Labour pains and giving birth is a natural but intense experience that requires physical and emotional strength for a mother. Having the right understanding of each stage of labour pains and childbirth reduces fear and increases confidence. In today’s article we will discuss this entire journey in easy Bengali.
Towards the end of pregnancy every mother experiences a kind of unknown fear and excitement. The process of giving birth to a child is difficult but it is also joyful.. Although there is a lot of information on the internet about labour pains and giving birth it is very important to know the correct and updated information. In this situation it is better to go to the hospital without wasting time because the pain gradually becomes more frequent.
Ways and signs to recognize real labor pain
As the time of childbirth approaches various changes occur in the body. Many people run to the hospital because of fake pain. Understanding the type of pain at the beginning of the labor pains and giving birth process is very important. Real labor pains usually start in the back and gradually spread to the front of the abdomen. This pain becomes regular over time and increases in intensity.
Braxton Hicks or fake pain
In the latter part of pregnancy the abdomen sometimes becomes hard and there is mild pain which is called fake pain. It decreases with rest or walking for a while. But real labor pains do not decrease in any way.
Bloody discharge or slime (Bloody Show)
When the cervix begins to dilate a light blood-tinged sticky substance may come out. This is a big sign that your delivery time is very close.
Water Breaking
If a lot of watery material suddenly starts coming out of the vagina then you should understand that the water has broken. This is one of the main signs of the onset of labor pains and giving birth. In such a situation you should go to the hospital without delay.
Decreased pain interval
The characteristic of real pain is that it comes at a certain time. First the pain starts coming every 20 minutes then 10 minutes and finally every 2-3 minutes.
Stages of labor pain and changes in the body
The entire process of labor can last from a few hours to a day. Labor pains and giving birth are basically divided into three main stages. Each stage has different challenges for the mother and the baby. It is wisest to be patient and listen to the doctor at this time.
- Early stage
In this stage the cervix opens from 0 to 3 centimeters. The pain is not very intense and mothers can do light work or rest at home during this time.
- Active Labour
In this stage the cervix dilates to 4 to 7 cm. The pain is very frequent and intense. This is the right time to be admitted to the hospital.
- Transition
Transition is the shortest but most intense moment of the entire labor process. During this time the cervix fully dilates to 10 cm (4 inches). This is the juncture when your body is fully prepared to welcome your baby into the world.
Natural ways to reduce pain during childbirth
Many mothers are terrified of labor pain. But doing some simple things can make this pain much more bearable. Labor pains and giving birth pain management can be done naturally if you know the right techniques.The more relaxed you can be during labor the easier the delivery will be. At this time the cervix is dilated to 10 cm and the baby is ready to come out but you may feel a strong pull or placidium in your body.
Positioning
Instead of lying down walk around or stand leaning against a wall. This will help the baby descend faster due to the force of gravity and reduce pain.
Deep breathing exercises
When the pain reaches its peak take a long breath through your nose and slowly exhale through your mouth. This will calm your brain and reduce muscle tension.
Gentle Massage and Hot Compresses
A gentle massage or hot compress on your lower back can help calm your nerves. These methods are now popular at many birthing centers in El Dorado Hills.
The more relaxed you are during labor the easier the birth process will be. At this time when your cervix is dilated to 10 cm and your baby is fully prepared to come out you may feel a strong pull or App Tips & Tricks in your body. A gentle massage or hot compress on your lower back can help reduce this discomfort.
Painless delivery in modern medicine
Nowadays many people are very scared of labor pain. However due to the advancement of science it is now possible to reduce the pain of labor a lot. Labor pains and giving birth do not need to be unbearable as before if you take the help of modern methods. Many hospitals now use a type of injection called an epidural which numbs the lower part of the mother’s waist so that the mother does not feel any pain even while awake.
Discover more here: Miscarriage and loss el dorado hills
What is epidural anesthesia?
It is given in a special place in the spine. As a result the intense pain of labor is not felt but the mother can be fully active in the process of giving birth to the baby. This increases the chances of normal delivery because the mother does not get tired.
