It’s normal to wonder whether labor will be quick like some women claim, or drawn out. While most women hope for the former, this is not always the case. Sometimes women experience what is called prolonged labor.
While it is not anything to necessarily panic about, it is good to understand what it is and what you can expect when a doctor tells you that is your current state. Let’s talk about it.
Prolonged labor is when a mother is having a slow labor process. A doctor may refer to this as “failure to progress” and indicate that they need to continue monitoring your situation. If there is no immediate urgency to change your situation, a doctor may continue monitoring. At some point, they may suggest taking alternative routes to change the court of action.
Prolonged labor can be diagnosed for a number of reasons, and about 8% of women end up being diagnosed with some form of prolonged labor.
There can be a few different reasons an expecting mother experiences prolonged labor. While we will detail them out, most of the causes can be attributed to the baby’s ability to travel through the birth canal. If the baby is not able to pass through the birth canal, then likely pregnancy will stall.
In order for the baby to travel through the birth canal, the cervix needs to continually open up and dilate to at least 6 centimeters. This is considered active pregnancy. Your cervix can continually dilate to 10 centimeters through the process of having a baby. When contractions are weak and the cervix is not affected, this is a sign of prolonged labor.
Sometimes a woman may experience prolonged labor because the baby is too big to travel through the current size of the birth canal. In this case, a doctor may take a completely different course of action than they might if your cervix just wasn’t opening up quickly enough.
The opposite issue is that sometimes a baby is an average size, but the birth canal is also too small for the baby to pass through. These are two separate issues, despite it being the same problem.
If the baby is not in the right position with its head down and feet upwards, this can prolong labor. A doctor may respond by continuing to wait to see if the baby changes their position, or at some point they may call an alternative delivery such as a c-section.
Sometimes the birth canal is the right size and so is the baby, but the mother’s contractions are too weak to push the baby through labor. Contractions as labor progress will become more frequent as well as a lot stronger. If the contractions are weak and infrequent, a doctor may try to speed this up through medicine.
While a lot of the causes result in some same symptoms, it’s worth noting what they are. You also don’t necessarily need to worry about diagnosing yourself because a doctor will be able to tell if you are in prolonged labor or not.
That’s because doctor visits and checkups become so frequent near the end that when it is time to have your baby, you will be in the hospital anyway. Here are some of the symptoms a doctor is going to look out for.
This list includes, but is not limited to:
All of these symptoms are because the process is drawn out. Labor regardless of the strength of contractions is exhausting and a lot on the body.
After 18 hours of having regular contractions regardless of strength, doctors will likely diagnose the mother in prolonged labor. Most first-time mothers will have their babies between 12-18 hours, while others between 6-12 hours.
After 18 hours, a doctor is likely to take the next steps in diagnosing and treating prolonged labor. While only about 1% of mothers experience labor for more than 20 hours, it is still possible to occur.
However, doctors may diagnose prolonged labor a little differently based on the stage of labor the mother is in and the amount of dilation the cervix is in.
There are several ways a doctor may treat prolonged labor, but the first thing a doctor will look at is a test to see the strength of contractions. This test is called Intrauterine Pressure Catheter Placement (IUPC). This is a small monitor that goes into the womb to see how strong the contractions are and how often they are occurring. This can let the doctor know how things are progressing. If the contractions are weak they will consider one method of treatment over a c-section, to begin with.
Here are the ways prolonged labor are treated:
Prolonged labor is more commonly seen in women in the first pregnancy. The reason for this is partially due to the stress of the unknown among first-time mothers. This is not always the case, but certainly a factor of consideration. Mothers in their second pregnancy or more know what to expect and maybe more relaxed.
Mothers over the age of 35 are also more prone to having prolonged pregnancies because of any complications a body may take on as they get older. The more stress the body can handle, the better, so in some cases, it’s very individual.
While prolonged labor certainly can be and will be treated by your doctor, there are some risks, which is why it is so important to monitor the situation. Let’s talk about them.
When labor is prolonged or arrested, the risk of the baby/mother losing oxygen or being deprived of too much oxygen becomes greater. As they become bigger in the womb they need more space and oxygen and if contractions
This can also cause distress to a baby that is ready to be born. They may experience heart irregularities or other symptoms.
Because the amniotic fluid will have changed quite a bit at this stage, there may be an increased risk for undesirable substances in the amniotic fluid. This can lead to infection, or infection can occur all on its own from another source.
The mother may start to feel pain in and around their uterus during prolonged labor. This can be the result of an infection that occurs in the uterus due to prolonged labor.
At this point, you are probably feeling wishy-washy on whether prolonged labor is a big deal or not. While it is taken care of by doctors and treated very commonly, anything with pregnancy raises concern. That’s why we have taken this section to answer the most frequently asked questions you have!
How do you know when labor has started?
You can’t possibly know how long you have been in labor for if you don’t know when you started going into labor in the first place. The first indicator is going to be when your water breaks or when you start going into regular contractions with increasing strength.
This does not mean that the baby is coming immediately. However, there is no immediate way of telling whether you are going to have prolonged labor or not, so it is best to start heading your way to the hospital.
Are C-Sections preplanned?
A lot of the time, a doctor will schedule a c-section in advance if there are underlying causes that the doctor will diagnose. Something like Placenta previa is one of them. This is where the birth canal is blocked by the placenta and the baby cannot pass.
Emergency c-sections when the baby is breech do happen. This is if prolonged labor or another condition makes it unsafe or impossible to deliver the baby through the birth canal.
Is prolonged labor hereditary?
Technically speaking something like prolonged labor cannot be hereditary. The reason being is that prolonged labor is a condition, not a gene. However, you can be set up more likely to have prolonged labor because of the type of body you inherit. Certain body types are more prone to prolonged labor rather than that actual condition.
Pregnancy, no matter how many times you have had a baby, is both exciting and stressful. Every mother would love to have their baby as quickly as possible due to the grueling process their bodies go through. But for first-time mothers, it is more likely that you will experience prolonged labor. Having said that, the percentages remain low.
If you do end up being diagnosed with prolonged labor, then there are several steps your doctor will take to monitor the situation to make sure you and the baby are doing OK. They may give you medicine to help speed up the contractions or ease any labor aches associated with prolonged labor.
Even in some worst-case scenarios, doctors know exactly what to do. In worst-case scenarios, you may be asked to have an emergency c-section. This procedure is very common nowadays and can be done safely. Having said that, it is always good to take care and be aware of the situation you are in with the baby.
]]>About 3-4 percent of babies will be breeched at the time of delivery. While this number is low it doesn’t hurt to understand a little more. Let’s talk about all the different kinds of breech and at what stages of this pregnancy a breech baby can occur.
A breech baby is when the positioning of the baby is upside down in the womb. This is when the feet are closest to the birthing canal and the head is closest to the mother’s heart. You may think this is normal but actually, babies must be delivered head first for safety when going through the birth canal.
A baby doesn’t start this way, often the baby will turn to get into the correction position as a way of getting ready for birth. There are a few different breaches that are slightly different from one another.
There are essentially three different breaches that can happen. Each of them is slightly different in the positions of the baby. The three are Frank Breech, Complete Breech, and Footling Breech. Here are some of the key differences between them.
