Time to Be Born!Pregnancy Options &

Stages of Labor

Mrs. BrennanChild Development

Unit 3

Birthing Plans:Decisions to be

made

Medical Assistance

1. Obstetrician: specializes in pregnancy and child birth

2. Family Practice

3. Certified Mid Wife: registered nurse, associated hospital or birth center

4. Lay Mid-wife: private training affiliation

5. Doula: private “coach”- prenatal, labor and delivery, post-partum

Home or Hospital??

• Factors– Health– Insurance– Proximity to Hospital– Problems in Pregnancy

• Options:– Hospital – Birth Centers– Home– Water Birth

Education

• LaMaze- pain management through relaxation and breathing exercises

• Bradley- emphasizes diet and exercise through pregnancy, no pain medication

• LeBoyer- “gentle childbirth”-techniques reduces pain and shock of delivery for the child

Stages of Labor

Pre-Labor Signs

• As early as two weeks before birth– Lightening- baby drops into

position in pelvis– Braxton Hicks contraction– Nesting- bursts of adrenaline=

energy– Mucus plug– Water breaks- amniotic fluid

release

First Stage of Labor

• Contractions open cervix – What starts labor????

• A hormone is secreted that starts contractions

– Early Labor: contractions are regular intervals• Dilation cervix opens• Effacement= cervix thins

– Active Labor: contractions are more frequent, longer and stronger

– Transition: contractions are very strong and cervix dilated to 10 centimeters

Second Stage of Labor• Baby is Born!

– Contractions move baby through pelvis– Episiotomy= surgical incision in

perineum– Forceps– Vacuum Extraction– Crowning= widest part of baby’s head is

visible– Head emerges- suction nose and mouth– Umbilical cord is clamped and cut

• Freezing of umbilical cord

Birth Animation VideoCrowning/Birth Passage Episiotomy/Vacuum/ Forceps

Third Stage of Labor

• Placenta is delivered (5 to 10 min.)– Contractions separate placenta from

the uterine wall

– Bonding and Breastfeeding

Cesarean Birth• Surgical incision in abdomen and uterus

– Reasons for:• Maternal complications• Fetal Distress• Pre-existing conditions (STI's)• Previous cesarean births

Assignment:Up Close and Personal

• Interview THREE mothers about their experiences with childbirth

• Ask them the questions provided• In a paper:

– Write a short profile on each women including age, age of the child now and relationship to you

– Write one paragraph sharing answers from each

– Paragraphs should be written in paragraph form with complete sentences, punctuation, etc.

– Paper should be typed (see format on back)– DUE IN ONE WEEK!!