Use of gas and air
Many times instead of taking injections just taking a special gas through a mask reduces the intensity of the pain a lot. It works quickly and has no long-term side effects.
TENS machine
It’s a small device that provides relief by sending gentle vibrations or electrical waves to your spine.It helps your body produce its own ‘endorphins’ or natural painkillers. It is quite effective in making labor pains and giving birth tolerable.
Things to do and proper preparation in the hospital delivery room
The environment after being admitted to the hospital may seem scary to many. However remember every piece of equipment there is for your and your baby’s safety. Labor pains and giving birth in a hospital ensures that you have access to emergency care if things don’t go as planned. Don’t be nervous when you go to the delivery room and maintain a friendly relationship with the nurses and doctors.
Monitoring and checkups
In the hospital a belt may be attached to your abdomen that will measure the baby’s heartbeat and the intensity of your contractions or pain. This helps the doctors understand whether everything is normal or not.
- Hydration or body water level
The body loses water very quickly during childbirth. So doctors often provide fluids to the body through saline. This will give you energy.
- Position or sitting posture
Instead of lying on the delivery bed all the time sit up from time to time or lie on one side. This will help the baby descend.
Immediate care after delivery: The first contact between mother and baby
The first hour after the birth of a baby is very precious. It is called the ‘golden hour’. The pain of labour pains and giving birth disappears in an instant when the mother holds her baby for the first time.The emotional bond or attachment that develops between mother and child during this time remains strong for a lifetime.
Skin-to-skin contact
The baby is placed directly on the mother’s chest without any clothes. This keeps the baby’s body temperature at the right level and allows him to breathe normally. It also helps the mother’s uterus to contract which reduces postpartum bleeding.
Importance of colostrum or first milk
A baby should be breastfed within an hour of birth. The first sticky and dark yellow milk that comes out of the mother’s breast which we call colostrum actually acts as the first vaccine for the baby. This last stage of delivery and the first feeding of the baby is what essentially builds the baby’s body’s lifelong ability to fight disease.
When is a cesarean delivery necessary?
All mothers want a normal delivery but sometimes the situation turns towards a cesarean. Labour pains and giving birth can sometimes take an unexpected turn where a C-section becomes the safest option for both. Having a cesarean does not mean that you are a failed mother rather it is a scientific method to save your and your baby’s life.
Special guidelines for the first 24 hours after delivery
After giving birth a mother’s body is completely destroyed. At this time the body starts fighting to regain its strength. A mother now needs plenty of rest and nutritious food to cope with the unbearable pain and stress of childbirth.
- Light walking: If the body allows it a few hours after delivery try to stand up or go to the bathroom. This reduces the risk of blood clots.
- Drink plenty of water: Drink plenty of water and fluids to keep the body clean from the inside and to make breast milk.
Mother’s mental health and state of mind after giving birth
Giving birth to a child is not only a physical matter it also has a big impact on the mother’s mind. Due to various hormonal changes in the body after giving birth many mothers suddenly become very depressed. We call this ‘baby blues’. Many times mothers are seen crying for no reason or becoming very irritable.
In the busy life of the city this state of mind of mothers often remains hidden but it is very important to talk about it. The people of the house should not leave the mother alone at this time but should encourage her and keep her happy. If you suppress your feelings it can become a big problem later so the company of loved ones is most important at this time.
Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression
Baby blues usually starts a few days after giving birth and resolves within a week or two. But if this depression continues for months and the mother does not feel attached to her baby then it is called postpartum depression. The mother may need psychological treatment at this time to overcome the stress of labor pains and giving birth.
Sympathy from family members
New mothers need a little extra compassion at this time. If the family members free her from cooking or housework and give her the opportunity to spend time with the baby the mother quickly regains her mental strength. Remember only a happy mother can raise a baby happily.
