Stages of Labor/Giving Birth

Signs of Emergency

In addition to the general signs, Mothers need to know 'exit signs', in which the mother should immediately went to the hospital and call the doctor if the mother feels.

• There is a contraction in case that the mother pregnancy is less than 37 weeks.
• Mother does not feel the baby move around 8-10 hours or less than 10 movements in 24 hours.
• Contractions too painful 

The three stages of labor

In the process of childbirth, the uterus will contract and the cervix gradually opens to give way to the baby's birth. It occurs in the first stage of labor. The second stage is the stage where the mother tried to push the baby out. The third stage is when the baby is out and the doctor help remove the placenta or placenta.

Phase 1

Starting without opening until the 2^nd opening, which can last 24-48 hours, the opening of the birth canal process is different for every mother. But do not panic. Apply what Mom gets in prenatal classes with her husband. Do not forget that there are families and supportive husband beside you.

Phase 2

Starting from the opening of 3-10, it will last approximately 7 hours, if this is the first child birth mother. Its time will be reduced to 3 1/2 hours on 2^nd labor and so on. Increasing contractions, it’s generally accompanied by increasing the opening of the cervix. When the cervix is open 10 centimeters mother and baby is born, the birth mother has entered phase 2. The long process of childbirth is different for each mother. Especially when giving birth the first time. This stage can last 1 hour or more.

Phase 3

After the baby is born, there is still a next stage, namely the placenta or afterbirth. Do not be afraid. Doctors remain in the mother to remove the placenta naturally or with the help of injections.

Removing the placenta

With help of an injection, the process of removing the placenta can take 5-15 minutes. But if it’s done naturally, it will be last 1 hour. This process is followed by a contraction again, but not as powerful as the time before delivery.

To check if the entire placenta had detached from the uterine wall or not, the doctor or midwife will suppress the mother's stomach and slowly pull the cord so that the placenta can get out. After the entire placenta along the cord comes out, then your body is cleaned.

Early initiation

Ideally, when the baby is born, the doctor will ask the mother to put the baby on the body to try to breastfeed. This desire can enter the Mother's birth plan and discuss it with the doctor. Immediate breastfeeding after the baby is born is the best way to build a bond with the baby.

When needs to be stitched?

If the mother underwent a cesarean section or natural childbirth, it will need stitches, but if you give birth in the water. There is not always needed to be stitched.

How long the stitches will recover?

Everyone has different conditions, but generally the seams because of childbirth can heal in 2-4 weeks. You should ensure cleanliness around the stitches so that your body can recover without problems of infection.

Sources:

www.babycenter.com

www.mayoclinic.org

www.whattoexpect.com

www.ghc.org/healthAndWellness