2. What Causes Labor
• In a normal pregnancy, between 37-42 weeks is
when labor begins.
• Changes in hormonal levels in the women and
the baby influence the timing of labor.
• Also, the maturity and size of the baby play a
role in labor.
3. Signs of Labor
• Mucus seal may come out, tinged pink or
streaked with blood
• Loose stool
• Cramps
• Frequent contractions
• Leaking of fluids
• “water broke” or rupture of membranes.
4. Cesarean Section
• Also known as the C-Section
• The mother is given a spinal or epidural to make
the abdomen and legs completely numb but the
mother is completely awake and alert.
• Cesarean sections are associated with a greater
risk of death to the mother than having a vaginal
delivery.
• Babies born from a c-section are more likely to
experience asthma as a child and is less likely to
breastfeed.
5. Giving Birth
• Intense contractions, a powerful opening
up feeling and rectal pressure are several
signs that indicate you are completely
dilated.
• Breathing deeply can help you relax.
• Pushing is a way of moving the baby down
while giving your body just what it wants, it
can be very relieving.
6. Once The Baby is Born
• Breast feeding will be easier for the baby to
adapt to if it is nursed within the first hour or two
after birth.
• Breast feeding after birth can be helpful to the
mother also because it causes the uterus to
contract to expel the placenta and slow down
any bleeding.
• Cutting the umbilical cord is not always done
immediately after birth, some doctors wait until it
is confirmed that the baby is breathing.
7. Once The Baby is Born
• Delivering the placenta is the end of the birthing
process.
• The umbilical cord lengthens, a contraction
occurs and the placenta is expelled.
• It is important that there is not fragments of
placenta remaining in the uterus because it can
cause hemorrhaging.
8. Interesting Quotes
My favorite part about this chapter is that it
shared actually experiences that women had
during their child birthing process. The one that I
enjoyed the most was this, it is so beautiful:
“ I was in awe as I gazed into my baby’s face for the
first time. He wasn’t crying, just looking intently
at me. He was so tiny and new, but those eyes-
they were so luminous and wise. He seemed
regal; he had so much presence.”
9. Opinion
When choosing a topic, I was immediately sure
that I wanted to do the Childbirth and Labor
section. I have always known that I wanted to
work in the health field but until recently I have
discovered that labor and childbirth interest me
most. It is such a beautiful and natural process. I
loved learning more about childbirth and they
there are actually things that you can do to ease
the pain during labor.
