Vaginal birth, popularly known as normal birth, is a process characterized by softening, thinning and opening of the cervix, followed by rupture of the amniotic sac, uterine contractions becoming stronger and more frequent, and your baby advancing through the birth canal.
Birth occurs in 3 stages:
- 1. Stage:It covers the period from the beginning of active labor when the cervix is fully thinned and dilated.
- 2. Stage: It is the period from the stage when the cervix is fully open until the baby comes out.
- 3. stage:It is the process of separation of the placenta and membranes
1. Stage: Signs of Birth Labor
One of the first signs of labor labor is the softening and shortening of the cervix, that is, its effacement. Generally, softening and fading begins in the last weeks of pregnancy. Efficacy is expressed as a percentage. The cervix, which is initially considered to be 4 cm long, becomes 50% effaced when it decreases to 2 cm in length. 100% effacement is required before birth. Another early sign of birth is the dilation of the cervix. Dilation is expressed between 1 and 10 cm. Cervical dilation usually occurs slowly, up to 3 cm. Some pregnant women cannot go into active labor for days or even weeks. When active labor begins, the opening of the cervix accelerates.
Engagement Arrival
During pregnancy, the cervix is covered with a thick mucus plug to protect against external infections. The beginning of the first stage of labor causes effacement and dilation of the cervix and the expulsion of the mucus plug mixed with blood. While it may be the first sign of birth, the transition to active labor may take days.
Opening of the Amniotic Sac (Breaking of Waters)
The amniotic sac is the fluid-filled membrane that protects the baby in the uterus. Amniotic fluid is clear, odorless and at body temperature. After the amniotic sac is opened, you must be hospitalized for birth. If active labor does not start spontaneously within 24 hours, induction of labor with artificial pain may be required. Leaving the amniotic sac open for longer than 24 hours may cause serious infections in the baby and the mother after birth.
Uterine Contractions (Contractions). ar)
"Braxton Hicks" contractions, which are felt as gathering and loosening of the uterus in the last month of pregnancy, are pains in preparation for birth.
These contractions;
<On average, active labor lasts 8 hours. While it may last up to 12-14 hours in first births, it may decrease to 4-6 hours in second and subsequent births. During active labor, you can try breathing and relaxation techniques, take a warm shower, walk, and get massage support for your back and waist from your relatives.
Every pregnant woman's birth experience is unique to her. So whenever you have any doubts, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. Especially if you have not completed the 36th week of pregnancy, your doctor will want to take precautions to prevent preterm birth.
37. Starting from the first week of pregnancy, active labor usually becomes evident. However, even if you apply to the hospital with false labor, never be ashamed or upset. Consider this a preliminary exercise for an action whose reality will soon come.
2. Stage: Baby's Exit
The second stage of labor is the baby's emergence from the birth canal. The cervix is completely effaced and dilated to 10 cm. It may last from a few minutes to several hours. In first births, the duration is longer when epidural anesthesia is applied. At this stage of labor, you can push with every contraction and support the baby's descent down the birth canal, or you can wait until your natural feeling of pushing becomes strongest and save your energy.
3. Stage: Separation of the Placenta
The placenta and its membranes usually separate spontaneously within 5-10 minutes. Rarely, it may take up to 30 minutes. During this process, you will continue to feel your birth pains relieved. Massaging your abdomen will reduce your bleeding. If an episiotomy was performed, your repair will take 15 minutes.
Episiotomy
Episiotomy is an incision made from the entrance of the vagina to the anus, either vertically or outwards at a 45-degree angle.
- The baby's arrival position is abnormal and it is necessary to expand the exit area
- It is applied if it is necessary to accelerate the emergence moment
Local anesthesia to the incision line It is applied and an incision is made just before the baby comes out. The healing process is very fast, it takes place within a week. The wound site should be kept clean and dry. Care should be taken to prevent constipation.
Situations that you should inform your doctor about after birth;
- Fever
- Intense vaginal bleeding
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Swelling in the episiotomy line, bruising, separation of stitches
- Burning and pain during urination
- Redness in urination, increased temperature
- Pain or swelling in the leg
- Postpartum depression – mood swings, loss of appetite, fatigue, unhappiness, inability to care for your baby, thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
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