Labor is the process by which the fetus and the placenta leave the uterus. It can be through cesarean or vaginally.

This article focuses on what to expect during vaginal delivery and also ways to make it easier.

How will you feel when you are empowered with most of the information you need to know about child birth before having your baby? You will feel secured, confident and not scared about the outcome of labor.

I remember having no idea about the different positions of labor whilst pregnant and as a result I could not make an informed decision. I was actually left to comply with the position that was only comfortable for my midwife that is to sleep on my back. This position actually reduces your pelvic outlet by 30 percent and can go a long way to affect the outcome of labor. I believe that if I should have had knowledge about the different positions I would have chosen one that I will be comfortable with that will also aid labor and also reduce tears.

It is therefore important for all expectant mums to know what to expect during labor and delivery and even beyond. This will also help them to make informed choices.

Note: Before labor begins make sure you have made a birth plan and also make sure your home and items needed for the safe arrival of your baby are made ready.

Mums should know that labor consist of three stages:

In the first stage, the cervix dilates from 1 cm to 10 cm. The cervix which is the mouth of the womb must be fully open (10 cm) before the midwife or the gynecologist allows you to push out your baby. Contractions are also present which makes it a painful experience. Some of the things you can do to make your first stage labor easier include:

• Walk around in the comfort of your home or hospital if your water hasn’t broken.
• Take a lot of fluids example water and fruit juice.
• Conversing or chatting with friends and love ones that will help to take your mind of the pain.
• Having a sacral massage from your partner, nurse or midwife.
• Having a warm shower.
• Listening to soft music.
• Swimming if your water hasn’t broken yet.
• Performing deep breathing exercise during contractions.
• Watch a video that is related to child birth.
• Eat enough food.
• Ensure enough rest and comfort to preserve your energy.
• Ensure a safe environment.
• Do not push or bear down during the first stage of labor since it can cause your cervix to tear which will result in profuse bleeding.
• Feel free to discuss your fears with your partner, doctor or midwife.

The second stage starts when the cervix is fully dilated and ends when the baby is born. In this stage, the woman will need strength to push out the baby. The doctor or midwife will skillfully guide her through the process so she will have her baby born without any complications to herself and her baby.

Some important things that will make the second stage easier include:

• It will be beneficial to the woman to know and practice the type of delivery position they will have to use. Examples, squatting, standing or laying on your back. Practicing the position you will love to use helps you to become familiar with that position and also become more comfortable with it.
• Practice kegel’s exercise to reduce tearing of the perineum and improve healing after having perinea tear. This exercise strengthens the perinea muscles and also reduces the threshold of pain during delivery.
• It is important for the new mum to know how to perform deep breathing exercise during contractions to reduce the threshold of pain.
• The woman should also rest between contractions and only push when contractions are present.
• It is also important to corporate with your doctor or midwife to make the labor experience a memorable one.
• Midwives should be vested with all the skills they need to have to reduce birth injuries and complications.

After the baby is born, it is dried and put on the mother’s abdomen for kangaroo mother care and the initiation of breastfeeding. The cord is clamped and cut preferably after cord has stopped pulsating.

The third stage is the delivery of the placenta. There is a gush of blood from the uterus, the cord lengthened and the uterus is the palpated below the umbilical level.

• The woman should co-operate with the midwife so that the placenta comes out fully. If portion of the placenta remain in the uterus, it will cause bleeding and later infections.
• The midwife would have to inspect the placenta well to make sure that all parts are complete and that the woman’s perineum is well cleaned and inspected. All tears should also be attended and taken care of.

After the woman is cleaned she is made comfortable in bed, her vital signs and important observation are made and recorded. The woman is then transferred to the ward and peperium begins. Remember to report any sign of dizziness, fainting and heavy bleeding to your midwife or nurse just after your delivery.

Hope this article will help new mommies to manage their labor. Have a smooth child birth, ladies!

The next article will focus on peperium, what it is and what to expect during that time.

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