The labor leading to delivery of a full-term pregnancy is divided into three stages. The management of each stage varies, and exam findings during each of the stages can help identify short-term and long-term complications for the anticipated vaginal delivery such as fetal distress and hypoxemia, cord prolapse, placental abruption, uterine rupture, permanent disability, and maternal and/or fetal death.
Vaginal delivery is described as the birth of the foetus(baby) by vaginal route. This activity outlines the process of vaginal delivery, the technique, and preparation required to successfully accomplish a vaginal delivery, and reviews the role of an interprofessional team in managing labor and proving care for patients who undergo vaginal delivery as a means of childbirth.
The labor leading to the delivery is divided into 3 stages, and each stage requires specific management. Complications may arise during each of the three stages, which can lead to the conversion of the anticipated vaginal delivery to operative caesarean delivery.
A caesarean section is a surgical procedure in which a baby is born through a cut made in the mother’s abdominal wall and uterus.
A baby will need to be born by caesarean section if there are serious problems that prevent the baby being born by a normal vaginal birth.
Caesarean section is a relatively safe operation; however, possible complications include infection, damage to your internal organs, an increased risk of respiratory distress for your baby and complications with future pregnancies.
Pregnancy care consists of prenatal (before birth) and postpartum (after birth) healthcare for expectant mothers.
It involves treatments and trainings to ensure a healthy prepregnancy, pregnancy, and labor and delivery for mom and baby.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care helps decrease risks during pregnancy and increases the chance of a safe and healthy delivery. Regular prenatal visits can help your doctor monitor your pregnancy and identify any problems or complications before they become serious.
Babies born to mothers who lack prenatal care have triple the chance of being born at a low birth weight. Newborns with low birth weight are five times more likely to die than those whose mothers received prenatal care.
Prenatal care ideally starts at least three months before you begin trying to conceive. Some healthy habits are to be followed during this period.
Once you become pregnant, you’ll need to schedule regular healthcare appointments throughout each stage of your pregnancy.
During these visits, your doctor will check your health and the health of your baby.
Later visits may also include checking the baby’s position and noting changes in your body as you prepare for birth
Your doctor may also offer specific tests at different stages of your pregnancy.
If your pregnancy is considered high risk because of your age or health conditions, you may require more frequent visits and special care.
Postpartum Care
While most attention to pregnancy care focuses on the nine months of pregnancy, postpartum care is important, too. The postpartum period lasts six to eight weeks, beginning right after the baby is born.
During this period, the mother goes through many physical and emotional changes while learning to care for her new-born. Postpartum care involves getting proper rest, nutrition, and breast care.