What is the whole process of childbirth?

Natural childbirth is often the most common physiological phenomenon among women, and it is often a relatively common thing. However, for many women, due to lack of experience, they always have a fear of the childbirth process. They are always afraid of pain and also afraid of causing certain harm to the fetus during the whole process. So let us understand the whole process of women's childbirth, so that women can better devote themselves to the process of childbirth.

What is the whole process of childbirth?

First stage of labor

Natural delivery is also known as the cervical dilation period, which starts from the beginning of regular uterine contractions with intervals of 5-6 minutes, until the cervix is ​​fully dilated to 10 cm, allowing the fetal head to be delivered. This process takes 11-12 hours for a primipara and about 6-8 hours for a multipara.

Cooperation in the first stage of labor:

1. Eliminate fear and stay calm and optimistic;

2. Eat on time, eat and drink well, and supplement enough nutrition;

3. Urinate on time, once every 2-4 hours, to empty the bladder to avoid hindering the descent of the fetal head;

4. If the fetal membrane has not ruptured, you can walk around in the delivery room with the doctor's consent;

5. You can also do some auxiliary pain-relieving exercises during contractions.

Second stage of labor

Also known as the fetal delivery period, it is from the full dilation of the cervix to the delivery of the fetus. It takes about 1-2 hours for a first-time mother, and usually only a few minutes for an experienced mother, but it may take up to 1 hour.

The peak of labor is here and the baby is about to be born. The fetal head moves close to the vaginal opening, and the vulva and anus appear bulging due to the pressure of the fetal head on the pelvic floor. Soon you will see the fetal head, which moves forward with each contraction and may slide slightly back when the contraction subsides.

When the top of the fetal head is visible, the midwife will tell the pregnant woman not to push too hard, because if the fetal head is delivered too quickly, the skin of the pregnant woman's perineum may be torn, so the pregnant woman should relax and take a few seconds to catch her breath. If there is a risk of severe tearing or the fetus is in danger, the woman will have an episiotomy. When the fetal head expands the vaginal opening, the pregnant woman will feel a tingling sensation, followed by numbness. This is because when the vaginal tissue expands very thin, it blocks the conduction of nerves.

When the head is delivered, the baby's face is facing down. The midwife may want to check the umbilical cord to make sure it is not wrapped around the baby's neck (which often happens around the head as the baby's body is delivered). The baby's head is then turned to one side so that the head is in line with the shoulders. The midwife cleans the baby's eyes, nose, and mouth and, if necessary, suctions fluid from the baby's airway.

During the next two contractions, the baby's body will slide out of the mother's body. Usually the midwife will place her hands under the baby's armpits to help her out and place her on the pregnant woman's abdomen, while the baby is still connected to the umbilical cord. At first the baby looks a little blue, has skin covered with vernix caseosa and streaked with blood, and cries. Additionally, the midwife will clear the baby's airway again and give oxygen if necessary.

Third stage of labor

Also known as the placental delivery period, it is from the delivery of the fetus to the delivery of the placenta, which takes about 5-15 minutes and should not exceed 30 minutes.

After the fetus is delivered, there will still be uterine contractions to promote the delivery of the placenta, but the contractions at this time are relatively painless. Afterwards, the doctor will clean up the pregnant woman. If there is a tear in the vulva, local sutures will be performed.

The above is an introduction to the entire process of childbirth for women. After understanding it, we know that if women can relax, listen to the doctor, and master some skills during childbirth, it is not as painful as we imagined. Natural childbirth will also allow the body to recover quickly after childbirth. It is a better way of childbirth for women. If the body can, it is recommended that women try to choose natural childbirth as a way of childbirth.