Frank breech is when the baby’s feet are folded up towards their head so that their bottom is near the birthing canal, their head is pointing up to the heart of the mother and their feet are too. Frank breech is actually one of the more safe breeches.
This position is where the baby’s bottom is still down near the birthing canal and the knees are bent but the feet are also still near the birthing canal. This is slightly more dangerous than the Frank Breech because of the foot’s position.
Potentially the most dangerous breech that almost guarantees a c-section is the footling breech. This is when the baby’s feet are completely extended and need the birthing canal. The position is just more difficult for the baby to naturally turn to get ready for delivery.
It can be difficult for a doctor to specify the exact reason behind the mother having a baby in the breech position. While there is no guaranteed reason why doctors can offer up several following causes that can contribute to the cause.
Sometimes the best solution for everyone’s safety will be having a c-section. There are however natural and procedural efforts a doctor can do if this isn’t the best option. ECV the procedure does have associated risks as natural methods are safer to pursue but possibly less effective.
External Cephalic Version is a procedure done by a doctor to help a baby out of their breech position and put them in the birthing position. The doctor will apply some outside pressure to the stomach likely using ultrasound to see how the baby reacts to the certain pressure. This helps encourage the baby to start moving and turn its position.
If you have a healthy pregnancy and no issues ECV is relatively safe to do. However, a doctor will not and should not perform ECV if anything of the following is present for the mother.
ECV is usually not done before 37 weeks of pregnancy as the doctor will make sure everything is in order and safe to do so. Let’s talk about some more natural ways.
This is when you copy the motion of glute bridges that you may have done to work out. To do this position you will lie flat on your back with your feet flat on the floor and knees bent. Put your arms on either side of you to offer yourself balance. Lift your hips off the floor while keeping your shoulders flat on the ground. Stay in this position for about 20 minutes and try doing this three times a day to help move the baby’s position.
Aside from pelvic tilt, there are a couple more moves you can do to promote the baby to start moving around. One of them is the child’s pose. A child’s pose can help change positions but also so can rocking back and forth on your hands and needs. This motion creates tiny movement in the womb and can cause a baby to turn out of their breech.
You may be thinking huh, music? Music has worked in the past because certain sounds are appealing to your baby. This may help create any kind of motion in the stomach. You can put a speaker close to or on your stomach to help the baby hear it. You don’t have to blast it.
Placing something cold where the head of your baby is followed by something warm near its feet may encourage the baby to get away from the cold temperatures and venture towards the warm temperatures.
Acupuncture involves releasing muscle tightness with tiny needles. This can help relax all your muscles including your uterus and allow the baby to move freely.
Of course, there are some risks with a breech baby. While it’s more common for doctors to find solutions nowadays for a breech baby, there are some complications that a mother should know about when this occurs.
While a breech baby may be in the position before labor typically a doctor won’t diagnose it until it is time to deliver or just about. This is because doctors want to give time for the baby to turn themselves. It is quite common for the baby to turn later closer to delivery.
The most common way to handle a breech baby during delivery is to go ahead with c-section delivery. However while now routinely performed there are still certain risks that are associated with it. Infections and uncontrolled bleeding are two of the most common concerns when going through with this method, though less common.
When a baby is delivered through the vaginal canal while in the breech position it is more likely to experience delivery to the baby with any of the hip sockets or other parts of the body. It also poses a threat with the umbilical cord getting caught or tangled during the delivery.
Birth defects are less of a result of a breech baby and more of a side effect of something else. A breech baby may be a result of a certain medical complication like placenta previa. Placenta previa can also cause birth defects so actually, these are both results of something greater rather than the cause and effect of each other.
Most babies are delivered healthy after experiencing a breech baby position delivery. The percentages are low for something to go wrong.
While this is a pretty good overview of breech baby positions it is not uncommon to still have many questions. Breech baby positions sound scary to a mother but the more information you know, the more comfort you can take. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions when it concerns breech positions.
How can I tell if my baby is breech?
Doctors will use ultrasound to determine the baby’s position. Just like any of your previous appointments where you can see the baby this time will be no different. This again is not done until closer to the due date.
Doctors may continually check with ultrasounds throughout the pregnancy to see if there are any developing positions like the baby stretching out his or her feet or the baby tucking the legs so that their feet are in the Frank breech position but they are not completely turned over yet.
Other than an ultrasound a doctor may order special x-rays to get a better idea of the baby’s exact position as well as see how big the mother’s canal has gotten to help determine the safety of vaginal delivery. If the birth canal is less wide than desired then the doctor may deem this to be an unsafe natural delivery and or a c-section.
Does a breech baby mean other complications with the baby?
Most breech babies are born healthy without issue. However, there is more risk associated with delivering the baby and possible injuries that can present themselves through this process. Likely this is not a sign that there are any issues with the baby.
While it may not be directly related to a breech baby birth defects are more common with them. The reason may be that the baby is breech due to another medical complication with either the baby or the mother. This isn’t always directly related to the breech per se but the breech being a side effect just like a birth defect or issue.
When does my baby turn to get ready for delivery?
Most babies will turn their position in week 36 to week 37 which is why doctors will not diagnose a breech baby right up until delivery. If the mother is not in labor the doctor may even work with ECV to turn the baby. This again is only if the pregnancy is healthy and the baby nor the mother presents any health issues.
Before ECV is done the doctor may recommend for the mother to start doing any of the natural methods listed above to encourage movement inside the womb. What one baby responds to will be entirely different than another baby which is why trying different things like music, temperature, yoga positions, and or acupuncture is a good idea.
A breech baby is becoming more common to talk about not because the percentages are rising but because handling a breech baby delivery has become more routine and a lot safer than the old days. In years past having a c-section wasn’t common and as it was introduced was thought to be dangerous. Midwives had to prepare to safely deliver a baby through the birthing canal in the breaching position. So before c-section was a think, midwives were still delivering babies. This problem, while uncommon, has been handled for a long time.
Mothers may feel like they need to panic as their baby is in the breech position during their pregnancy but it is common for the baby to turn just before they are getting ready to be delivered. This is why a doctor will use ultrasound and sometimes even x-rays to determine the severity of breech and whether the mother can deliver naturally or not.
Before turning to a c-section delivery a doctor may recommend ECV if the pregnancy is healthy or some natural techniques to turn the baby. This may be done through certain positions, music, temperature, and more. While there are certain risks to a breech baby, most babies are delivered healthy and can give the mother peace of mind. Having a baby in the breech position is something your doctor will continually monitor and talk over the options with you as you approach your due date.
]]>An epidural injection is administered during labor, or just before the onset of labor, to ease the pain of childbirth for the mother. People have all kinds of views on the use of an epidural injection. Some people have religious and/or cultural attitudes toward an epidural injection. In any case, the best thing you can do as an expectant mother is to find out the facts about an epidural injection.
It is safe to say that the most important thing for any expectant mother is to deliver a healthy baby and to remain healthy herself. Sometimes, easing the pain of labor and delivery is the best way to attain these goals. An epidural injection can be the thing that makes it possible for a mother to get through the process in the most comfortable ways.
What is an epidural? What are the benefits of an epidural? And what are the potential risks of an epidural? This guide will give you the information you need to make the right decision for you when it is time to consider an epidural injection.
