirth. These signs fall under the first stage of delivery. Lightening is the process where the baby settles low in the pelvis (“Pregnancy and signs of labor”, n.d.). The lowness of the baby lets the mother know that the labor process could begin after a few weeks. Another sign of delivery is the passing of the mucous plug. The mucous that is discharged from the vagina can vary from being clear, pink, or a little bloody. Labor could begin at any time because losing the mucous lets the mother know that her cervix is becoming wider rather than tight (“Pregnancy and signs….”, n.d.). The most common sign of labor is the feeling of contractions. The discomfort of the contractions is different for each woman. When contractions become closer together and occur in a pattern then labor is most likely active. The next sign is the breakage of the water. This is also known as rupturing the amniotic sac (“Stages of childbirth: stage I”, 2007). During this phase of labor, the mother can remain at home. Once the contractions are regular and the water is broken then the mother is in active labor because the cervix is most likely dilated to about 3 cm. At this time, she can go to the hospital or birthing center, because the contractions will become stronger. It is important to relax and start breathing techniques (“Stages of childbirth: stage I”, 2007). During the transition phase the mother will rely heavily on positive support because this is by far the hardest phase. The cervix will dilate from 8 cm to 10 cm.

The second stage of delivery consists of the birth of the baby. Once the cervix is dilated to 10 cm it is time to push (“Stages of childbirth: stage II”, 2007). Most will get the urge to push before it is time. Some feel like they need to urinate or have a bowel movement (“Stages of childbirth: stage II”, 2007). Now, the mother is ready to get in to a comfortable position to push. Then, when she feels the urge to push she bears down into her bottom and pushes for ten seconds. To regain strength she will rest in between the contractions. Once the head emerges, the shoulders will emerge and the baby will easily slip out (“Stages of childbirth: stage II”, 2007). Enlarged genitalia, cone heads, and a vernix coating are common appearances that the babies have after they are born.

The third stage of labor involves the removal of the placenta from the uterine wall. The process usually takes five to ten minutes and is not very painful (“The stages of labor”, n.d.). Usually only a few contractions are needed to complete the separation. The mother may have to engage in a few pushes to get the placenta delivered. The uterus should become firm and you should be able to feel the top of your belly by your navel (“The stages of labor”, n.d.). The firmness of the uterus is very important because if it is not contracting properly the mother will continue to bleed (“The stages of labor”, n.d.). Too much blood loss will result in the having to receive a blood transfusion. When the uterus is not contracting a drug called oxytocin is given to help it function normally. The third stage is also the stage where the mother bonds with the baby, practices breastfeeding, and adjusts to motherhood. 

A vaginal delivery is a more complex method of delivery. It is by far the most popular way of delivering a child. The stages of labor vary in time for each mother. The process is very rewarding and ends with the birth of a baby.

Birth.jpg. (2006). Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/jynmeyer/164679659/

Just a couple minute old. (2007). Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/cabarney/1416802587/in/photostream/

Labor-delivery. (2011). Retrieved from  http://www.flickr.com/photos/koadmunkee/5504527538/

Meeting baby for the first time. (2006). Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/annblairsphotos/258224340/

Welcome to the world, violet! (2008). Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/joeshlabotnik/2318860224/

Cesarean Section

A cesarean section is one of the many methods of delivery. It can also be referred to as a C-section.  Many mothers are afraid of having them or they don’t know enough about them. Most babies are delivered from this method in emergencies. Other cases involve the mother requesting to have a C-section. In this blog I intend to inform readers about, why C-sections are required, what takes place during a C-section, and the risks associated with having them.

         Why a Cesarean??

