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Labor and Delivery (Childbirth)


Why is this procedure done?


During pregnancy, a baby grows inside of your womb. Another name for the womb is uterus. The opening of the womb is the cervix. The cervix must stretch so you can have your baby. Then, the baby will pass through the birth canal. Another name for the birth canal is the vagina. Vaginal birth is when you push your baby out through the birth canal. ‚  
Labor starts when your cervix starts to open and stretch. Doctors may say your cervix is dilating. Doctors will also talk about your cervix getting thinner. Thinning of the cervix is called effacement. Labor can last a short time or a long time. Most often, the first time you have a baby, your labor will be about 12 hours long. During labor, your womb will squeeze or contract at regular intervals. ‚  
There are three stages during labor: ‚  
  • Dilation and effacement stage ¢ ˆ ’ Your cervix slowly opens and becomes thinner. The baby slowly moves down the birth canal. Contractions become regular, longer, and more painful.
  • Baby delivery stage ¢ ˆ ’ Your cervix is 10 cm wide. You will start to push with contractions. The baby will move through the cervix and vagina and is delivered.
  • Placenta delivery stage ¢ ˆ ’ After your baby is born, the placenta comes out. The placenta is the organ inside the womb that gave your baby nutrients and oxygen.


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What will the results be?


Your baby will be delivered through the vagina. Vaginal birth has faster recovery time compared to other ways of childbirth. ‚  

What happens before the procedure?


  • You will be in labor. You can use many different comfort techniques and pain control methods to help you get through the contractions.
  • Your doctor will ask about the amount of time between the pains you feel.
  • Your doctor will ask you if your water broke. If your water doesnt break by itself, your doctor may choose to break your water. Breaking your water may help labor progress.

What happens during the procedure?


  • Your doctor may tell you to start pushing after your cervix is at 10 centimeters.
  • Most often, your doctor will ask you to lie on your back. Your knees and legs will be bent.
  • You will push the baby out with contractions.
  • If you are having problems delivering your baby, the doctor may use special tools to help.
    • Small suction cup. The suction cup is placed on the babys head to guide the baby through the birth canal. Using the suction cup is a vacuum-assisted vaginal birth.
    • Forceps. A pair of forceps is most often placed around the baby's head and used to guide the baby through the birth canal. Using forceps is a forceps-assisted vaginal birth.
  • Sometimes, your doctor may make a cut in your vagina. Making a cut to the vagina to assist birth is called an episiotomy. An episiotomy may help the baby come out easier. If episiotomy was done or you have any tears, your doctor will close the cut with absorbable stitches.
  • After the delivery of the baby, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut.
  • Your placenta will come out next.

What happens after the procedure?


  • You will recover for about 2 hours in your labor room.
  • The staff will help you begin to walk around. If you have had an epidural, you will have to wait for the numbness to go away.
  • Your doctor will tell when you can go home. You may go home in 1 to 2 days.

What drugs may be needed?


Your doctor may give you a drug for pain. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain drugs often work just fine. Ask your doctor what to take if you are breastfeeding. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Bleeding
  • Uterine infection
  • Tear of tissue around the vagina
  • Blood clots in your legs
  • Infection in your breasts
  • Low mood

Where can I learn more?


KidsHealth ‚  
http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_center/childbirth/recovering_delivery.html# ‚  
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Womens Health ‚  
http://womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/childbirth-beyond/labor-birth.cfm ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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