Care and safety of the first few weeks of a newborn
When a little life comes home the responsibility of its safety falls on everyone. A newborn baby is very sensitive and has low immunity. Our first goal is to keep this precious treasure healthy after this long wait of labor pains and giving birth. The baby should always be kept clean and away from contact with outsiders.
- Care and cleanliness of the umbilical cord
No water oil or powder should be applied to the baby’s umbilical cord until it dries out. The area should always be kept dry. If blood or pus comes out of the umbilical cord see a doctor immediately.
- Holding the baby in the right way
The baby’s neck and head are very soft. So always support the baby by placing one hand under the neck while holding the baby. It is absolutely not advisable to caress the baby by shaking it.
The role and responsibilities of a father after having a child2
The role of a father is not less in this entire journey of having a child. The mother may endure the pain of childbirth but the father’s emotional support gives the mother a lot of courage during that difficult time. While the mother feeds the baby or rests the father can handle other tasks.
- Changing diapers: If the father takes the responsibility of changing the baby’s diaper or bathing it a different kind of deep bond is formed between the father and the child.
- Night duty: If the baby is awake at night if the father takes care of the baby for a while the mother gets the opportunity to sleep peacefully for at least a few hours.
- Help with work: Helping with household chores or cooking reduces the pressure on the mother a lot and she recovers quickly.
Postpartum physical complications and precautions
Some important precautions after returning from the hospital2
Even after returning home you should not neglect your body at all. If the following problems occur go to the doctor without delay. If the stress or minor problems after childbirth are not treated on time it can be a big danger.
- Excessive bleeding: If a large pad gets completely wet within an hour it is a matter of concern.
- Severe headache: Be careful if you hold your head too much or if you feel dizzy. This can also be a sign of high blood pressure after childbirth.
- Fever and body shivering: A sudden fever or body shivering means that there is a wound or infection somewhere in the body.
- Red and swollen legs: Many people are afraid of blood clots in their legs after delivery. So do not sit down if your legs are swollen or red.
After having a baby the mother’s body needs a lot of energy and nutritious food. Eating calorie-rich food is very important for the production of breast milk and for the rapid recovery of her body. You cannot starve or do a crash diet to lose weight after having a baby.
Only by eating nutritious food will you become as strong as before very quickly. You need to keep plenty of protein calcium and iron-rich foods in your diet. If you include fish meat eggs and fresh vegetables in your daily list your body will be strong from within. Remember that only if you eat good food your child will get adequate nutrition. So do not neglect your body and make a habit of eating nutritious food on time according to the rules.
Liquid food to keep the body strong
Along with water it is very important to eat coconut water and fresh fruit juice or thin soup. These foods provide energy to the body immediately and do not allow the body to become sluggish at all. Drinking enough water at this time also improves the baby’s milk which is very important for the child.
You should not start any hard physical work or heavy exercise until the body is completely healed from the inside. Before starting any exercise it is very important to consult your doctor because not everyone’s body condition is the same. Remember a healthy mother means a healthy child so do not stress your body. If you follow the rules at the right time the body will become as strong as before.
Kegel exercises to strengthen the lower abdominal muscles
During childbirth the mother’s lower abdominal muscles become quite tense and loose due to the pain of childbirth. There is no other way to make these muscles as strong and strong as before than Kegel exercises. In addition if you often laugh or cough or accidentally leak urine this exercise will help you recover very quickly.
Conclusion
Giving birth to a child means ending a long wait. Just as it is the biggest test in a girl’s life so too is the joy of achieving the fullness of motherhood. Every mother’s story is different and everyone’s experience is different. But at the end of the day everyone wants one thing and that is that both the mother and the child should be healthy and well.
Along with good food and mental strength along with the love of everyone in the family this difficult path becomes much easier to walk. If you are going through this time now believe in yourself. This indomitable power of mothers has been around for ages and you can do it too. Do not neglect to take care of your body after having a child because only if you are healthy will your child grow up laughing.
May this new path of your motherhood be filled with joy and peace. Only the cooperation of everyone in the family and a little awareness from you can build a beautiful future. May this beginning of a new life be memorable for you.