   There are many reasons why a C-section is the chosen method of delivery. Some mothers know before it’s time to deliver that they must have a C-section. Others are required to have one because a vaginal delivery poses risks to the mother or the baby. I want to inform readers about a few of these instances. Having a repeat C-section is one of the most common reasons for delivering through a cesarean. A placental abruption is a separation between the uterine lining and the placenta (“Reasons for a cesarean birth,” 2006).  The separation causes minimal bleeding to severe bleeding. If there is not an adequate amount of oxygen flow to the baby, he or she may go into fetal distress. If this happens, an emergency C-section will be performed (“Reasons for…,” 2006). Another factor in determining the method of delivery is dilation progression. Some mothers do not dilate after reaching a certain number of centimeters. If a mother is carrying a disease, this method lessens the chance of a baby being exposed to it when entering the birth canal (“Reasons for…,” 2006). Birth defects and multiple births are other situations that can result in having a cesarean section.                               

What Happens?

During a C-section, babies are delivered through a surgical incision in the uterus rather than through the vaginal canal (“Giving birth by cesarean section,” 2011).  Before the process is started the anesthesiologist will administer either an epidural or a spinal block to insure that the mother is numbed from the waist down. Most mothers remain awake throughout the entire process, unless they are receiving an emergency C-section. During an emergency section the mother will most likely be put to sleep until the procedure is over because there is not enough time to administer pain medications (“What happens during the cesarean section procedure,” n.d.).  Next, a catheter is inserted into the bladder to drain the urine during the procedure. The operating staff then places a screen across the abdomen so that the patient won’t have to watch what is occurring, unless she wishes to (“What happens during…,”n.d.).  The doctor will then make a horizontal or vertical incision in the uterus. Once the amniotic fluids are suctioned away, the baby is removed from the uterus.

Good or bad???

C-sections carry risks and complications like any other surgical procedure (“Risks,” 2011). Compared to a vaginal delivery, more blood may be lost. If blood levels drop then a transfusion may be required. Also, the chances of developing blood clots are greater when receiving a C-section rather than delivering vaginally. Another risk would be getting a serious infection in or around the wound (“Risks,” 2011). C-sections are becoming much safer around the world. New technology methods have resulted in a lot more benefits. A vaginal delivery can take hours, but a cesarean section can be over within minutes (“The benefits of a cesarean section delivery,” 2012). It’s an easier method for a mother who is concerned or doesn’t want to be in labor for a long period of time. Another benefit would be having the option to schedule the delivery rather than waiting on the process to start itself.

Cesarean sections are becoming more and more popular across the world. The process itself can be very frightening for a mother who doesn’t know much about them. Although C-sections are usually products of an emergency, they can be scheduled.

Cesarean Sections, is an educational video that provides general information about C-sectiions.

This next image is a Worlde that I created using a paragraph from my blog. The words that i elaborated on the most, are the more visible words in the picture.

The following video, http://local.ratemds.com/Cesarean_Section_Jackson_MS-p1571866-Jackson_MS.html

  http://www.babycenter.com/2_video_3656510.bc, is am actual Cesarean Section. It does contain some graphic images.

This next video is an animoto that I created. The images tell a story about the steps that lead up to the delivery of the baby.

References

Giving birth by cesarean section. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.babycenter.com/0_giving-birth-by-cesarean-section_160.bc

Reasons for a cesarean birth. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/reasonsforacesarean.html

Risks. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/c-section/MY00214/DSECTION=risks

The benefits of having a cesarean section delivery. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.thepregnancyzone.com/labor-delivery/the-benefits-of-a-cesarean-section-delivery/

What happens during the cesarean section procedure. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/labor-and-delivery/cesarean-section/what-happens-when-you-have-one.aspx

Water Births

I love every aspect about labor and delivery. Deliveries are by far the best experiences to witness. There are many ways to deliver a child. Vaginal delivery, Cesarean section, and water births are three ways to deliver. I chose water birthing as the topic for my first blog. This method is becoming more and more popular around the world. The purpose of my blog is to inform readers about what a water birth consists of, the benefits, and the situations that raise the risks for a water birth.

What Does a Water Birth Consist Of?

