Pregnancy

Throughout life we prepare for the things that really matter-school, career, marriage.Giving birth should be no exception, because it profoundly affects everyone involved, it deserves careful and thoughtful preparation.




1. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate:

Mood swing

Don't mistake silence for rejection

Honor the time

If one person does all the giving, the relationship suffers.

2. Discomfort:

nausea (eat small meals everyday)

constipation

leg cramp (adjust calcium ratio)

swelling feet (increase fluids)

varicose veins (avoid legs-crossed positions, elevate legs )

hemorrhoids (Kegel for circulation)

vaginal discharge

3. Some Helpful Terms:

amniotic sac (bag of waters) 羊水

pelvic bone骨盆

Umbilical Cord 脐带

Cervix/Vagina

Dilation 开指

Placenta 胎盘

4. You will be better able to deal with pain if you...

1). Learn to think positively and overcome fear of birth

Labor pain is purposeful. It brings about the birth of a baby. Contractions are called "labor pains". They bring about the birth of a baby. The uterus is the largest and strongest muscle in a woman's body. When it contracts, there is a strong sensation of both pressure and stretching as this powerful muscle pulls back on the cervix to open the way to the birth canal.

Labor Pain is intermittent. Labor pain is not continuous like the pain of kidney stones or an abscessed tooth. During the final stage of the dilation, the contractions may seem to come one on top of another.

2). Find a support group.

3). Know your options for medications and medical procedures.

5. Sign of Labor

Lightening, Nesting, Flu-like symptoms

Show (blood tinged mucous plug)

water breaks: tickle of water to gush of fluid

Contraction (frequent, 1 minute in length, at five minute interval for an hour)

If you think you are in labor, try the following: walk awhile, relax, shower, eat foods that are easy to digest, finish packing

6. Stages:

Early Labor

It may start out as far apart as 20 minutes and last only 30 to 45 seconds. Encourage mom to change positions frequently, favoring upright positions. Time some contractions and keep a written record. Goody bag

Active Labor

Transition

In this phase of labor the powerful contractions that open the cervix change to the pushing contractions that bring the birth of the baby. It only takes about 10-90 minutes for the cervix to open from 7 to 10 centimeters.

Pushing and Birth

Delivery of the Placenta

7. What to do if the laboring woman panics

Signals: eg, verbally giving up "I can't do this anymore!"

Role of partner: Stroke her with both touch and verbal signals

Breathe with her> Start with her pace and slow it if necessary.

Acknowledge her pain. Reassure her, praise her, take charge.

Get her to visualize the cervix opening up and the baby moving down

8. Childbirth Choices

Knowing your choices and being flexible will help you to have a positive birth experience.

Induction 引产

is the process of starting labor by artificial means

Elective induction or scheduled cesarean surgery before 39 weeks unless tests have been done to confirm the readiness of the baby's lungs for birth.

Epidural Analgesia

The catheter is taped to her back, with one end remaining in the epidural space and the other end attached to a syringe of medication. It remains in place throughout labor and birth, so that small amount of anesthetic can be injected intermittently.

In the hospital

ante partum unit, labor and delivery, postpartum unit

birth certificates, apply for baby's social security number, baby's full name, hepatitis b vaccine

discharge (car seat, personal items)