An epidural is a form of anesthesia that provides pain relief during labor and delivery. The procedure involves the injection of an anesthetic near the bottom of the spine. It works by blocking the nerve impulses at the lower back and reduces sensation in the lower part of the body.
An epidural injection is one example of a medical procedure known as regional anesthesia. Rather than numbing an entire region as is the case of something like novocaine at the dentist, an epidural injection blocks the nerve impulses from reaching the brain so that you cannot feel the pain from a specific region of the body.
The epidural injection includes the use of local anesthetic drugs. The types of drugs used in an epidural can include things like bupivacaine, or lidocaine—drugs that are far less dangerous than the types of drugs used for something like general anesthesia.
The purpose of an epidural is to provide pain relief without causing total numbness. An epidural makes it possible to remain comfortable while being completely alert during the birth experience. An epidural is administered by an anesthesiologist who calculates the dose of the anesthesia following your physiological requirements. This reduces any long-term impact on you and your baby.
Some people can still feel contractions, but the pain of contractions is drastically reduced. This makes it possible to still be able to push during contractions without the debilitating pain that can prevent some women from actually pushing during contractions.
An epidural is one of the most effective methods for controlling the pain of labor and delivery. It has minimal side effects on both the mother and the baby. An epidural begins working within about 20 minutes, and most women feel little to no pain during their entire labor and delivery.
By providing relief from the pain of labor and delivery, a mother can maintain her energy for a long labor. It also allows a mother to feel energized and restored to receive her new baby.
An epidural relieves you of the pain, but it also allows you to remain alert during labor and delivery. This means you are still able to push and physically respond to the process of delivery. Although the epidural causes numbness, it does not completely disable your body. The remaining alert also allows you to make conscious decisions if something like a C-section becomes necessary.
The evidence on this is still developing, but some research has shown that an epidural may reduce the likelihood of developing postpartum depression. Some of the research suggests that simply knowing you have the option to take an epidural can reduce the likelihood of developing postpartum depression. Simply having the option of being able to manage your pain levels appears to help with postpartum depression.
One of the great advantages of an epidural is that it can be administered at any point in the labor and delivery process. This means that if you intend to go through the entire process completely naturally, but then develop difficulties at some point along the way, you can still get an epidural to manage the pain. You do not need to decide on an epidural ahead of time.
If the need arises for other surgical procedures such as a C-section, an epidural can help you through this. In the case of a C-section, you will need more of the anesthetic which will lead to complete numbness in the lower part of your body. But the epidural can be used to prepare you for a C-section or other surgical interventions.
An epidural is medically calculated to reduce or eliminate any effect on your baby. The benefit of an epidural for your baby is that it is a regional anesthetic and only minimal quantities of anesthetic medication circulate in your system. This means your baby is not affected in any adverse ways.
“Epidural” is a broad term that covers three main procedures. The three types of an epidural include:
An epidural is administered through a catheter into the epidural space of the spinal area. The catheter remains in place in case the doctors need to administer more medication.
This is a procedure in which medication is administered directly into the spinal fluid. This can be taken on its own or in conjunction with an epidural. Since it is a single dose, it tends to wear off more quickly.
This is a hybrid of the first two. The combined spinal-epidural is sometimes called a walking epidural since it can make it possible for you to move around after you have had it administered. The combined spinal-epidural requires less medication and leaves you with more feeling and freedom. One of the advantages of the combined spinal-epidural is it offers you the ability to move around and change positions during your labor and delivery.
While epidurals have been in use for a long time and are considered safe, there are some potential side effects. Some of these side effects can be quite serious. As with any medical procedure, it is always best to discuss the possibility of an epidural with your doctor, midwife, or other healthcare professional since they will have a solid understanding of your health needs and medical history.
Side effects from an epidural may include:
It is normal for blood pressure to fall a little after getting an epidural. In some cases, the drop in blood pressure can make you feel sick. As with all medical procedures, your blood pressure (and all other vitals) are monitored continuously throughout your labor and delivery to make sure the epidural has not led to an unsafe drop in blood pressure.
Once you have been given an epidural it can be impossible to feel if your bladder is full. A catheter is usually inserted after an epidural to drain away urine as your bladder fills.
A common side effect of the medication in an epidural is itchy skin. Itching is a common side effect of many anesthetic drugs and pain management drugs. This will subside and completely go away as the epidural wears off.
This is not as common as with some other stronger pain medications like morphine but an epidural can make you feel sick and nauseated.
If the bag of spinal fluid that surrounds your spine is accidentally punctured, this can cause a severe headache. This generally requires further treatment.
In some cases, the medication used in an epidural can cause your breathing to slow down. Your breathing is carefully monitored throughout your labor and delivery to make sure you are safe.
This is not common, but the epidural tube can damage nerves. This can lead to a loss of feeling in some parts of your lower body. Again, this is rare.
More serious side effects and complications:
In rare cases, an epidural can cause permanent nerve damage. This is due to damage to the spinal cord from the epidural needles or the catheter. An epidural can cause an infection in the spinal cord, and this can lead to permanent nerve damage. These are rare events, and anesthetists have extensive training to reduce the chances of these complications. Nerve damage can also happen for other reasons during surgery, which are unrelated to the epidural.
In addition to the complications and side effects listed above, an epidural can lead to rare but serious risks. These can include:
Again, these are extremely rare risks. Whenever an epidural is administered there is a trained anesthesiologist present and a doctor will monitor your condition throughout labor and delivery and after to make certain you are healthy and safe.
What is an epidural?
An epidural is a form of anesthesia that provides pain relief during labor and delivery. The procedure involves the injection of an anesthetic near the bottom of the spine. It works by blocking the nerve impulses at the lower back and reduces sensation in the lower part of the body.
What are the benefits of an epidural?
An epidural will relieve the pain of labor and delivery. It can help you rest so you are refreshed when you meet your new baby. And an epidural can even potentially reduce the risk of postpartum depression.
Are there different types of epidurals?
There is an epidural proper, a spinal injection, and a combined epidural-spinal injection. You will go over these options with your doctor to determine which procedure is best for you.
Are there side effects of an epidural?
The most common side effects are low blood pressure, low breathing rate, nausea, and numbness. While there are other more serious side effects, these are quite rare. When an epidural is administered, your medical condition is monitored throughout your labor and delivery to ensure your safety and good health.
Anticipating the birth of your baby is an exciting time. Perhaps the most exciting time in your life. But anticipating labor and delivery can also be a time of tremendous anxiety. Labor and delivery are painful processes and the prospect of going through this can cause some fear and trepidation.
Thankfully, there are methods of pain management that can get you through labor and delivery with little to no impact on you or your baby. An epidural injection can completely eliminate the pain of labor and delivery. An epidural injection also has minimal negative or long-lasting effects.
One of the other great advantages of an epidural injection is it can be administered at any point in your labor and delivery. Many women go into childbirth to go through the process without any medically administered pain management. But during labor, difficulties arise and women need to rest or need assistance with getting through the rest of the process. An epidural injection can be administered at any point to help you get through your labor and delivery.
While no part of childbirth should be taken lightly, you should discuss the option of an epidural injection with your doctor or midwife. They can help you assess your medical condition and your potential needs during labor and delivery.
