What is labor and what are the symptoms of labor? How do we know when labor is approaching? These are frequently asked questions during the preparation for birth. In order to answer these questions, we have conducted a research on the theme of labor and birth .
Labor and the onset of labor
Childbirth, as it is known, occurs when you have completed or are nearing the end of the 9-month and ten-day period. During this period, there are some symptoms that signal that labor is imminent.
See also the Gestational Week Calculation Chart!
Especially labor pains are an important symptom. In the case of a caesarean section, the expectant mother is usually taken into surgery before these contractions begin. In the case of a normal birth, however, the contractions are important for preparation. As the birth approaches, the expectant mother first feels false contractions and prepares her body for labor. Then the real contractions begin. So how can you distinguish between false contractions and labor pains?
- False labor goes away when you feel comfortable. For example, when you lie down and drink a glass of water, you may find that you start to relax. However, you cannot intervene in real labor in this way.
- Real contractions are very regular; they occur at regular intervals, such as once every 5 minutes or three times in 10 minutes. The pain increases over time and the time between contractions can be shorter.
What kind of pain is labor?
The hormone oxytocin is the culprit here. As long as this hormone is secreted, it stimulates the uterus to start labor. It is summarized as a painful condition that occurs when the uterus contracts. But where do you feel labor pains the most? For many women, labor begins with mild abdominal contractions. These contractions can sometimes feel like lower back pain. If the baby is coming, these pains become more intense, longer and more frequent.
There is also intense pressure in the lower back. These pains last for the uterus to open. In other words, these pains continue until the uterus is dilated enough. When the opening reaches the desired level, labor begins.
When does labor begin?
It is also very curious when the labor pains, which are the clearest sign that the birth is approaching, start? Actually, these contractions start in the last week of pregnancy, that is, the week of labor. To answer this with a general statistic; labor pains begin in the 38th week of pregnancy. This can sometimes be the 39th week, the 40th week or even rarely the 41st week.
Does the breaking of the water mean labor has begun?
Contrary to popular belief, your water breaking is not actually the first sign of labor. The fetal membrane can remain intact until your baby is born. Some babies are even born with the fetal membrane intact.
How to recognize the onset of labor?
- Labor pains become more frequent and last longer.
- Urine color darkens and may even be slightly bloody.
- Discharge increases
- Your water may come
Prenatal examinations to be performed by the midwife
After that, they will do some regular checks on your pulse, blood pressure, body temperature and possible urine. They will also check your abdomen to determine the position of the baby and to measure the heartbeat.
Finally, you will have an internal examination to see how dilated your uterus is and how close you are to giving birth.
These checks will be repeated throughout the birth process to make sure that both you and your baby are well and to determine where you are in the labor process. Your midwife or nurse is the first person you should contact. If you have any questions or need advice, do not hesitate to ask.
Birth has begun!
Here you will be taken to the delivery room as prescribed by the hospital. You will be dressed in a hospital gown. Midwives, your doctor and paramedics will support you throughout the birth process and do whatever is necessary. Be relaxed about this and focus on listening to what they have to say.
What to wear after childbirth?
Although stylish maternity nightgowns or maternity pajamas may sound very nice at first, they are usually not very comfortable immediately after birth. Because after a caesarean section or normal delivery, there will be bleeding and similar staining for a while. For this reason, choose clothes that you will be comfortable in, made of cotton fabric and easy to put on and take off.
After the birth, you will be asked to walk in the corridor etc., so dressing gowns that you can wear will also be very useful.
Now, let’s talk a little bit about birth positions and labor pain…
Types of Birth
When we talk about types of birth or types of birth, the question of caesarean or normal birth comes to mind. But birth can also be varied according to different positions, such as water birth, seated birth, etc.
1.Water birth
Some maternity units can offer you a water birth in their birthing pool. If this is something you are interested in, your nurse can tell you the advantages and disadvantages.
Some women find it a more relaxing way of giving birth. However, water birth pools are not yet widespread enough in Turkey.
2.Sitting Childbirth
It is not a very common birthing position, although some research suggests that it facilitates the baby’s arrival.
3.Outpatient Delivery
Standing birth is also a birth position preferred by some women. Here, too, you may want to take advantage of the effect of gravity.
4.Normal Birth
It is a type of birth in which the mother is lying on a delivery room stretcher. Here, the pain can be reduced by artificial labor or by different methods of anesthesia and normal delivery can be achieved.
5.Caesarean Section
A caesarean section is a type of surgery. The baby is surgically removed from the womb. The mother may be completely asleep or only from the waist down.
Reducing labor pains
There are a number of helpful factors to reduce your pain and discomfort during labor. However, the doctor decides which of these to apply. We can list some of them as follows:
- The best thing to do in the early stages of labor is to walk around, take a bath or use the TENS machine.
- As labour progresses, you may be given pethidine, an epidural or “gas and air” to make the contractions less painful. Gas and air can only be used during a contraction. You take in air through a mouthpiece and it temporarily reduces your pain during a contraction. Pethidine is given by injection in the leg or buttock area. The effect lasts for about 4 hours and may make you a little sleepy. It is also worth noting that it will not relieve the pain completely.
- An epidural is a thin tube that is placed in the space between your buttocks and your spine. This medicine is used to numb your body from the waist down. You will be unable to get out of bed and will need to have an IV in your arm.
Not all methods of labor pain relief work the same for everyone. Some methods of labor pain relief may be more effective for you than others. However, this is something you should discuss with your doctor. Some methods of labor pain relief may not be suitable for you. But keep an open mind and discuss any concerns with your doctor and remember that there is more than one way to reduce labor pain .
Normal Delivery / Normal Caesarean section / Emergency Caesarean section
A natural vaginal birth is one of the safest and most preferred methods of birth for your future fertility compared to any other birth . If you need a caesarean section, it is also a safe method of delivery. It is preferred if you or your baby is in danger. There are two types of caesarean section: a pre-planned normal caesarean section, i.e. an elective caesarean section, and an emergency caesarean section.
Listed below are some of the possibilities that may require a caesarean section:
- Wrong position, e.g. breech birth
- Problems with the placenta, such as a low-lying placenta blocking the exit of the uterus
- Previous caesarean section (you can request this option for your second baby)
- Medical complications
- Failure of normal delivery
- Failure to start normal labor
- Failure to remove the child with forceps or suction cup
- Expecting the baby’s weight to be 4 kg. and above
- Pre-eclampsia
- Known abnormalities or babies at high risk of being born
- Some Venereal diseases
- AIDS (HIV)
- Conditions related to the mother or baby that require urgent delivery
- Multiple births (preferred)