Labor and Delivery

Pregnancy is an exciting time for any expectant mother, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges and worries. Labor and delivery, in particular, can be a daunting experience for many women—especially if they haven’t gone through the process before. However, understanding the facts and the process of labor and delivery can help ease any anxiety and make the experience more manageable. 

We’ve put together this handy guide on the facts behind labor and delivery, some warning signs to watch out for, as well as the process of labor and delivery so that there are no surprises once labor has started. Read on to learn more and get yourself ready for the exciting process of bringing a child into the world.

Labor and Delivery: The Facts

Labor is the process of delivering a baby and usually starts around 38-42 weeks into pregnancy. Labor occurs when the uterus contracts and pushes the baby down the birth canal. There are three stages of labor: early, active, and delivery. Let’s look at each a little more closely:

• Early Labor: This stage can last for several hours to days. During this stage, the cervix begins to dilate and efface, and contractions become more regular. The contractions may feel like mild menstrual cramps and are usually irregular.
• Active Labor: This stage begins when the cervix is dilated to around 6 cm and lasts until the cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm. Contractions become stronger and more frequent during this stage, and the baby moves down the birth canal.
• Delivery: This stage is when the baby is born. The mother pushes while the baby moves through the birth canal and is delivered.

Warning Signs during Labor and Delivery to Watch Out For

Labor and delivery are natural processes that women's bodies are designed for. However, there are certain red flags that expecting mothers should watch out for that may indicate the need for medical attention. Understanding the facts and recognizing these warning signs can help ensure a safe and healthy delivery for both the mother and the baby:

• Vaginal Bleeding: Bleeding during pregnancy or labor can be a sign of a serious complication such as placenta previa, placental abruption, or uterine rupture. Any bleeding should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.
• Contractions that Don't Stop: Contractions that don't stop or are closer than five minutes apart can be a sign of preterm labor. This can be dangerous for the baby, and medical attention should be sought immediately.
• Water Breaking: When the amniotic sac ruptures, it can cause a gush or a slow leak of fluid from the vagina. This means that labor will likely begin soon, and the mother should report to the hospital or birthing center as soon as they comfortably can.
• Decreased Fetal Movement: If the mother notices a decrease in the baby's movements, this could be a sign of fetal distress. Any significant decrease in fetal movement should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.
• Severe Headaches or Vision Changes: Severe headaches or vision changes during pregnancy or labor can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication. Medical attention should be sought immediately.
• Persistent Back Pain: Persistent back pain during labor can be a sign of back labor, which can be very painful. Pain relief options such as epidural anesthesia are available to help easily manage this type of pain.
• Inability to Breathe: If the mother experiences shortness of breath or difficulty breathing during labor, this could be a sign of a serious complication such as a blood clot in the lungs.

The Process of Labor and Delivery

The process of labor and delivery is different for every woman, but having a general overview can help expectant mothers feel more comfortable and prepared for the process. Here is what to expect when you go to a hospital for delivery, broken down by the three stages of labor followed by postpartum care:

The Early Stages of Labor

The early stages of labor can last for several hours to days. It is essential to stay hydrated and rest during this stage and remember that active labor must be occurring first before heading to the hospital. Because of this, when you arrive at the hospital, the healthcare provider will perform an initial evaluation to determine if you are in active labor. This evaluation may include a pelvic exam, monitoring your contractions and your baby's heart rate, and checking your vital signs.

If you are not in active labor, the healthcare provider may recommend that you go home and rest until your contractions become stronger and closer together. While it can be difficult to rest during such a period, the less stress on both you and your baby, the better. In some cases, the healthcare provider may recommend inducing labor to help speed up the process.

Active Labor

The active labor stage begins when the cervix is dilated to around 6 cm and lasts until the cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm, and the contractions become stronger and more frequent as the baby moves down the birth canal. Luckily, you will be well taken care of during this stage: the healthcare provider will monitor your progress and your baby's heart rate throughout active labor. You may also choose to receive pain relief options such as epidural anesthesia to help manage the pain.

Delivery

The delivery stage is when the baby is born. You will push while the baby moves through the birth canal and is delivered, or conversely, a c-section might be advised to help ensure the safety of both you and your baby. The healthcare provider will assist with the delivery and may use tools such as forceps or a vacuum to help guide the baby out if necessary.

After your baby is delivered, the healthcare provider will clamp and cut the umbilical cord. You will then need to push again to deliver the placenta, which is the organ that nourished the baby during pregnancy.

Postpartum Care

After delivery, the healthcare provider will monitor you and your baby closely to ensure you are both healthy. You may need stitches if you had a tear or an episiotomy during delivery, but that is perfectly normal. The healthcare provider will also check your vital signs and monitor your bleeding to ensure that there are no complications.

Your baby will receive a thorough evaluation to ensure that they are healthy. This evaluation may include checking their breathing, heart rate, and temperature, and conducting a physical exam.

Breastfeeding support is also available after delivery. The healthcare provider or a lactation consultant can assist with breastfeeding and answer any questions that you may have about the process.

In some cases, you and your baby may need to stay in the hospital for a few days for additional monitoring or treatment. However, you can both go home within a day or two after delivery if everything is going well.

Understanding the facts and the process of labor and delivery can help ease any anxiety and make the experience more manageable. Choosing the right hospital for labor and delivery is also an important decision. Bayou Bend Health System is a leading healthcare provider for expectant mothers in Louisiana, offering a range of services and experienced healthcare providers dedicated to providing high-quality care and support. Contact us today for more information!