1. CHILDBIRTH

2. Early Signs of Labor “Show” or “Bloody Show”: losing the mucus plug
Plug seals cervix
Prevents bacteria from spreading
Liquefies before birth
Drops of blood or pinkish stain
Membrane breaks: gush of warm fluid
Note time, amount, color, odor
Call MD
Contractions: tightening and releasing of muscles of uterus

3. False vs Real Labor False: feel strong contractions but:
Are not regular or rhythmic
Do not become increasingly stronger
Real: contractions follow a regular pattern and grow in intensity

4. Stages of Labor 1. contractions open the cervix 2. baby is born
6-18 hrs first, 2-5 hrs later
2. baby is born
1-2 hrs first, mins later
3. placenta is expelled
10-30 mins

5. Stage 1 Cervix tightens and opens w/contractions
Get longer and close together
Mom becomes more serious and focused
Needs support from her coach
Ends in transition: cervix is fully dialated

6. Stage 2 Pelvic bones stretch because of hormone called relaxin
Also makes the vagina stretch
Baby’s skull is flexible and can become longer and narrower to fit through birth canal
Episiotomy-widens opening

7. Stage 3 Small period of rest Push and deliver placenta
Any parts of placenta left, can cause bleeding, infection, or serious illness

8. Cesarean Birth Surgical incision in abdomen
Stay in hospital about 3 days
6 weeks recovery

9. The Newborn at Birth Lungs are collapsed in uterus Umbilical cord
Delivery-fill with amniotic fluid
Squeezed down birth canal, fluid pushed out
Takes first breath when out of birth canal
Can be suctioned out
Umbilical cord
Stops pulsing and shrinks mins after birth
Clamp, tie, cut off

10. How does the newborn look?
Head wobbly and large, lopsided or pointed
Fontanels: open spaces where skull bones are not joined yet, “soft spots”
Join between 6-18 months
Fat cheeks, short flat nose, receding chin
Eyes: dark grayish blue, permanent color few months later
Vernix: creamy substance in folds of skin
Baby acne: plugged ducts from mom’s hormones

11. Activity Make a chart or diagram detailing the Stages of Labor
You may use a book and your notes