labor and delivery

2. 1. Slight cramps and a backache
 Gets stronger and longer
 Regular intervals

3. 2. Water breaks
 Delivery within 24 to 48 hours to prevent
infection

4. 3. “Show” appears
 Few drops of blood
 Also called “mucus plug”

5. Stage 1
 Contractions open cervix
 Longest stage
 Contractions occur about 15-30 minutes apart
 Contractions make cervix dilate
 Cervix must widen to about 4” (10 cm)
 Cervix about ¾” thick will become paper thin
 Breech Birth – when baby comes feet first
 Breathing exercises help relax

6. Stage 1

7. Stage 2
 Baby Born
 Contractions become 2-4 minutes apart
 Contractions push baby through the vagina
 Mother pushes
 Episiotomy- incision from vagina to rectum (prevents
woman from tearing)
 Normal opening is 1” smaller than baby’s head
 Forceps – help guide baby’s head during delivery

8. Stage 2

9. Stage 3
 Placenta is expelled
 Afterbirth
 Stage takes about 2 minutes to ½ hour
 Little or no discomfort

10. Stage 3

11. Cesarean
 Delivered through incision in wall of uterus and
abdomen
 Why a C-section?
 Not enough room in birth canal (pelvis too small)
 Baby abnormal position
 Contractions not strong enough
 Feet first
 Scheduled delivery- birth date moved up 2 weeks

12. C-Section