Childbirth
How does labor begin and proceed?
Finally the time has come! Labor begins. This remains a special moment for us as well. The birth of the baby and the start of your family is very intimate. Our goal is a safe birth for mother and child that you look back on in a positive way.
Good preparation for childbirth
During pregnancy, we will help you prepare for childbirth. Among other things, we offer courses, provide information and discuss your wishes (using an individual birth plan if desired). Good preparation can increase the feeling of control and reduce anxiety. This has a positive effect on the pain experience and course of childbirth. Always feel free to ask any questions that come to mind!
The beginning of labor
When labor begins remains a surprise. Starting at 37 weeks, we consider it a healthy time at which the baby may be born. Only 3-4% of women give birth on the due date and 70% pass this. Is the baby not born yet at 41 weeks and you want to wait and see? Then we will make a ultrasound and see you every other day at the practice for check-ups. Around 33 weeks we will discuss when it is best for you to contact us.
The contractions
The majority of deliveries, as much as 90%, begin with contractions. Contractions are powerful, rhythmic contractions of the uterus. It causes the baby to be pushed deeper into the pelvis and creates pressure on the cervix. The cervix is a "tube" attached to the uterus. You can compare it to a balloon. The pressure on it will first cause the cervix to soften and shorten. Then it will open. The opening of the cervix is also called dilation.
Fleeces and amniotic fluid
The membranes and amniotic fluid have served as protection for the baby during the past few months. 10% of deliveries begin with spontaneous rupture of the membranes. You will recognize it by fluid loss. This is not a one-time large puddle (as one is shown in the movies), but you will lose small bits of fluid all the time. The membranes may rupture in a later process of labor.
Our support during childbirth
During labor, we will help you with breathing and recommend different postures. We follow your needs, with the health of mother and baby in mind. You can always indicate if you need anything. You can expect open and honest communication from us. We will strive to make you as comfortable as possible, offer support and inspire your confidence. We understand better than anyone that the unknown (healthy) can be exciting. Every birth goes differently. It is characterized by different phases of labor that gradually flow into each other.
There are several stages during labor.
Transformation Phase
Even earlier in pregnancy you may occasionally experience "hard bellies," also called Braxton-Hicks contractions or exercise contractions. These can occur spontaneously, but can also be triggered by exertion, stress or as a result of the descent of the baby's head. The uterus is preparing for labor. Characteristically, this often subsides (after a few minutes or hours) with rest and warmth. There is no rhythmic pattern to it yet. We do not see the transformation phase as part of childbirth. Sometimes it can gradually merge into this.
Latent phase
The latent phase is the first stage of labor. Contractions start and increase in frequency, duration and strength. It may be felt in your abdomen, back and/or legs. Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible. The beauty of contractions is that there is a pause in between. During this pause, try to find your relaxation and allow the body to rest again. In the early stages you can still try to handle the contractions while lying down. When the contractions become more frequent, it is often pleasant and beneficial to adopt a vertical position. For tips/information, read on birthing positions and bath delivery.
At this stage, dilation is not always to be expected. It initially causes the cervix to become shorter, softer and more forward. It may open up to 2-5 centimeters. Do not start timing contractions until you detect increasing regularity and need to pay more active attention to your breathing because of the strength of the contractions. Most likely, you will contact us at this stage. On the phone, we will inquire about the situation and then make a home visit. Should you wish to give birth in the hospital or birth center, we do not want to leave too early at this stage. The body is still susceptible to outside stimuli. Change of environment can cause the contractions to subside again.
Active phase
An acceleration of labor takes place. The contractions are punchy now and you are forced to deal with the force of them more actively. We will help you with this and provide continuous guidance. On average, contractions come every 2-3 minutes and last for a good minute. You will notice that you get more into your own bubble as a result of the hormones (endorphins). The body produces natural pain-relieving substances. The baby's head will move deeper into the pelvis and it is expected that there will be approximately 0.5 - 1 centimeter of dilation per hour progress. Especially if you have already given birth once, this may be faster.
Full dilation
Full dilation of 10 centimeters has been reached. Your body often indicates this itself by pushing. Because of the pressure of the head against the rectum and your tailbone, you feel like you have to defecate uncontrollably. When the head is deep enough in the pelvis, it is time to push. Take your time and follow your body. You will probably find pushing more pleasant than the dilation contractions. Instead of sucking away, you may literally "push away" the pain now. We will motivate and encourage you to adopt different postures. A vertical position often works favorably on the course. It also feels more natural than the supine position. If desired, we will give you instructions regarding pushing (and sighing to allow the head to be born slowly). On average, pushing for a first baby takes 1 hour. A second or subsequent baby often follows more quickly. The meeting between you and the baby is finally here!
Afterbirth
When your baby is born, he/she comes directly to your chest and stays there for the first hour. The umbilical cord is cut at the earliest after 3 minutes. Skin-to-skin contact has a positive effect on bonding. Should this not be possible with the mother due to circumstances, we strive for your baby to lie bare on the breast with your (delivery) partner.
Not entirely unimportant is the birth of the placenta. You may feel cramping in the abdomen again, and with one more push, the birth of the placenta follows.