Labor During Pregnancy: What They Don't Tell You

Preparing to have a baby is a very exciting time! There are so many things to think about, and labor is one of these. Whether you take a birthing class or just talk to your doctor or midwife, it seems that there is still a lot they don't tell you about labor! I believe planning for some of these could totally change your labor experience.

The first thing you need to make sure you are doing is walking. Walking every day of your pregnancy will not only make your body strong for labor, but will help keep baby healthy too. As your ligiments stretch, walking can help keep it from becoming too painful. During pregnancy, I suggest walking about 30 minutes a day more than you would usually walk. What I mean by that is you cannot count walking done as a matter of daily life. For example, a waitress walks alot of the time at work; she shouldn't count this as her daily walking requirement because not only is her body used to it, but because it is not continual walking. Waitresses take several steps, stop to take an order, take several steps, puts in the order and gets drinks, takes several steps to deliver the drinks, ect. A lot of stopping and starting.

Walking during labor is also helpful. It helps keeps the labor from slowing down and helps it progress at a healthy rate. Walking also helps move baby down into the birthing canal, and can widen the pelvic opening. Another benefit of walking during labor is that it can help distract the laboring mother from concentrating on her contractions, allowing her to feel more pain free.

One common complaint is temperature changes. Often, hospital rooms are a bit chilly, so during early labor, slippers or socks and a thick warm robe are great things to pack. Later in labor however, many women get very hot. This increases their discomfort greatly. I recommend letting your support people know ahead of time to have a couple cool washclothes ready. Not only does this help cool you down, it can also help distract you from the pains of contractions. It is also important to keep hydrated before and during labor.

If you are in a hospital that allows you to bathe or shower during labor, this can be a good option. Bathing during labor can help relax the laboring mother. However, bathing can also slow labor down, and so should not be your primary choice for natural pain relief. Other options such as breathing exercises, sitting on a birthing ball, and using your focal point should also be used. If you are unsure what any of these exercises are, ask your doctor or midwife. If they don't feel comfortable discussing any of these options with you, ask them to refer you to someone who will explain natural birthing techniques.

While many women choose to receive pain medications during labor, there are some side effects and other concerns they may not be aware of. With an epideral, you may arrive too late in labor to get it, or it may not work where it is intended to and you cannot get up once you've gotten it. You are stuck in the bed from that point on. I've heard of women who only felt it work from the knees down! An epideral may make it difficult or impossible for the mother to push or even feel the need to push. They may also cause long term problems such as persistent headaches, although not everyone experiences this. Other concerns with pain medications involve drowsiness, both in the mother and the newborn. The drugs may increase the time in labor, and cause the mother weakness when it comes time to push. Some mothers report wishing they were more aware when their baby was born, rather than in a drug induced fog. Regardless of your personal decision regarding pain relief, it is important to educate yourself on all of the options you have available.

As you near the transition stage, your contractions will begin to get more intense. Generally the first sign of transition is nausea and vomiting. Vomiting should be taken as a positive sign that you are nearing the pushing stage, and should probably get into your birthing position and have your midwife or doctor check if you are fully dilated. Also at this point, some women enter a brief rest period, where they are semi-asleep. This helps your body get energy ready for the pushing stage. While many women believe not eating after they begin labor will prevent them from being sick, this is not generally true. It is better to eat a little and have some energy, especially if you are likely to be in labor awhile.

Once you feel the urge to bear down, immediately call your midwife in! You don't want to deliver without them! It is important to try to avoid an episiotomy, and there are some steps you can take to avoid tearing or needing an episiotomy. First, for several weeks before your due date, you should do what's called perineal massage. Also, when you are giving birth you can request that your midwife use warm mineral oil on your perinium shortly before delivery. Not tearing shortens your recovery time considerably. Some women who tear experience a lessened amount of pleasure when they can return to sexual activity. If you have not been checked, you should wait to push. If you try to push before you reach ten centimeters, you can cause the cervix to swell, which can make delivery harder. It can help to have one of your support people relay the things your midwife or doctor is telling you. You may experience a bladder release or other release before baby comes. Remember that this is nothing to be embarrassed about, this is totally normal, and is just another way your body makes room for baby to come out. Once the head is out, usually baby is all the way out within a few pushes. Congratulations, you did it, mom!

The doctor and nurses will usually put baby on your belly immediately, unless you request otherwise. They start to clean up, and work on delivering the afterbirth. The doctor or midwife will inspect the afterbirth to make sure it came out whole. While they work on delivering the afterbirth and afterward, they will massage your belly. This helps the uterus contract back down to its smaller size. Sometimes this massaging can be painful, but it is important to your health. Once you go home, you should avoid intercourse until you've had your six or eight week check up by your doctor or midwife, and they have cleared you. If you still feel sore, you should wait longer. Find other ways to please your spouse until you feel comfortable.

Have a safe and healthy delivery, and congratulations on your bundle of joy!