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10 Things Expecting Moms Should Know About Childbirth

Admin
August 12, 2022


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  • Giving birth is an exciting and terrifying experience- especially for first-time moms. Accompanied by stories from other moms, the expectations and the pressure of childbirth can be scary and hard to deal with. You are not in this alone: while stories from other moms are valid and a significant source of strength for your own birth, the childbirth experience varies from mom to mom. 

     

    To help with your birthing experience, here are a couple of things that expecting moms should know about childbirth.

     

    10 Things Mom Should Know About Childbirth

     

    You Can Create a Birth Plan

    For those who don’t know what a birth plan is, it’s a plan that you can create to make your family and the hospital that you are in aware of your preferences with things like postpartum care, medication, and those who should be present at your birth. Discuss these things with your doctor and your loved ones to make the birth experience better for you. This would also be a good chance to choose what type of birth you want to be or where you want to give birth. 

     

    Stages of Labor 

    There are three stages of labor that an expecting mom goes through when they’re almost ready to give birth. The duration of each process varies and can be unpredictable – especially for first-time moms. Labor can last for hours or even days, with the first one being the most unpredictable.

     

     

    The three stages of labor include:

     

      • Stage 1A (Latent Labor) – Contractions will be mild and feel like deep menstrual cramps. This softens, shortens, and thins the cervix to get ready for childbirth. This early stage often happens a few days or a few hours before birth.
      • Stage 1B (Active Labor) – Contractions slowly get more regular and painful. The rate of cervical change is much more consistent at this point since your cervix should have dilated to 6cm. Be in close contact with your doctor for regular checking; you risk bleeding and tearing the organ if you push before your cervix has fully dilated.
    • Stage 2 (Pushing / Birth Stage) – This stage can last a couple of minutes to hours. You have an option to get an epidural during labor to help you. 
    • Stage 3 (Placenta Delivery) – The placenta is delivered usually within 30 minutes after childbirth. This is an important step to decrease the risk of excessive bleeding after the baby is delivered. 

     

    Postpartum Bleeding

    After childbirth, women bleed for about six weeks after having a baby. It’s very similar to having a heavy period and as it progresses, it will become lighter in both flow and color. The timeline varies for everyone and there might also be a couple of blood clots. However, you can call several large blood clots if the blood flow is exceedingly heavy. 

     

    Afterbirth Cramping 

    Your uterus will start shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size after birth. You may feel contractions or cramps as this happens. This might be intense during breastfeeding because of a hormone called oxytocin. The duration of the cramping can last about three to five days but it can vary from mother to mother. 

     

     

    You’ll Still Have a Belly After Birth

    While your uterus shrinks back after birth, it might take a while for it to return to its pre-pregnancy size. You’ll be most comfortable in maternity clothes for the first couple of months. Remember: your body went through tremendous changes and you are still adjusting. Your postpartum body will take its time returning to normal, so cut yourself some slack. 

     

    Breastfeeding is Difficult 

    It’s the most natural and most successful way for kids to have a bond. It will take time – especially if you have struggles in producing milk. Always consult your doctor for questions that you might have regarding breastfeeding. 

     

    Every Birth is Different 

    If there is one thing to be aware of in childbirth, it’s that every birth is different. For sure, mothers will hear stories from other mothers about their personal stories, which might encourage or discourage other moms. However, remember that births are different and each experience is unique to that of the mother. While it’s great to have a semblance of what other mothers have gone through during their own birth, don’t let it take away from your own birth experience.

     

    Consider Having A Birth Partner

    Birth partners can be anyone whom you trust to be with you throughout the labor and birthing process. It can be your spouse or partner, a good friend, or a relative. Not only can they help to make sure that your needs are met (you can trust them with your birth plan) but they’re also responsible for being there for you during your birth. Make sure that the person you chose can be readily available at short notice when you go into labor. Coordinate with the hospital or your medical provider and ask for options that you can your birth partner can consider in pre-labor and after birth. 

     

     

    Crowning 

    When you finally see the baby’s head during pushing, you’re already crowning. It usually lasts for a couple of contractions and women describe this to be an unpleasant burning sensation. Your skin is stretching and thus, it’s completely normal to feel uncomfortable. Try doing short gentle pushes instead of big long ones as it will help to ease the baby out and allow ample time for your perineum to stretch. 

     

    Pain Management

    Labor is a painful process that mothers will undergo during the birthing process thus pain management is also an essential part of the process to make it more bearable. Be careful and take extra care when discussing pain management with your healthcare providers to make sure that you are getting what you truly need. Take some time to discuss the options with your doctor or healthcare provider to ensure that you’re getting what you need. 

     

    Childbirth is a beautiful event in the life of a mom. Expecting moms need to know that the experience differs from mom to mom and while stories can help a first-time mom prepare for their own birth, it’s essential to remember that there will be differences in the experience. 

     

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