Delivery

What is childbirth?

Childbirth is the moment at which the baby is born by coming out of the mother’s womb. As a general rule, it takes place at nine months gestation, although it can occur prematurely. Labor is considered to begin when uterine contractions appear irregularly and continuously and progressively increase in frequency and intensity. The cervix then becomes thinner and more dilated. Once the cervix has dilated 10 cm, the pregnant woman begins to push down until the baby is born. Finally, the placenta, which is the organ that supplies nourishment and oxygen to the baby during pregnancy, is expelled.

There are three types of anesthesia that can be used during labor:

  • Local: It is applied to the perineal area. It does not prevent the pain of contractions, just the discomfort when the cut is sutured.
  • Epidural anesthesia: It puts the pregnant woman’s body to sleep from the waist down and she does not feel any pain.
  • General: The patient is put to sleep completely. It is usually applied in some cesarean deliveries.

The pregnant woman must be taken to a hospital, where she will receive all the corresponding medical care.

What does it consist of?

The pregnant woman must be taken to a hospital, where she will receive all the corresponding medical care. In some cases, the assistance and control of labor may require the help of anesthetic drugs or oxytocin, which is used when there are complications of delay.

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The ideal form of delivery is when the baby is born sliding through the mother’s vagina spontaneously, without the need for medication or instruments, and without complications. However, in many cases, birth assistance devices such as forceps, which hold the baby’s head to force it out, are required. A large number of deliveries are performed by cesarean section, which is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the abdomen and another in the uterus to remove the baby when complications arise in labor.

Preparing for childbirth

Many pregnant women attend childbirth preparation classes, which explain the stages of labor and how to deal with them. Breathing and relaxation techniques are taught, as well as the initial care of the newborn.

Aftercare

After delivery, it is important for the mother to rest as much as possible. She will suffer blood loss, similar to the menstrual period, which will last almost six weeks. Specialists recommend not to have sexual intercourse during these weeks.