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| The experience of labor
and birth is very individual, very unique.
So all the more you will need to prepare yourself not
just by packing your hospital bag but also by working
on your mindset to prepare you for this most incredible
event. |
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What
is Labor? |
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Regular contractions with dilatation of the cervix define
labor. Contraction sans the dilatation or opening of the
cervix is considered as latent phase or early labor which
is different from proper..
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1st
Stage of Labor |
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The first stage is usually the longest
and the hardest part of labor. During this stage the
cervix gradually opens to allow the baby to make its
way down into the birth canal..
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Long
Labor |
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A long labor though normal can be difficult to handle.
It is especially common in first time pregnancies, with
labor lasting beyond the 12-18 grueling hour range without..
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Induction
Of Labor (IOL) |
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Induction of labor (IOL) means bringing on contractions
through external aids before your body goes into labor
naturally. IOL strengthens..
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Preparing
for a C-section |
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Sometimes a cesarean birth is best for you and your
baby. Though it is normal to have your share of anxieties,
almost all mothers and babies recover well after a c-section.
An operation can be scheduled (planned) or unscheduled..
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2nd
Stage of Labor |
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Many women find the second stage easier
to cope because they find things under their control more
or less. In essence this stage lasts from full dilation
until the birth. Once the cervix is completely..
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3rd
Stage of Labor |
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The final part of labor begins after the
baby is born and ends with the delivery of the placenta.
Since the mother's entire attention will be on her new
baby, she may not even be aware of this part of labor.
There are two ways..
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Vaginal
Birth after Cesarean (VBAC) |
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Once a cesarean, always a cesarean! Not necessarily
although this issue is still under scrutiny because of
the uncertainties involved. That explains the low percentage
of woman opting to give birth vaginally after..
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Cervix
dilation |
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Cervix dilation is also known as dilatation, it is a
gradual process where the mouth of the cervix widens from
0-10 centimeters (4 inches in width) during the course
of..
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The
Birth Process |
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It is natural to be perplexed, curious and even tensed
about what is going to happen when the date draws close.
If this is your first baby, fear of what to expect, curious..
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C-Section
- The Facts |
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Most babies are born head first, through the vagina.
However some vaginal births require assistance. Two types
of instruments are used to aid vaginal delivery..
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Episiotomy
- To Cut or Not to Cut |
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Most women worry about being cut during
labor. This concern is real. After all it does sound daunting
to have a cut down there but in some cases it cannot be
helped. The cut in the muscular area between the vagina
and back passage..
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Pain
Relief during Labor |
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Every labor and delivery is different,
and so is the pain threshold - what is bearable for one
woman may be intolerable for another. You cannot predict
which way your labor is going to go but you can certainly
choose..
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Premature
labor - how early is too early! |
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Having a baby between the 20th and 37th week is considered
premature. Most premature births are deliberate, planned
attempts by the obstetrician due to some health complication..
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What
is Mucus Plug |
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One sure sign that labor is on the way
is when you lose the mucus plug. Tinged with blood or
clear in color, the mucus on your underpants in the last
weeks describes this plug. The thick mucus has been blocking
the opening to the cervix for a while now..
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Assisted
Delivery |
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When labor doesn't progress
smoothly, some assistance becomes necessary. Popular procedures
involve the use of instruments such as forceps or a vacuum
extractor. Common reasons for assisted delivery are -
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What
Baby's Position During Pregnancy |
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The position the baby assumes can affect labor and birth.
Right up to week 36 it doesn't matter which position the
baby lies in because there is still time for it to make
the change. Basically most babies..
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