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Labor And Delivery
For every woman that is expecting their first child, a lot of different emotions seem to come to life. Not only is there nervous anticipation of taking care of a newborn, but there may even be some underlying fear about the birth itself. When a woman understands the labor and delivery process, it can help her a great deal. Not only will she have an idea about what to expect when contractions do start, but she’ll know what awaits her once she gets to the hospital.
Every pregnancy is different. Most women are eager to tell the story of their baby’s birth and delivery to expectant moms. No one is sure why they do this, but typically the stories are filled with days of labor and difficult deliveries. You can never predict what your labor and delivery will be like from what other women have felt. It’s a very unique experience and certainly not as bad as many women make it out to be.
On average, a first-time mom can spend over ten hours in labor. Some experience much less, while others feel contractions longer. If you have a planned cesarean taking place, you are fortunate in that you get to skip that part of the labor and delivery process. There are things that are said to help speed up the arrival, including walking and only eating small meals while in labor. The nurses at the hospital are able to offer the best advice for your particular situation.
Contractions are another source of confusion for some pregnant women. Many expectant moms have false labor in the days and weeks before the actual birth. This is really common and is actually a positive thing. These pre-labor contractions help the woman’s body prepare when the real thing strikes. Although you may think you are in the middle of real labor, wait until the contractions are as far apart as your doctor suggested they be before you go to the hospital. If he or she told you to only go to the hospital when they are five minutes apart, don’t be in the car and on the way there when they are fifteen minutes apart. If it is false labor, they will stop, if it’s really time for the labor and delivery to occur, they’ll continue and get closer.
After the event, a woman can expect to feel exhausted and excited all at the same time. The process of labor and delivery is a stressful one on the body physically, so you should have someone with you when you stand up for the first time. Many women go home from the hospital the same day they give birth, but this is a decision the woman and her doctor must make together. If you do have to stay an extra day or two, don’t worry, you’ve got a lifetime ahead of you to enjoy your new bundle of joy.
Summary
When a woman understands the labor and delivery process, it can help her a great deal. Not only will she have an idea about what to expect when contractions do start, but she’ll know what awaits her once she gets to the hospital. Every pregnancy is different. Most women are eager to tell the story of their baby’s birth and delivery to expectant moms.
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