]]>Don’t let it scare you off. One in five labors needs a little jumpstart to induce labor. Here is what you should know about pitocin induction!
Pitocin is a drug that mimics the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin plays a crucial role in stimulating contractions by the uterus to prepare for giving birth. It also mainly works to help excrete breast milk for breastfeeding. Pitocin is a synthetic drug that is used to assist with triggering contractions.
This powerful drug is one of the few options that your doctor and assistants will have if you haven’t gone into labor at the appropriate time. Or it can also be used if you have gone into labor but one of the stages is taken longer than usual.
If none of the other methods a doctor tries to use first, then you will likely use Pitocin. Some methods that may first be tried are stripping the membrane, cervix ripening, or breaking the water themselves.
If none of these triggers your contraction Pitocin will be administered through an I.V. in a small dose. That dose will be increased until the contractions are triggered and they are about two to three minutes apart each. Once the contractions start, the doctor will begin to dial back or completely stop the Pitocin for a natural label.
A body that is due for a baby that hasn’t started labor can take on some unnecessary risk that Pitocin can help with. Stress, avoiding cesarean surgery, among other benefits are what you can expect from a Pitocin induction.
In some cases, women just need a little push in labor. This is the main benefit of administering Pitocin. The mother may be over her due date and it may become too difficult to continue to weigh for the baby to be born.
The bigger the baby gets inside a mother’s belly the harder it becomes for her to do everyday things. This likely means an increased heart rate because of the work the mother is putting into to walk, be on her feet, and complete daily tasks. In general, it can be stressful if the mom hasn’t gone into labor and is much past her due date. This increases blood pressure. Pitocin can help reduce the stress that comes with trying to give birth but not going into labor.
There have been times where a woman's water has broken but labor did not follow. In this case, a doctor may have you come in for Pitocin. This is because a doctor may have a woman’s water broken at the hospital if contractions haven’t begun and you are past the due date. If your water breaks naturally but no contraction follows Pitocin becomes one of the more appropriate alternatives for inducing labor.
In most cases, Pitocin is administered without option. It’s a step a doctor will take because they need to keep the baby and mother safe. This is because contractions are either not occurring at all or they are moving too slowly and the process needs to be sped up. This is how Pitocin works and how the process goes.
The synthetic drug that mimics oxytocin is administered through an I.V. to stimulate the hormone at start contractions with your uterus. This drug will attach itself to the uterus receptors and contractions will begin to help dilate the cervix.
Every situation is different but normally a doctor will administer 2 milliunits to see how the body responds and monitor both the mother and baby to see if there are any reactions. If the body already starts going, they may keep it at that. But in general, doses will be increased every 30 minutes by whatever dosage is needed to keep the contracts on schedule.
In some cases, Pitocin is not stopped immediately during labor. While it is meant to induce labor, some doctors may need to administer some after labor. This is because the Uterus is supposed to continue to contract after labor to start any postpartum bleeding.
No woman is identical to another which is why it can be difficult to predict the timing of Pitocin working. Normally, you can expect to start feeling some contractions an hour from when the first dose is administered. Some women will have the Pitocin work very quickly others will need more aggressive doses to help get the process moving.
The best way to check to see if the body is responding to the Pitocin is to see if the cervix is dilating and how much. From there a doctor can have a better sense of how much dosage is needed to continue to induce labor.
While Pitocin can be incredibly helpful and beneficial when it comes to helping the safety and health of both the baby and mother, it can also cause some unwanted side effects. These side effects include:
One of the most common side effects that can occur from an injection of Pitocin is nausea and vomiting. This may be because the drug is unsettling to the stomach but can also be linked to the oncoming contractions that will lead to stomach pain and cramping.
This is natural as the contractions will start to increase and feel more intense. It can also be the side effect that sets off nausea and vomiting if the cramping and stomach pain is intense and overwhelming for the mother.
It’s not uncommon for the mother to feel sinus pressure in their face. This can cause a runny nose or even in some cases painful sinuses. This may be the result of an allergic reaction.
Due to potential nausea, cramping, stomach pain, and other symptoms, it is quite natural to have a severe loss of appetite. During labor, this seems to be less of an issue anyway since the mother won’t be eating big meals while delivering the baby.
One of the reasons why Pitocin has to be administered so carefully is because there is a possibility to have an allergic reaction. This would be both bad for the mother and baby if not treated so a doctor will start with small dosages to monitor the body's response to the drug. Because it is a synthetic brand-name drug, it is somewhat different from the natural hormone.
Because of the side effects listed above, several risks can come out of these effects. While the drug does a great job of keeping mothers and babies safe, all mothers should be aware of the potential setbacks.
When contracts begin to happen too quickly this is because the uterus has been overstimulated by the drug. This can be dangerous to the baby because contractions are when blood vessels squeeze tight to dilate the cervix. This cuts off blood flow to a baby and can hurt the baby or in worst-case scenarios cause death.
Having an infection during labor is always a risk to both the baby and mother. Pitocin can cause an infection to the uterus which may complicate the pregnancy or future pregnancies.
While the risk of this is relatively low, over-administered doses of Pitocin can lead to a rupture of the uterus. This can lead to the placenta detaching and leaving the baby deprived of oxygen.
While this information may seem alarming it is important to know that most doctors and hospitals know how to administer Pitocin correctly and safely. You may still have some questions so here are the most commonly asked questions about Pitocin
When Is Pitocin Administered?
Other than Pitocin being administered for the reason to induce labor because you are not experiencing contractions, Pitocin can not be administered until your cervix is ready to have a baby. This is referred to as a favorable cervix. A favorable cervix has softened and rotated so that is in the position to deliver a baby and start dilating.
How is Pitocin Different Than Cervidil?
Cervidil is a different type of drug that is used to soften the cervix whereas Pitocin is used when the cervix is ready to go. Cervidil also carries a lot fewer side effects than Pitocin. Pitocin is considered to be a more high-risk procedure.
They are also administered differently as Pitocin as we know is done through an IV. Cervidil is inserted vaginally and comes in a thin package that is very gel-like. The two drugs work together where Cervidil is administered about 12 hours before the Pitocin is administered.
Over the 12 hours between the insertion of the Cervidil and the Pitocin the drug naturally releases itself from the body as the cervix begins to soften and lower.
Does Pitocin Cause Labor To Be More Painful?
Pitocin can cause the labor pains and contractions to be much more painful and intense than if it were to happen naturally on your own. This is because the contractions are coming much more quickly and the process is being sped up by the drug. The upside to this is that Pitocin may make your contractions a lot more painful because of the frequency and intensity but it also speeds up the labor to the point where it usually lasts for a shorter period than natural labor.
While it is common to report more painful labor some women didn’t find that it was as or more painful than natural birth. This again is dependent on every woman as their body tolerances and pain thresholds differ. What may seem very painful to one woman may seem not as big of a deal to another.
How Will Doctors Know If My Cervix is Ready?
Doctor’s use is referred to as the Bishop Score. The numbers range from 0-13 and anything below a six usually indicates that your cervix is not ready to give birth. The score will usually start changing within a few weeks before giving birth. This is when your cervix begins to soften and open up.
