Childbirth Labor and Delivery

IRREGULAR CONTRACTIONS

During early labor, you will most likely experience irregular contractions that are mild enough that they do not interfere with your normal activities. These early, unpredictable contractions begin the process of opening (dilating) your cervix so that your baby can be born.  

WATER BREAKING

As your body prepares for childbirth, the amniotic sac that has surrounded your baby during pregnancy usually breaks, releasing the amniotic fluid it contains. When this happens, you may feel either a sudden gush or a trickle of fluid that leaks steadily. The fluid is usually odorless and may look clear or straw-colored. If your “water breaks,” write down the time, approximately how much fluid is released, and what the fluid looks like. Call your doctor with this information. Not all women have their water break during labor. Many times, your doctor will rupture the amniotic membrane in the hospital.

EFFACEMENT AND DILATION OF THE CERVIX

During early labor, your cervix will gradually thin and stretch (called effacement) and open (called dilation) to prepare for the passage of your baby through the birth canal. How fast your cervix opens and thins varies from woman to woman and cannot be predicted with any certainty until active labor begins. In some women, this process may occur over a period of weeks. Cervical effacement is described as a percentage, with 100% being completely thinned. Dilation is expressed in centimeters from 0 to 10, with 10 being completely dilated or open.

How Do I Know When I’m In Labor?

Many women experience what is known as “false” labor pains or Braxton Hicks contractions. These irregular uterine contractions are perfectly normal and generally start during your third trimester of pregnancy. To determine if you are in true labor, ask yourself the following questions:

	True Labor	False Labor
How often do the contractions occur?	Contractions come at regular intervals and last about 30-70 seconds. As time goes on, they get closer together.	Contractions are often irregular and do not get closer together.
Do the contractions change with movement?	Contractions continue even when you move or change positions.	Contractions may stop when you walk, rest, or change positions.
How strong are the contractions?	Contractions generally increase in strength as time goes by.	Contractions are usually weak and do not get much stronger. Or they may be strong at first and then get weaker.
Where do you feel the pain?	Contractions usually start in the lower back and move to the front of the abdomen.	Contractions are usually only felt in the front of the abdomen or pelvic region.

WHEN DO I GO TO THE HOSPITAL?

If you think you are in true labor, begin timing your contractions. Write down the time each contraction starts and stops. The time between contractions, called the interval, includes the length/duration of the contraction and the minutes in between the contractions. Mild contractions generally begin 15 to 20 minutes apart and last 60 to 90 seconds. You should go to the hospital once you reach active labor. For most women, active labor is characterized by strong contractions that last 45 to 60 seconds and occur three to four minutes apart. Talk with your doctor about the best time for you to go to the hospital. Call your doctor if:

• You think your water has broken.
• You are bleeding.
• Your contractions are very uncomfortable and have been coming every five minutes for an hour.

STAYING COMFORTABLE DURING EARLY LABOR

  For most women, the early stages of labor — before active labor begins – are best experienced in the comfort of their own home. While you are at home, there are several things you can do to help cope with any discomfort you feel: Labor has three stages:

• Strong, frequent, and regular contractions (latent phase until 4cm, active phase to 10 cm)
• The birth of your baby
• The delivery of the placenta

STRONG, FREQUENT CONTRACTIONS

Contractions move in a wave-like motion from the top of the uterus to the bottom and are different for each woman. Compared with early labor, the contractions that occur once you enter active labor are more intense, more frequent (every two to three minutes) and longer lasting (50 to 70 seconds each). As your contractions intensify, you may:

• Feel restless and excited
• Find it difficult to stand
• Have food and fluid restrictions
• Want to start using any breathing techniques or other calming measures to manage pain and anxiety
• Feel the need to shift positions
• Want pain medication, such as epidural anesthesia
• Be given intravenous (IV) fluids

 

The Birth of Your Baby

The strong contractions you experience during active labor are your body’s way of pushing your baby through the birth canal. During the birth process, your contractions may slow down to every two to five minutes, lasting 60 to 90 seconds. Other things you may feel as your baby passes through the birth canal include:

• A strong urge to push or bear down with each contraction
• The baby’s head creating great pressure on your rectum
• The need to change positions several times to find the position in which you feel most comfortable
• Burning pain when the baby’s head passes through your vagina, or crowns. The head is the largest part of the baby and the hardest part to deliver.

The pushing stage of labor can be as short as a few minutes or can last for several hours, especially for your first birth. The doctors and nurses will be there to make you feel as comfortable as possible and to offer support, guidance, and pain relief.

The Delivery of the Placenta

COST OF CHILDBIRTH, LABOR, AND DELIVERY SERVICES

Every delivery is different, so the price of childbirth services can vary. We will provide detailed pricing information for your treatment after meeting with you and learning about your unique needs. 

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about our highly qualified team and the services we provide to assist you with childbirth, labor, and delivery in Raleigh, or Holly Springs contact our office to schedule a consultation. We look forward to providing the exceptional, personalized care you and your family deserve.

FAQs: Common Childbirth Concerns

What Are Some Warning Signs During Labor That Require Immediate Medical Attention?

• Severe and Persistent Pain- Severe pain that does not subside between contractions.
• Bleeding- Bleeding that is heavier than light spotting or passage of large clots.
• Sudden Headache- Changes in vision, swelling in the face and hands or a sudden headache can all be indications of preeclampsia.
• Decreased Fetal Movement- A noticeable reduction in your baby’s movement or no movement at all.
• High fever-The development of a (7/100.4°F) fever or chills could indicate an infection.
• Fluid leakage- Fluid that is green or brown, indicating meconium in the amniotic fluid. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or go to the hospital immediately.

What Can I Do to Prepare for A Natural Birth?

• Educate Yourself- Attend childbirth education classes to understand the stages of labor and pain management techniques.
• Physical Fitness- Maintain regular exercise, such as walking or prenatal yoga, to build strength and stamina.
• Prepare a Birthing Plan- Create a detailed birth plan and discuss it with your healthcare provider.
• Relaxation Techniques- Practice relaxation and breathing exercises to help manage pain during labor.
• Support Systems- Choose a birth partner or doula who can provide emotional and physical support during labor.

How Soon Can I Resume Sexual Activity After Delivery?

Most healthcare providers recommend allowing your body to heal for six weeks and attending your first postpartum check-up to ensure there are no complications. Some women may feel ready earlier or later than six weeks. Always consult with your doctor before resuming sexual activity to avoid complications. 

What Are the Risks Associated with A Cesarean Section?

A cesarean section (C-section) is a common surgical procedure, but it does carry risks, including:

• Infection: Risk of infection at the incision site, uterus, or other pelvic organs.
• Blood Loss: Increased blood loss compared to vaginal delivery.
• Blood Clots: Higher risk of developing blood clots in the legs or lungs.
• Breathing Problems: Newborns delivered via C-section are more likely to experience breathing issues, especially if delivered before 39 weeks.
• Longer Recovery: Recovery from a C-section typically takes longer than from a vaginal delivery.
• Surgical Complications: Potential for injury to surrounding organs or adverse reactions to anesthesia. It is important to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider to understand your options and make an informed decision about your delivery method.