Anesthetics during Labor
Some women find the contractions in labor very painful. Others simply find them hard work. A good training in breathing and relaxation helps a great deal. A fearful attitude increases the feelings of pain. A choice of anesthetics is available, including a gas (either trichloroethylene or nitrous oxide) and oxygen mixture inhaled through a mask, or injections of pethidine, which is often combined with a tranquilizer. The most modern method is a local anesthetic that paralyzes and numbs the body below the waist and the legs almost completely. It is given by a tube inserted through the lower part of the back into the spinal canal, and is known as an “epidural.”
Read MoreStarting Labor
Labor is basically a series of increasingly strong contractions of the womb, coming more and more frequently. In fact the womb has contractions throughout pregnancy and throughout its life. In many mothers, however, contractions can get stronger and then die away many times during the last two weeks or so, a tantalizing period for the eager of almost mother. Real labor starts when the cervix begins to open. This may happen when the minutes and last for forty seconds or more. However, a woman cannot be certain until they come every five minutes.
Read MoreInduced Birth
Although births can be induced, this is a controversial medical procedure. It can be useful in the case of expected complications but should hardly be planned merely for the convenience of the patient or the doctor. After all, in the normal course of pregnancy, it is the baby who “decides” when he is ready to be born. When his development in the womb is complete his pituitary gland at the base of his brain starts a chain reaction of hormones, which tells the mother’s body to start the labor.
Read MoreChoosing Between Home or Hospital Birth
During the pregnancy the parents should discuss, both between themselves and with the professionals, the choice between a home and a hospital birth. If you prefer to have a home birth, make sure that there are competent professionals in your community who are willing to care for you on that basis –communities differ in their acceptance and encouragement of the practice.
Read MoreFather’s Presence at The Birth
Traditionally, men have always been excluded from both the hard physical work and the emotional pleasure of childbirth. But in recent years this has changed radically. Although for some fathers it is somewhat harrowing to contemplate, their presence will prevent the mother from feeling lonely and frightened. Whether or not he actively helps, just by being their father deepens the experience of birth for them both.
Read MoreGiving Up Work When Pregnant
There is normally no need for a woman to give up work the moment she finds herself pregnant. However, chronic fatigue may prevent the baby from receiving adequate nourishment. The decision to stop working will be largely dependent on how she feels, on the kind of work she is doing, and how far she has work right up to the end; most do not. With a hugely expanded womb and organs now crammed into a much smaller space, the last months of pregnancy can be uncomfortable.
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