Reading about Pitocin and what it does to aid the process of labor when it is stalled or not starting is a great start to understanding the drug. Pitocin is not an elective sort of procedure as a doctor may use it as medically necessary to induce your labor. That’s why it’s good to know what the side effects are and risks that come with Pitocin.
While there are risks many doctors and their health staff know how to correctly administer the drug in appropriate doses so that the baby and the mother are as safe as possible. Pitocin can have a lot of great benefits if the mother is in medical need of induced labor. It can speed the process up and lower the risks associated with c-sections.
Pitocin does however have the capability of producing more intense and painful contractions than natural labor because of the frequency in which the contractions come after being administered the drug. The upside to this is that labor will normally then be shorter than if you were to have the baby naturally.
The best thing you can do is talk this possibility out with your doctor.
]]>C-sections may be something you do not want to consider, but some things can arise in the course of a pregnancy that will lead to a c-section. There is no reason why you need to look at a C-section as a completely negative outcome.
C-sections can be performed with minimal trauma for you and your baby. And in some cases, a c-section is precisely what maintains the health of you and your baby. There are ways to make C-sections less traumatic and help speed your recovery.
First, we need to get a firm understanding of what a C-section is. How does a c-section work? Why would you need a c-section? And what are the best ways to prepare and recover from a c-section? This guide is designed to give you all the information you need to properly understand C-sections.
C-section is an abbreviation for Cesarean section. A C-section is a procedure for delivering a baby through abdominal and uterine incisions. A C-section is generally performed when complications arise that can make a traditional birth difficult or impossible. When the baby is in the breech position, for example, a C-section will become necessary.
About a third of all births in the United States are done through C-section. A standard C-section is planned about one week before a woman is scheduled to go into labor. The goal is to perform the C-section before you go into active labor.
Emergency C-sections are performed when there is a danger to the life of the baby or the mother. Several conditions can endanger the life of the mother or the baby, and an emergency C-section will prevent these dangers.
The procedure itself takes only 25-60 minutes, but recovery times from C-sections are longer than a traditional vaginal birth. You will likely need to stay in the hospital longer than if you had a vaginal birth. This is to prevent infection, blood clots, and excessive bleeding. Most women require only 2-4 days in the hospital, but if you experience complications, the stay could last several weeks.
C-sections are performed for two reasons. Sometimes it is for the health of the baby when a vaginal delivery would prove to be too dangerous. Other times a C-section is done to protect the health and safety of the mother. Reasons for a C-section can include:
Labor can become stalled, and this is the primary reason for a C-section. Stalled labor occurs when the cervix is not opening enough even though there has been a long period of intense contractions often over several hours.
A doctor or midwife may call for a C-section if there are dangerous changes in the baby's heartbeat.
C-sections will become necessary when this is the safest way to deliver the baby. If the baby is positioned with the feet or buttocks first, or in the breech position, a C-section may be the only way to safely deliver the baby. Another abnormal position is when the baby is on its side or should first. This is called the transversal position.
Carrying twins or triplets can prove to be too much for a vaginal birth. In these cases, a C-section might become the only way to safely deliver multiple babies.
Sometimes the placenta can over the cervix. This is called placenta previa, and it can prevent a vaginal birth. In these cases, a C-section is the only way to deliver the baby.
When the umbilical cord slips through the cervix ahead of the baby, this can endanger the safety of the baby. In these cases, a doctor may order a C-section.
You may require a C-section if you have a severe heart or brain condition. A C-section is often recommended if you are suffering from active genital herpes to prevent infection at the time of birth.
You might need a C-section if you have a large fibroid obstructing the birth canal, a severely displaced pelvic fracture, or your baby has a condition that can cause the head to be unusually large (severe hydrocephalus).
Depending on the type of incision and some other factors, it is possible to have a conventional vaginal birth even if you had a prior C-section. However, a healthcare provider will often recommend a C-section if your previous birth was done with a C-section.
Some women will ask for a C-section with their first baby. This is to avoid the stress and pain of labor and to avoid potential complications from labor and delivery. Doctors generally discourage this, especially if you plan on having multiple children since a C-section will often dispose of you to have further C-sections in subsequent births.
Women who have multiple C-sections are at risk of placental problems such as heavy bleeding which could lead to the surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy). If you are considering a C-section for your first delivery, you should consult your doctor or midwife before making a final decision.
As with any invasive surgical procedure, a C-section comes with some risks. These risks are to you and your baby.
There are ways to prepare for a C-section. If your C-section is scheduled in advance, talk to your doctor about the best way to prepare. Your doctor will likely have you talk to an anesthesiologist about possible medical complications that can arise from the anesthesia.
Your doctor or another healthcare provider may also recommend some specific blood test before a C-section. These tests will provide crucial information on your blood type and your hemoglobin levels that will help them minimize complications from the surgery. These details will also help your medical team in the unlikely event that you require a blood transfusion during surgery for your C-section.
Even if you are planning on a conventional vaginal birth, it is always best to make preparations for a C-section in case you need one. Talk to your doctor, midwife, or other healthcare providers before your due date to discuss the kinds of things that could lead to a C-section. The more information you have, the better prepared you will be should you need a C-section.
After a C-section, you will need time for recovery. Make preparations to have as much help on hand as you can to care for you and your new baby.
If you do not plan to have more children after delivering through a C-section, it makes sense to consider birth control options. Long-acting but reversible birth control may be in your best interests.
You should plan to stay in the hospital for 3-4 days while you recover from a C-section.
Just before surgery, your abdomen will be cleaned, and you will receive intravenous fluids. This allows medical professionals to administer fluids and any medications you may need during and after surgery. You will also have a catheter put in place to empty your bladder.
There are three anesthesia options for a C-section.
Once you are properly numbed, a surgeon will make an incision just above the pubic hairline. This is a horizontal incision that goes down to the uterus. This entire area will be covered during the procedure so you will not see it. In an emergency C-section, the incision may be vertical.
Once the surgeon has made the first incision exposing the uterus, another incision will be made into the uterus. The baby is then removed from the uterus through the incisions through the uterus and the abdomen.
The doctor will tend to the baby first, clearing the nose and mouth of fluids and cutting the umbilical cord. The baby will then be transferred to other professionals to make sure he or she is breathing properly. The baby will then be placed in your arms.
The doctor will then repair the abdomen and uterus with stitches and close the abdominal and uterine incisions.
Immediately after your C-section, your doctor will have you stay in the hospital for about three days. After surgery, you will be on an IV. This is to allow for the administering of pain medications while the anesthesia wears off.
You will likely be encouraged to walk around. This is to prevent blood clots and to prevent constipation. Much of the time right after a C-section will be spent bonding with your new baby just like after vaginal birth.
Some things you will need to focus on while recovering include:
Anticipating the birth of your baby is an exciting time. This time also comes with no small measure of anxiety. Whether you mean to or not, you will have expectations, and a C-section may not be one of those expectations.
Nevertheless, C-sections are sometimes necessary. There are cases in which your health and safety or the health and safety of your baby are best served by having a C-section. Your best preparation for the possibility of a C-section is understanding what this procedure is.