What is a water birth? A water birth is a natural birthing process. The mother spends the last stages of labor in a birthing pool or tub (“Waters role in birth,” n.d.). Her body is submerged or immersed in warm water. (“Water birth,” n.d.). The process can take place at a birthing center or in the comfort of the mother’s home. It is a safe experience for both the mother and the baby. How will the baby breathe? This is a general question that most mothers have. When a baby is born it will most likely have a lack of oxygen. Instead of breathing the baby tends to swallow. The infant lives nine months in amniotic fluid. The temperature of the water mirrors that of the amniotic fluid (“Water birth benefit and risks,” n.d.). Because of this, the infant doesn’t realize there has been any change in the environment once they are in the water.

What Are the Benefits and Circumstances Not Suitable for a Water Birth?

For a mother experiencing painful contractions, a water birth is more relaxing (Jones, n.d.).  The water helps relax the pelvic muscles of the body. Most mothers receive medications when contractions become unbearable. The warm water helps to alleviate the pain of the contractions. It also helps labor progress faster. Water helps the mother dilate rather than using Pitocin. The temperature also softens the cervix to better prepare the vagina for labor. The fathers benefit more from the experience because he can participate in the process (Eastman, n.d.). Water birthing doesn’t put so much stress on the baby. It also gives the baby more blood because the mother’s blood circulation is better in the water (Jones, n.d.). A water birth lessens the chances of tearing the perineum. If the perineum is torn the mother may have to get stitches or an epiosiotomy (“Water birth benefits and risks,” n.d.).

If you’re expecting a premature baby, a water birth may not be the safest method of delivery. The mother is usually required to have a monitored bed birth or cesarean section because it is safer. Sometimes meconium will show up in the water. It is important to have the midwife remove it from the water or the infants nostrils so it will not cause infection (“Water birth,” n.d.). Some sexually transmitted diseases transfer easier in water. If the mother has been exposed to a STD, then a cesarean section would be a better option. The disease would most likely spread to the infant (“Water birth,” n.d.). If the water in the pool or tub is too hot, the infant may suffer from dehydration or high blood pressure.

I am very satisfied with my research. I confirmed a lot of my knowledge and I also learned many new things. Water birthing is a joyous experience and I can’t wait to share my knowledge with others who are interested in it.

Water/hypnobirth [photograph]. (2008). Retrieved March 5, 2012, from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/junebuggy/2705587580/

Practice makes perfect-spc [photograph]. (2010). Retrieved March 5, 2012, from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bohomisfit/4594489558/

Pelayahan-24-jam [photograph]. (2009). Retrieved March 5, 2012, from: http://www.google.com/imgres?start=254&hl=en&biw=1600&bih=995&gbv=2&addh=36&tbm=isch&tbnid=qPAnATTKQ2X5XM:&imgrefurl=http://www.bunda.co.id/margonda/pelayanan-24-jam/water-birth/klinik-17.html&docid=XANVHQcEt5S4jM&imgurl=http://www.bunda.co.id/margonda/images/pelayanan/pelayanan-24-jam_water_birth.jpg&w=400&h=300&ei=BRJVT5ydCojGtgfv3fmpDQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=540&vpy=663&dur=78&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=99&ty=216&sig=109091159320584438008&page=7&tbnh=152&tbnw=214&ndsp=44&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:254

Waterbirth [photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved March 5, 2012, from: http://www.google.com/imgres?start=387&hl=en&biw=1600&bih=995&gbv=2&addh=36&tbm=isch&tbnid=-0BmvFyIlbxVyM:&imgrefurl=http://pregnancyindetail.com/childbirth/75/waterbirth-an-alternative-birthing-in-water&docid=fHqem5mnYwIZRM&imgurl=http://pregnancyindetail.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/waterbirth.jpg&w=300&h=200&ei=RBJVT746w5q3B6iO2b8N&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=327&sig=109091159320584438008&page=10&tbnh=160&tbnw=215&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:19,s:387&tx=98&ty=123