Doctors divide the process of labor into three distinct parts called stages. During the first stage the cervixThe part of the uterus that protrudes into the vaginal cavity. It is separated from the bladder by the parametrium. The vaginal end of the cervix contains the cervical canal.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. dilatesThe opening of the cervix during labor, caused by the contractions of the uterus. The cervix dilates so that it will be large enough for the baby to pass through the birth canal during delivery.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions., with contractions opening up the birth canalThe passage through which the baby passes during delivery from the inlet of the true pelvis to the vaginal orifice.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. until it is big enough for the baby to pass through.
The second stage takes place when the baby is delivered, the umbilical cordA flexible structure that connects the fetus to the placenta during pregnancy. It carries blood, oxygen, nourishment and waste to the placenta. It is first formed during the fifth week of pregnancy and contains the yolk sac and body stalk.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. is cut and you meet your new baby for the first time. During the third and final stage of labor the placentaThe placenta is a large disk shaped membrane responsible for providing nourishment to the fetus during pregnancy. It consists of three parts, the fetal part made up from the chorion membrane surrounding the fetus, the maternal part, formed from the decidua basalis layer of the uterine lining, and the intervillous space between the two plates. It is connected to the fetus by the umbilical cord and consists of tissue from both the mother and the embryo.
Its function is complex. It has been described as a simple organ that combines the functions of a kidney-dialysis machine, heart and lung machine and intravenous drip. It consists of enormous numbers of blood vessel branches that permit the exchange of nutrition and oxygen, from the mother's bloodstream to the fetus and the removal of wastes to the mother to be excreted. The placenta's remarkable quality is that it does so without the blood of the mother mixing with that of the baby.
It also is responsible for the production of vital hormones including, estrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin. After birth, the placenta is delivered, and is sometimes referred to as the afterbirth.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. which has kept your baby alive for the past nine month is delivered.
During the last few weeks of your pregnancy long before your doctor or midwife delivers your baby, your body will start secreting hormonesA complex chemical substance created in a part or organ of the body. When released it initiates or regulates activity in an organ or group of cells in another part of the body.
Hormones secreted by endocrine glands are transported through the bloodstream to their target organ. The amount of hormone secreted is regulated either by other hormones, by neurotransmitters, or simply when an excess of the organ's activity indicates a need to reduce the amount of the hormone produced.
Other hormones are produced locally by the organs themselves and are common in the digestive tract.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions.. These hormones will prepare your baby and you for the process of labor. The effect that these hormones have on you and your baby will be different for every pregnancy.
To prepare for delivery your baby will move lower into the pelvis. The part of the body which will pass through the birth canalThe passage through which the baby passes during delivery from the inlet of the true pelvis to the vaginal orifice.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. first is called the presenting part. Usually this is your baby's head, although in some cases, you may experience a breech presentation in which a shoulder or buttocks lower into the pelvis first. Many times if it is possible a midwife or doctor will try to turn the baby around using a procedure called external cephalic versionThe gentle movement of a breech baby into the cephalic position, performed by an obstetrician sometime between weeks 32 - 34. Also known as External Version or abbreviated to ECV.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. so that a standard delivery can be performed.
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As the baby lowers itself into the pelvis, the pressure from the uterus that is placed on your lungs and heart is relieved. This is often called lightening, or engagement, and for the first time in many weeks you will find it easier to breathe. You will also find that you need to visit the bathroom more frequently as your baby is no putting greater pressure directly onto your bladder.
For primigravidaA term used to describe a mother who is pregnant for the first time. Sometimes called gravida I.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. mothers who are experiencing childbirth for the first time, engagement usually takes place two to three weeks before delivery. During subsequent pregnancies your baby may remain higher until the onset of delivery because uterine muscles have stretched and cannot exert as much pressure as they could previously.
Like all good exercise programs, the uterus prepares and builds its strength for delivery with weak irregular contractions named after Braxton Hicks who discovered them. If you put your hand on your abdomen you may feel your uterus tightening for about twenty five seconds. While these contractions are usually painless, you may find they are uncomfortable. Sitting down quietly should ease the discomfort.
As the onset of labor draws nearer the Braxton Hicks contractions will become more frequent and intense. Real labor increases blood circulation to the placentaThe placenta is a large disk shaped membrane responsible for providing nourishment to the fetus during pregnancy. It consists of three parts, the fetal part made up from the chorion membrane surrounding the fetus, the maternal part, formed from the decidua basalis layer of the uterine lining, and the intervillous space between the two plates. It is connected to the fetus by the umbilical cord and consists of tissue from both the mother and the embryo.
Its function is complex. It has been described as a simple organ that combines the functions of a kidney-dialysis machine, heart and lung machine and intravenous drip. It consists of enormous numbers of blood vessel branches that permit the exchange of nutrition and oxygen, from the mother's bloodstream to the fetus and the removal of wastes to the mother to be excreted. The placenta's remarkable quality is that it does so without the blood of the mother mixing with that of the baby.
It also is responsible for the production of vital hormones including, estrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin. After birth, the placenta is delivered, and is sometimes referred to as the afterbirth.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions.. Practice your relaxation techniques when experiencing these Braxton Hicks contractions so that you will be better prepared when you enter real labor.
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Some women experience a burst of energy before they go into labor and feel the need to clean or decorate the house, sometimes even cooking and stocking meals. Despite the good intentions it is far better and more productive to conserve your energy. You will need to be well rested to cope with the stresses and strains that you will experience when you go into labor and delivery.
A good sign that true labor is on the way is the showA small amount of vaginal bleeding that occurs early in labor and frequently at the time of full dilation of the cervix at the end of the first stage of labor.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions.. It signals the dilation of the cervix and the name describes the passing of the mucusThe viscous secretions of the mucus membranes and glands. Mucus contains mucin, white blood cells, water, salts and exfoliated cells.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. plug that has sealed the cervix during your pregnancy to protect your uterus and the baby growing inside it from infections. The length of time between the show and the onset of labor varies. In some pregnancies the show may appear up to 12 days before labor. In others it may not appear until labor is underway.
Women experience many different emotions as labor approaches. You may experience the same physical and emotional changes as those you experience premenstrually. Physical symptoms include cramps, pressure in the rectum and the need to pass urine frequently.
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