C-sections are fairly routine. While a C-section is surgery, it is not usually a serious issue. The procedure for a C-section is relatively simple, and you can generally expect to fully recover within a few weeks.
The main goals are a healthy baby and a healthy mother. C-sections are performed when a regular vaginal birth is likely to cause undue stress to the baby and the mother. The end result will be the same as a vaginal birth. You get to meet your new baby and begin a great life together.
]]>While nothing compares to giving birth, we can look towards other women’s common experiences to help us recognize that we need to go to the hospital. Here is everything you need to know about signs of labor and your big moment.
Labor is the entire childbirth process from start to finish. It usually starts with contractions in the uterus and it always ends with you holding your beautiful newborn. The process has several stages and technically there are a few different types of labor as well such as pre-labor, early labor, and false labor.
While everyone’s experience with labor will be unique to them, there are also some common territories that every woman goes through. These are referred to as the stages of labor.
We can break up the stages of labor into three categories. Think of them as stages and as you pass through stage one, you will eventually make your way to stage two, and then finally three as you have delivered your baby. Each stage itself may have a few mini-stages or steps before moving on to the next stage.
Your first stage of labor is going to consist of three parts that essentially all have to do with the thinning (effacement) and opening (dilation) of your cervix. Your cervix is starting the process of preparing for the baby to travel out the vaginal canal.
This is when the baby will start to move through the birth canal. Your cervix will be completely dilated and open to deliver your baby. Intense contractions will continue which is what pushes the baby down the birth canal for delivery. A lot of pressure is felt by the mother at this point as the baby moves. This is the “push” stage.
After the delivery of your baby, you will still continue to have some contractions to push the placenta out. This will continue for about 5-15 minutes.
There are many signs of labor and can start as early as one month pre-delivery. Let’s consider these 10 early signs of labor so that you know your body is preparing to give birth.
Your baby will start to drop towards your pelvis a few weeks before your labor will begin. You may feel less supported when you walk and like the weight of your baby is literally moving towards the ground, and that is somewhat true! They are getting ready to make their exit!
This is the beginning or stage one when your cervix starts to thin out and dilate. This can happen a few weeks or days before active labor begins.
This will start to happen more often especially due to the baby dropping. The weight requires more support for your back (back labor might happen) and cramping typically increases.
Unfortunately, increased diarrhea is very common. Your muscles are preparing by relaxing which includes your rectum.
This is usually because of the number of bathroom breaks you will be taking. Your baby will continue to gain weight healthily but you may lose some.
Sleeping comfortably towards the end of your pregnancy gets increasingly difficult. This leads to worse sleep as you get ready to deliver and ultimately more fatigue.
Leading right up to the delivery of the baby usually women experience thickened and more frequent vaginal discharge.
Once you start making your way to stage one you will feel frequent stronger contractions preparing you for labor.
Having your water break is a sign that you are ready for active labor. It doesn’t always happen with every birth but is one of the final signs of going into labor.
As mentioned, there are really three types of labor. They are:
We can think of pre-labor to be our stage one. This is the week or the month leading up to the active labor. This is when the body starts preparing for delivery by moving the baby down towards the pelvic area and the beginning of the dilation of the cervix. This is when you may start to feel a few more cramps and back pain. Essentially, pre-labor is the stage that is getting you ready for your active labor stage.
Early labor is still considered to be stage 1 of labor. It is all the transitioning steps you get into active labor. This will be the longest of the three stages of birth as your cervix will dilate to four centimeters then to seven and eventually 10.
Early labor can average from a few hours to a few days. This is when you will start to feel contractions infrequently.
False labor is usually referred to as Braxton Hicks Contractions. They can happen as early as the second trimester but likely will happen in your third trimester. Braxton Hicks Contractions usually last from 30 to 60 seconds and on more rare occasions last towards two minutes. The reason they are different then labor contractions is because they tend to have a lot of variety. They may feel more or less tense each time and last for different amounts of time.
In other words, they claim no real pattern and they can even sometimes be stopped if you change your position or start walking around. These types of cramps can sometimes be triggered by active individuals or too much pressure on the uterus. That can happen from sex or having a full bladder.
With so much ground to cover when having a baby and going to labor, it’s not surprising that you may have a few more questions to figure out. There are signs that should prompt you to call your doctor and there are definitely signs that may make you feel that way but in reality, are quite normal.
That’s why finishing up with these frequently asked questions about signs of labor will be helpful for expecting mothers.
Are There Times Where I Need To Call My Doctor With Labor Signs?
Most likely your doctor will go over everything you just read and what to expect with going into labor. However, there are a few things that any woman who is pregnant should call their doctor after experiencing.
While some of these symptoms are normal in a moderate or mild condition, anytime they become too severe or debilitating you should check in with your doctor.
What Should I Pack In My Labor Bag?
You will want to prepare your overnight hospital bag/labor bag. You can use this checklist provided by Pampers, which is very similar to what a lot of doctors would recommend. Of course, you can pack some extra things that are special to you.
Better yet you can let a friend, family member, or partner pack for you! Here’s what to bring:
These are just some of the basic recommendations to make your trip much more comfortable.
How Long Will I Have To Push For?
Your nurse or doctor will guide you on when to push. Pushing will help get the baby out efficiently and usually feels better for the mom. Having said that how long you push for will depend on a few different factors.
It will depend on if you have had a baby before because typically pelvic muscles are much tighter for first-time moms. It will also depend on the size of your baby and the opening of your cervix. If you have been given pain medication it may be harder to connect with your muscles to push. That is when a nurse or doctor will direct you rather than feeling it for yourself.
Do Doctors Assist In Getting The Baby Out Along With My Pushing?
In some cases, the pushing may not be strong enough to get the baby all the way out. This may be because the mother is tired or the baby is not in the correct position to be birthed. In this case, a doctor may use a few tools if they can see the baby help guide the baby out. The doctor will not pull the baby out but instead, use forceps and a vacuum extractor.
Some women may have loved every step of the way during their pregnancy including their labor. For others, it may have been more of a bumpy road and a little less pleasant. Having said that, do your best to enjoy the process and the miracle of birthing a baby.
The better prepared you are by knowing what to expect the easier the process will be. This is because you most likely will be less stressed and curious if such and such symptom feels unusual. This information will give you the tools you need to help you decide if you feel there is a sign that requires medical help or to take a breath and realize it is completely normal.
As the due date approaches and you start to feel those early signs of labor make sure you have someone to pack your bag because the little things like a cool sponge and your baby’s going home outfit can make a real difference in attitude and enjoyment.
Above all try to enjoy your special day!
]]>Going through a waiting period for your baby to be born can be such a grueling process especially for first-time mothers who may not be able to cope with an extended period of pain, tiredness, and different symptoms while being pregnant and can’t wait to get done with the whole process already.
In quite a lot of cases, pregnant women who experience late pregnancy decide to go with inducing labor to have childbirth. In the UK for example, 1 in 5 women in labor every year are induced while in Australia, about 1 in every 3 women go through induced labor.
The choice of whether to have induced labor or not is yours but before you make that decision, here’s a concise guide about inducing labor.
Inducing labor refers to the use of artificial methods and procedures by a doctor or midwife to try and help a pregnant woman go into labor. Usually, this procedure is done to stimulate uterine contractions during pregnancy for the woman to go into labor and have childbirth instead of waiting for labor to start naturally.
