Labor, Delivery & Post Period Of Pregnancy
The first signs of labor can be the loss of your mucus plug, your water breaking, and/or regular contractions. Labor progresses in stages and normal progression means that vaginal delivery is possible. If there are complications, your doctor may choose to delivery through C-section to lower the risk of trauma to you and your baby. After delivery, you may experience sore breasts, incontinence, vaginal discharge, hemorrhoids, and discomfort around your vagina (especially if an episiotomy was conducted). Some mothers experience what is known as the baby blues which may include crying, irritability, or sadness. This is often due to the hormonal and physical changes that take place after childbirth. Talk to your doctor if your physical or emotional symptoms become more serious.
Recently Answered
- Q What are typical physical restrictions after a vaginal delivery?
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For mothers with uncomplicated vaginal deliveries, there are few restrictions on post-delivery activities. Keeping physically active with light walks can be beneficial for recovering moms and may reduce the chance of post-partum depression. However,... Full Answer
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- Q Should I write a birth plan for labor and delivery?
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Dr. Heather Wittenberg, PsychologyLabor is unpredictable. Labor can be dangerous. Not so long ago, women used to die all the time in labor. We shouldn’t get too picky about the labor process. Thankfully, the vast majority of women, today, survive the process just fine.... Full Answer
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- Q What is vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC)?
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VBAC delivery stands for vaginal birth after cesarean. What that means is that women will sometimes have to have a c-section for some reason, and then, in a subsequent pregnancy, they would like to deliver vaginally. We call that a VBAC. Full Answer
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- Q How do I increase my chance to have a safe, satisfying vaginal birth?
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If you are healthy and have no medical complications that call for a "high- risk" approach to your care during labor and birth, you can increase your chances of having a safe and satisfying vaginal birth by trying the following strategies: Find a doctor... Full Answer
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- Q What is a birth plan?
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A birth plan is a list of preferences on how you would like your birth experience to be. A plan helps your doctor know your wishes about pain management, delivery and infant care. It also serves as a starting point to open the communication lines with... Full Answer
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- Q What should be included in my birth plan?
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A birth plan is a list of preferences on how you would like your birth experience to be. These items generally are covered in a birth plan: What are your wishes during a normal labor and delivery? How do you prefer your baby to be treated immediately... Full Answer
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- Q Does homeopathy help treat postpartum hemorrhage?
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Some research shows that homeopathy may decrease blood loss after giving birth. More studies are needed before a conclusion can be made. You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard... Full Answer
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- Q What can I do to manage my breech position and breech birth?
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Healthy pregnancy choices Whether or not your fetus is known to be in breech position, you can help with delivering a healthy baby. Everything healthy that you do for your body helps your developing baby. Rest when you need it, eat well and exercise... Full Answer
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- Q What are the risks involved with vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC)?
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New Guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists remind clinicians that: most women with one previous low-transverse uterine (not skin) incision are candidates for a subsequent vaginal delivery and should receive counseling... Full Answer
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- Q If I choose vaginal birth after C-section, what can I do to prepare for it?
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Paula Greer, Midwifery NursingThe best way to be prepared for a successful VBAC is to shop around and find a provider who believes in them and does them with a good success rate. Educate yourself on the risks and benefits well enough to ask and have all your questions answered. After... Full Answer
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