BABY’S ARRIVAL Chapter 7Page 215

Labor and Birth

Early signs of labor Cervix- lower part of the uterus ‘bloody show’- loss of the mucus plug from the cervix Amniotic sac breaks- ‘water breaks’

Woman should note the color, amount and smell Once this happens baby must be born within 24-48

hours.

Labor

Contractions- tightening and releasing of the uterine muscles Become closer together and stronger as time passesFalse Labor- “Braxton Hicks” Contractions Not regular or rhythmic Don’t get stronger End if the woman walk/ moves around

Stage 1: Dilation

1st Stage- Dilation Dilation- cervix widens until 10 cm wide Effacement- cervix thins to allow widening Contractions last about 1 min. and become about 5-6

minutes apart Baby moves down into birth canal Transition- bridge between 1st & 2nd stages

Very strong contractions and much closer together Most difficult part of labor

Stage 2: A Baby is Born

2nd Stage- baby is delivered Woman can now push

Tight fit- Ligaments in pelvic bone expand Hormone allows vagina to be very stretchy Baby’s skull is soft & flexible Episiotomy- opening is widen to allow the baby more

room and to avoid the mother tearing

Woman’s feet are elevated Doctor supports the baby’s head Forceps- surgical tongs used to help pull out babies Vacuum Extraction- suction is applied to baby’s head to

help baby move through the birth canal

3rd Stage- Placental Delivery

Weaker contractions continue after the baby is born Placenta is delivered with little discomfort Placenta must be inspected by doctor for signs of

problems Very important step to ensure no bleeding, infection or

serious illness exists

Cesarean Birth

Delivery of a baby by making a surgical incision in the mother’s abdomen

Used when complications arise or emergencies Sometimes scheduled/planned if woman is known to have

very difficult deliveries Women can have a vaginal birth after a c-section

A New Life…

Breathing During labor amniotic fluids are pushed out Takes first breath when lungs fill with oxygenCirculation Valve in the heart closes allowing blood to flow through

the heart and lungs Umbilical cord-stops pulsing and begins to shrink

In clamped off on both the mother & baby’s side then cut

Newborn at Birth

Fontanels- ‘soft spots’ or bones in the baby’s skull that haven’t fused together

Flat nose & receding chin- help w/ feeding Eyes- nearly adult size & blue at birth Lanugo- downy hair on forehead, back & shoulders

(especially babies born early) Vernix- cottage cheese looking substance that protects

baby from the amniotic fluids Milia- baby acne due to the mother’s hormones

POSTNATAL PERIODSection 7-2

Apgar Scale

0 1 2

Heart Rate Absent Under 100 Over 100

Breathing Absent Slow, irregular

Good, crying

Muscle Tone Limp Some limb movement

Active motion

Response None Grimace Cough

Color Blue, pale Pink body; blue limbs

Completely pink

Early Hours

Bonding- strong emotional tie between parent & child Breast feeding- baby’s instincts guide

Colostrum (1st milk)- easy to digest, provides antibodies, very important!!

Typically stay in hospital for 1-2 days Jaundice- baby has a yellow color on their skin

Blood has too much of a chemical If untreated, could harm nervous system Treated by putting baby in sunlight or under flourescent

lighting

Rooming In- baby stays in the mother’s room as much as parents like Allow for bonding Helps the parents practice taking care of the baby Legal Documents Must complete birth certificate Social Security Number/Card

Premature Babies

5-6% of babies are premature Incubator- help control temperature, breathing and

feeding Often have difficulties with breathing, infections & eating Babies weighing less than 1 pound have survived to be

healthy

Mother’s Postnatal Care

Physical Needs Rest- sleep when the baby does Exercise- as soon as mother feels ready can do mild

exercise Helps with weight loss and mental health

Nutrition- very important to help the body recover Especially if breast feeding Increase calories by 600 if breast feeding

Amazing Newborn

Reflexes- instinctive, automatic responses Rooting Reflex- when touched on lips or cheek baby turns

to feed Grasp Reflex- hand closes over anything that touches the

palm Startle Reflex- reaction to loud sound

Legs throw up, finders spread and arms are first extended then brought back rapidly while fingers clamp shut

Adjustments

Newborns need several weeks to settle into a predictable pattern

Baby needs to feel secure, loved and provided for Baby’s Language- parents begin to understand different

cries Temperament- baby’s style of reacting to the world and

relating to others All babies are different, some very sensitive and others

very laid back