It is in most cases best for labor to happen on its own but sometimes, it is required that a woman induces labor and with a recent study indicating that induced birth at 39 weeks may seemingly have a better outcome than waiting for labor naturally, more women are certainly becoming more open to the idea with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reporting that about 20% to 40% of labors are now being induced.
The decision on whether to induce labor cannot be taken in a hurry and has to be thoroughly thought about after understanding the procedure and possible risks involved. So how does it work?
A very important process for childbirth is the softening or opening of the cervix and in cases of induced labor, your doctor would need to artificially ripen your cervix if there is no sign of that happening to allow your baby to leave the uterus into the birth canal.
This is usually done by applying prostaglandins either as a drug or a vaginal suppository to your cervix. This should be enough to get your contractions started and your cervix would be monitored and checked after a couple of hours to ascertain that the cervix is ripening.
In the case where you have undergone a cesarean section or any other uterine surgery previously, it is not advisable to use prostaglandin to prevent rupturing of the uterus.
If your contractions have not begun but your cervix has been softened, your doctor (with gloves on) would insert a finger into your vagina through the cervix in a back-and-forth movement to separate the thin membrane that connects the amniotic sac; where the baby and the amniotic fluid is to the wall of the uterus. This causes the release of prostaglandin in the uterus which would trigger your contractions.
The release of prostaglandin should lead to your water breaking but if that doesn’t happen then your doctor can start your contractions by breaking the amniotic sac that surrounds the baby using a long crochet-like hook that has a sharp tip. This is referred to as an artificial rupturing of the membrane and labor should begin in a matter of hours.
Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin that is usually given through IV if neither of the methods mentioned above brings regular contractions after some time, usually hours. Your contractions would be stronger and more regular than if it was naturally induced.
There are a few natural methods which although have not been verified medically have been said to be able to help induce labor. Some of these methods although may seem harmless have some side effects and that is why your doctor must be aware of any method you may decide to go with.
Physical work would generally get your heart rate increased and exercise is a great way to get that to happen. While light exercise is safe for pregnant women, there is a medical experiment that proves that it can induce labor.
This method has been around for years but even with medical trials, it still has no clear proof on how it induces labor. Many people still believe in its validity though with parts of Asia believing that it can be used to jumpstart the labor process by balancing your “chi”.
Castor oil is believed to stimulate prostaglandin release and is one of the very popular natural methods. Drinking it in small amounts has been said to be very productive in inducing labor although it causes diarrhea and dehydration.
Although sex can cause a release of oxytocin in the cervix which can trigger your contraction, it is not always advisable to have sex after your water has broken to avoid the risk of infection. Also, men secrete prostaglandin hormones in their semen and this can help ripen the cervix but no proof can start labor.
Stimulation of your nipples causes the stimulation of oxytocin which can cause uterine contractions and helps the uterus to return to its original size post-delivery. Although it may cause contractions, it may also lead to prolonged and severe contractions that may be harmful to the mother.
Some research has tended to the fact that eating 6 date fruits over 4 weeks before childbirth helps to ripen the cervix but for persons with gestational diabetes, it is not recommended.
The myth about the use of raspberry leaf in inducing labor is still unproven but it’s still common among women with some believing that it helps to shorten labor.
We all want a perfect pregnancy process where everything goes smoothly according to plan but sometimes, there are some cases in which inducing labor may be the best option for you. Your doctor may recommend that you undergo this due to the following reasons:
You are overdue: if you are approaching two weeks after your expected due delivery date and you haven’t started your labor
Some serious risks can arise in induced labor and that is why it is important to speak with your doctor, understand, and adequately weigh the options before deciding to go ahead.
Inducing labor is generally successful most of the time but there are some instances in which the process fails and this will lead to the woman needing a cesarean section to deliver the child. This sometimes happens if the cervix is ripe and as such the body is not ready.
Sometimes, inducing labor can cause your baby to be born preterm especially if you got the expected delivery date (EDD) wrong and this can lead to your baby having breathing, feeding problems, or even jaundice.
The use of prostaglandin or oxytocin can cause excessive contractions which can affect the oxygen supply to your baby which would affect their heart rate.
If you have had a cesarean section previously, there is a high risk of uterine rupture when inducing labor.
Rupturing of the membranes for a long time before contraction starts can lead to infection for the mother and the child. Another method of inducing labor will be required.
There is also the risk of serious bleeding after childbirth in the case where your uterine muscles don’t connect properly after delivery.
Inducing labor is an artificial method to help a pregnant woman go into labor and have contractions. Preventing this would mean allowing your body to take the normal and natural process of pregnancy to childbirth. Not every woman’s body can undergo the process and not every woman should undergo the process except your doctor or midwife recommends that you undergo it after explaining the process to you. In the exception of cases where the health of the mother or child is at stake, inducing labor should be prevented.
Always ensure your doctor uses the Bishop score system to confirm factors such as how soft, thin, or dilated your cervix is and the fetal station of your baby to prevent inducing labor if not necessary. A low score usually indicates a low chance of a successful induction while a high score means a high chance of success.
Is inducing labor always uncomfortable and painful?
Inducing labor is not the most pleasant process but is not always uncomfortable. The method carried out by your doctor determines to a great extent how the process would feel for you. The use of Pitocin usually brings stronger contractions and could be very unpleasant. You will more likely need an epidural when undergoing induced labor. Membrane stripping is equally slightly uncomfortable especially when the amniotic sac gets ruptured.
What is an epidural?
An epidural refers to a procedure where your nerve signals are blocked using a local anesthetic which is administered using a catheter that is run through a needle into the epidural space situated around the spinal cord. It is a type of pain relief that is used for women in labor or undergoing a cesarean section and is administered by an anesthetist.
Can herbal supplements trigger labor?
Herbal supplements have not been medically proven to trigger labor and it is not advisable to use any herbal supplements to induce labor. Always ensure that your doctor or midwife is aware before you try any method or herbal supplement to avoid causing harm to the baby and the mother.
Is elective induction always available?
Elective induction is not necessary for every scenario and although you can always request it, it is best to request it if your condition requires it. Conditions that may require elective induction include; if you live at a long distance from a nearby hospital, you have a history of short labor, you have high blood pressure.
It can understandably get frustrating having to wait for so long before you go into labor considering the pain and aches that will have built up over the weeks of the pregnancy but waiting is always the most preferred option except your health or that of your baby is in jeopardy. If not, then naturally induced labor saves the risk of complications that can arise from an artificial induction.
Remember to completely understand the process, pros, and cons with your doctor before making a finaldecision. Don’t be in a haste or feel pressured to make the decision on whether to induce labor or not. If you need to take some days to mull over the decision then take some days to think about it. Your final
decision should be communicated to your doctor and the method you want to go through. After waiting for such a long period, having to wait a while longer is a small sacrifice to pay compared to the risks that can be accrued from making a rushed and bad decision.
As you go through the process of carrying a baby, the pressure and strain of carrying the child can the muscles of the pelvic floor. This leads to other issues. Kegel exercises can get the pelvic floor muscles back in shape.
