If you\’re approaching your due date, I\’m sure worries about inductions, forceps, and cesareans are starting to weigh on you. So, let’s find out together.
What should I do if my water breaks early?
Most women\’s water breaks during the first stage of labor, when the cervix is almost fully dilated. However, premature water breaking is also the first sign that labor is imminent in about 15% of women. It may come out a lot at once or just a little, so even if you\’re not sure if your water broke, it\’s best to call your doctor or get tested right away.
If your water breaks prematurely and you have no other symptoms or problems, your doctor will usually recommend waiting 48 hours. Giving birth within 48 hours of your water breaking can reduce the risk of infection because once your water breaks, the protective barrier between your fetus and vaginal bacteria is gone. You can\’t wait too long.
Don\’t worry, most women will choose to wait after their water breaks, and natural contractions will usually begin within 48 hours. However, some expectant mothers have their water break prematurely and need artificial help. If there are no signs of labor within 48 hours, labor will need to be induced.
There are many ways to induce labor. Some hospitals will insert a gel or suppository containing prostaglandin-like gel or suppository into the mother\’s vagina to induce labor. It can promote cervical ripening and stimulate uterine contraction. Your doctor may also be able to induce contractions by injecting synthetic oxytocin.
Fetal position is not how to do?
The ideal fetal position during delivery is \”cephalic\” – head down, with your back to you. If the baby\’s chin is hidden in your arms, it is more conducive to a smooth delivery than if the baby\’s head is straight. In the last few weeks of pregnancy, doctors can determine the position of the fetus by feeling the mother\’s belly. If the fetus is in breech position, that is, the buttocks are facing down, the doctor will teach you a set of gymnastics to adjust the fetal position. The success rate of this method is about 60%, but if the fetal position has not been adjusted by the time of delivery, a cesarean section may be required.
What should I do if the cervix cannot be opened?
The first stage of labor, that is, the cervix is very slow before it opens three fingers, but it is not as simple as simply opening. The cervix becomes thinner as it opens, from thick to thin, as thin as paper. If you\’re in the first stages of labor and your waters haven\’t broken yet, your doctor will usually recommend waiting. This may weaken your will, but surgery may ultimately be needed if your doctor intervenes.
However, if the expectant mother has entered the second stage of labor (cervical opening is more than 3 fingers) and the speed of uterine opening is not stable enough (normally it should be 1 finger per hour), the doctor will first understand why the cervix is not opening. Is it because the fetal position is incorrect, the uterine contractions are not strong enough, or the expectant mother’s posture is incorrect? Sometimes doctors give oxytocin to speed up labor.
What if the pain is too much for me to bear?
Most expectant mothers worry about this issue. contraction pain plusFatigue can feel unbearable. You can find something to help you relax or fall asleep. There are many ways, but does the surrounding environment make you feel comfortable? Very important. Also, just don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If you feel pain, say it out loud and allow your body and mind to relax as much as possible. As pressure decreases, so does sensitivity to pain.
What should I do if the fetal condition is not right?
During delivery, doctors will regularly monitor the fetal heartbeat. If the heart rate drops, the doctor will connect an ultrasound Doppler fetal monitor for continuous monitoring to record the speed of the fetal heartbeat and the intensity of uterine contractions. Signs of an abnormal fetal condition also include decreased movement or the presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid.
Many things can cause fetal discomfort, such as the heat of hot water and paracetamol, or fetal hypoxia, although hypoxia may simply be temporary discomfort caused by the fetus temporarily resting on the umbilical cord. But if the delivery process is too fast, it will cause discomfort to the fetus.
Although fetal discomfort does not usually lead to an emergency cesarean section, doctors need to understand its causes. If the cervix has been dilated to 4-5 fingers, the doctor will draw blood from the fetus\’ head for testing. Don\’t worry, this test will not cause discomfort to the fetus.
If the doctor is worried that the fetus is in danger, he or she needs to use tools to deliver the baby immediately, or perform a cesarean section to remove the fetus.
What if I’m too tired to push?
By the time it\’s time to express your baby\’s milk, you may be very hungry, frustrated, and exhausted. Don\’t worry, doctors and midwives will be able to help you on a case-by-case basis.
Pregnant mothers need to pay attention to not crying, actively cooperate with the doctor, let them exert force when they need to, and take time to rest when they cannot. Pay attention to the adjustment of breathing pattern.
Most expectant mothers make it to the end. If there is really no strength, the doctor will also consider using a negative pressure suction device to assist delivery, or a cesarean section.
What should I do if the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby\’s neck?
Although it sounds scary, this condition is very common and usually easy to fix. For most fetuses whose umbilical cord is suspected to be wrapped around the neck, doctors generally recommend cesarean section.
If the umbilical cord is loose, your doctor can easily wrap it around your baby\’s head during natural delivery. However, some fetuses have longer umbilical cords. If the wound is tight, the doctor may consider cutting the umbilical cord, although this is still relatively rare. Once the umbilical cord is cut, it means that the fetus\’s oxygen supply is cut off, and the fetus must be separated from the mother immediately. Therefore, when the next contraction comes, the expectant mother must work very hard to deliver the fetus.
What if I can\’t express my wishes?
It is best to make a birth plan in advance and fully communicate with your partner. In this way, when a problem or difficulty arises, if you are unable to express it and the doctor asks about the family\’s wishes, you canYou can ask your partner to talk to the doctor about your concerns.
Under normal circumstances, doctors will not force mothers to do what they want. Therefore, you can tell the doctor your thoughts and listen to the doctor\’s advice. After all, this is a professional opinion before making a decision.