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Birth Surprises
Be one step ahead of any labour surprises
There is definitely a tendency in people to regale other first-time mums-to-be with horrifying and oft-exaggerated real-life birth experiences. So, the fears of these poor mums would triple if their birth or labour didn't go according to plan. Here's our guide to put you one step ahead of those labour surprises.
EARLY BIRDS
Most pregnancies last for 40-42 weeks but around 10% of babies do come prematurely (before 37 weeks). These babies have a higher risk of encountering medical and developmental problems, such as underdeveloped lungs, since they have had less time in the womb. If you do go into early labour, most doctors would inject you with Ritrodine to delay the process. If your baby's born early, then a steroid injection may be administered to the baby to strengthen the lungs.
Thanks to the advancement in medical care, the outlook for premature babies is no longer bleak. Even babies who are born at 22-23 weeks have a 17% chance of survival and newborns weighing just over 2lbs have an 80% chance. At most times, a hospital stay is required but most babies are allowed home around their due date.
LATECOMERS
It is important for women to be patient when they pass their due date. Doctors usually allow pregnant women to go for another 10-14 days past their due dates before they decide to do an induction. The reason why some women go past their due date is because these women have longer menstrual cycles so 42 weeks is a more accurate estimate of pregnancy than 40.
If you are past the 10-14 day limit, then your doctor may do a stretch and sweep inside your cervix to loosen the membranes. If there's still no sign of going into labour, then they will set an induction date where labour will be started artificially.
At an induction, a prostaglandin gel is normally inserted into your vagina to soften and shorten the cervix. If they still don't go into labour after this, you may be given intravenous oxytocin – a synthetic form of the hormones your body needs to kick start labour. Normally these drugs don't affect the baby, but if she does go into distress, the drip will be turned off so the contractions become less intense.
FAST & FURIOUS
Although the idea of a quick labour can be appealing to expectant mums, it can actually be traumatic for both mother and baby. Midwives say that most first-timers dilate one centimetre every hour, followed by another two hours of pushing. If things happen much quicker both you and your baby may be temporarily shocked.
Quick labours are generally rare. Complications are not common, but may occur if the delivery is very fast. The reason is the birth canal and perineum need time to stretch, so if fast labour is forcing it to stretch quickly, tearing will be more likely. If the urge to push becomes uncontrollable, listen to your midwife and try to control it. It is normal for mums who experience quick labours to feel scared, shaky and sick. If you find yourself wanting to push uncontrollably, listen to your midwife and try to control your pushing.
EAGER BEAVERS
If your baby decides to come even before you arrive at the hospital, don't panic. Firstly, you should stay calm. Then you should call 999 and tell them that you're about to give birth. If you are alone, call your neighbour or friend to help you. Lay some clean towels and sheets on your bed and wait for help to arrive. Try not to push before a doctor comes to help.
If your baby does come out before help gets to you, ensure that the cord is not around her neck. If it is, hook it over her head with your finger. Wrap baby up in towels or blankets and don't cut the umbilical cord until your midwife or the paramedics arrive.
LONG LABOUR
There are cases where the labour goes on really slowly. If this happens, your nurse will discuss with your doctor on how to keep both mother and baby as comfortable and safe as possible.
If your water hasn't already broken, your gynae may decide to break your waters to speed up your labour. Usually this makes your contractions more intense at a faster rate. If it doesn't work, then a dose of oxytocin may be given to increase the intensity and frequency of your contractions. Many women need an epidural at this stage.
Your baby is very tough and shouldn't be affected by a long labour. But this can be very tiring for the mother. As your uterus may become tired, a long labour may put you at a higher risk of bleeding. If you have difficulty pushing after being fully dilated, then a ventouse delivery may be necessary. If things still don't progress, even after a drip, then a caesarean may be advised.
The best thing you can do when you are faced with a slow labour progression is to keep moving. Being upright also helps stimulate contractions and gravity does help things along.
BREECH BABY
Around 3% of babies settle in the breech position at birth – bottom down instead of head down - and these cases usually end in a caesarian birth. The reason is that a vaginal birth may be dangerous for the baby because if the head is delivered last, your baby may be deprived of oxygen. Your doctor or midwife should inform you of the risks.
If you do opt for a vaginal birth, you will be monitored and after birth, your baby will be checked by a pediatrician or a doctor.
If you have any comments or practical suggestions, write to us at editor@family.sg
- Mother & Baby
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