8 Frequently asked questions about childbirth & bull; hello healthy

Towards delivery, it is natural for many pregnant women to feel anxious, especially if this is their first delivery. But no need to worry, by answering all the questions and worries about childbirth, pregnant women will usually be ready when it's time to give birth.

Here are some things that are often asked about childbirth.

1. What physical changes will I experience before labor?

In the first pregnancy, the fetus will begin to descend downwards and its head will enter your pelvic cavity approximately after 32 weeks of gestation. You will find it easier to breathe, sleep better, and urinate more often because the fetus puts more pressure on the bladder.

However, in the second and subsequent pregnancies, usually a new baby's head falls before birth.

You will also often feel pain like cramps in the lower abdomen because the uterus is slightly stretched. These cramps will occur repeatedly but not on a regular schedule. Then, the vagina will also become wetter or more moist.

2. What are the characteristics I will give birth?

When it's time for delivery, you will experience:

Heartburn from the back of the pelvis towards the front. At first it is weak and the distance is long, but then it gradually gets stronger and the distance gets shorter, until finally it becomes regular at the time of delivery.
The uterus feels tight when touched, especially when you have heartburn.
Exit mucus mixed with blood from the birth canal.
A clear yellowish amniotic discharge from the birth canal.

3. How did the labor process take place?

The labor process consists of 4 stages, namely:

Stage 1: the time it takes for the cervix to be fully opened is 10 cm2. At the birth of the first child, the complete opening of the birth canal lasts 12-18 hours. At the birth of the second child onwards, this opening is usually faster, 6-8 hours from the onset of heartburn until the baby is born.
2nd stage: when the fetus is released, which is when the uterus is assisted by the strength of heartburn and the strength of pushing, pushing the baby to birth.
Stage 3: the time for releasing and releasing the placenta.
Stage 4: 1-2 hours after the birth of the placenta.

4. What needs to be done since feeling heartburn?

Urinate frequently so that the opening of the birth canal is not disturbed. A full bladder will press on the uterus so that the movement of the uterine muscles is disturbed.
Take a light walk whenever possible.
When heartburn increases, take a deep breath through your nose and out through your mouth.
Do not push if the birth opening is incomplete.
Eat and drink between heartburn as usual if possible. If you can't, try drinking. This needs to be done so that you have the energy to push later.

5. What is a good pushing position?

A good position to push is the one you want and feel comfortable with, but there are several good positions you can do.

Sitting or half-sitting, often the most comfortable positions, also make it easier for the doctor or midwife to lead the delivery at the time the baby's head emerges and in observing the perineum.
Horseback or all fours are best when you feel the baby's head resting on his back. This position is also useful in babies who have difficulty turning.
Squat or stand. This position helps to lower the head if labor is slow or when you are unable to push.
Lie on the left side of the body. This position is comfortable and should prevent you from pushing down when the opening is not complete.

It is not a good position for you to lie flat on your back, as this can put pressure on the blood vessels that supply blood to the fetus and you.

6. What are the characteristics if the opening of the birth canal is complete?

When the opening of the birth canal is complete, you will feel like you are going to defecate. When this happens, the midwife or doctor will ask you to push like when you have a bowel movement, any heartburn arises.

When the heartburn is gone, you are prohibited from pushing. Take breaks, take a breath, take a drink in between to rehydrate.

After pushing a few times, the baby's head will be pushed out and the baby will be born. For the first child, the maximum length of pushing is 2 hours, while for the second child and so on, the maximum is 1 hour.

7. What will the midwife or doctor do as soon as the baby comes out?

Dry the baby's body and clean the baby's mouth and nose over your stomach.
Cut and care for the umbilical cord.
Warm or wrap the baby and give it to you for immediate breastfeeding.
Helps you to remove the placenta which is usually born 15 minutes after the baby is born.
Checking the integrity of the placenta that comes out so that nothing is left in the uterus, to prevent bleeding during the puerperium.