There are no real mystery things like Kegel exercises. Just like any other exercise, they are designed to work the muscles in such a way to build strength and get you back in shape. It is simply that we are not used to working on this muscle system.
If you are not familiar with Kegel exercises, or if you just need to know more about them to do them correctly, this guide is for you. What are Kegel exercises? What is the purpose of Kegel exercises? And how do you do Kegel exercises? This guide will get you on your way to being back in pre-pregnancy shape.
Many things can lead to a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. Pregnancy and childbirth are the most common causes of weakened pelvic floor muscles. Other causes include excessive straining due to constipation and chronic coughing. Obesity is also a leading cause of weakened pelvic floor muscles.
Sings that the muscles of the pelvic floor have become weakened include:
Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and can reverse or stop these forms of incontinence. Kegel exercises are simple clench-and-release exercises that build up the muscles of the pelvic floor. This is the area between the hips that holds your reproductive organs in place.
The pelvic floor is a series of muscles and tissues that hold together to form a sling at the bottom of your pelvis. This sling holds your organs in place. When the pelvic floor muscles and tissues become weakened you can lose control of your bowels and bladder.
Kegel exercises reverse this weakening. You can do Kegel exercises anytime and anywhere. That is part of the beauty of Kegel exercises. They require no special space or equipment.
Kegel exercises can improve the function of the muscles that support your uterus, bladder, and bowels. This reduces the risk of embarrassing things like gas, bladder, and bowel leaks. Kegel exercises can also improve your orgasms.
It is important to start doing Kegel exercises to prevent any wear and weakening of your pelvic muscles. By doing Kegel exercises you maintain the strength and integrity of these muscles before you have problems.
The fact is, Kegel exercises can restore the health of the muscles that make up the pelvic floor, but they can also prevent the weakening of these muscles in the first place. Once the muscles are weakened, you run the risk of several types of incontinence and this is progressive. These forms of incontinence will get worse if you do not do anything about the problem. Kegel exercises are the way to prevent or reverse the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and tissues.
There are numerous benefits to Kegel exercises. Some of these benefits might surprise you while others may be obvious. Some of the important benefits of Kegel exercises include:
Pregnancy and childbirth will stress on your abdominal and pelvic muscles. Some of this stress can result in injury. Whether you deliver vaginally or by cesarean, the stress of childbirth will stress your pelvic muscles.
Much of the stress and even injury of your pelvic muscles will heal on its own. Kegel exercises are one of the best ways to heal this stress and injury. Kegel exercise improves the strength of your pelvic muscles and repairs the damage that can come with pregnancy and childbirth.
You can even prepare for pregnancy and childbirth by doing Kegel exercises before getting pregnant. By building up the strength of our abdominal and pelvic muscles, you can prevent some types of injuries.
Our modern lifestyles demand that we sit and remain sedentary for long periods. This leads to a general deconditioning of the body. We lose aerobic health and overall fitness. Kegel exercises can help with this problem.
This sedentary lifestyle also leads to weight gain in the abdominal region which can stress the abdominal and pelvic muscles.
Kegel exercises are an easy and convenient way of combating these tendencies. By doing Kegel exercises, even when you are sitting, you can help condition the abdominal and pelvic muscles to prevent some of the problems that may come with the loss of overall fitness.
The muscles of the pelvic floor are part of what we call the inner core. These are muscles that support your hips and your trunk. The muscles of the inner core work with lateral muscles to provide support and strength for your spine and lower back.
By conditioning the muscles of the pelvic floor with Kegel exercises you help build the core of support for your hip and spine. This is a central feature of overall muscular fitness.
The muscles of the pelvic floor support the bladder, uterus, and rectum. When these muscles become weakened, whether as a result of pregnancy or other reasons, the result can be incontinence.
Kegel exercises can build these muscles back up to a healthy strength. This can reverse and cure bladder leakage and incontinence.
Changes in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to decreased blood flow to the pelvic floor. This will cause the muscles of the pelvic floor to become weakened. Kegel exercises can both strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and increase blood flow to these muscles to restore health.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse, or POP, is a condition in which the pelvic organs press into the walls of the vagina. This occurs when the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor have been stretched and weakened, usually following childbirth.
Some women can develop POP from prolonged heavy lifting and intense exercise. Obesity is another common cause of POP.
POP can be painful, and it can also lead to forms of incontinence. One of the best treatments for POP is Kegel exercises. The best way to build up the muscles and ligaments that hold the pelvic organs in place is by doing simple Kegel exercises. This will help re-strengthen the system that holds these organs in place.
It is possible to do Kegel exercise without any equipment, and you can do Kegel exercises almost anywhere. Some women find it difficult to do Kegel exercises correctly or with the consistency needed to get results. Some equipment can help with Kegel exercises.
These are smooth weights that can be placed in the vagina. To work with Kegel weights, you simply squeeze the pelvic floor muscles to keep the weights in place. These are based on Jade eggs which were used in ancient China.
These devices will let you know how effectively you are squeezing and working the muscles of the pelvic floor. Often called trainers, biofeedback devices are small probes that fit easily into the vagina and provide electronic information on the effectiveness of your Kegel exercises.
This may sound a little daunting, but it is based on a treatment for incontinence that has been around for decades. These devices use small electrical currents to activate muscles. The device uses a small probe that is placed in the vagina which then stimulates the muscles of the pelvic floor. Some models have been approved for home use, but many of these treatments require a visit to a physician.
There are some external stimulation devices that have been recently approved by the FDA. These devices stimulate the muscles of the pelvic floor from outside the body. They can be used at home or worn inside clothing. External stimulation devices may feel less intrusive to some women and they are much easier to use.
If Kegel exercises are not like pumping iron in the gym. You should not feel pain or serious discomfort while doing Kegel exercises or after doing Kegel exercises. If you feel pain or discomfort, this is a sign you are doing them incorrectly.
Keep in mind that while contracting the muscles of the pelvic floor, your abdomen, back, sides, and buttocks should remain loose and relaxed. Try not to tighten up your entire abdomen and lower body. It is also possible to overdo Kegel exercises. Working these muscles too hard will simply tire them out and they will not function properly.
What are Kegel exercises?
Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and can reverse or stop these forms of incontinence. Kegel exercises are simple clench-and-release exercises that build up the muscles of the pelvic floor. This is the area between the hips that holds your reproductive organs in place.
What are the causes of weakened muscles in the pelvic floor?
Many things can lead to a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. Pregnancy and childbirth are the most common causes of weakened pelvic floor muscles. Other causes include excessive straining due to constipation and chronic coughing. Obesity is also a leading cause of weakened pelvic floor muscles.
What is the importance of Kegel exercises?
Kegel exercises can restore the health of the muscles that make up the pelvic floor, but they can also prevent the weakening of these muscles in the first place. Once the muscles are weakened, you run the risk of several types of incontinence and this is progressive. These forms of incontinence will get worse if you do not do anything about the problem. Kegel exercises are the way to prevent or reverse the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and tissues.
What are the benefits of Kegel exercises?
Kegel exercises can restore the health of your abdominal and pelvic muscles after pregnancy and childbirth. They can cure bladder leakage and some forms of incontinence. Kegel exercises can maintain pelvic health during menopause. And Kegel exercises can help you maintain back, hip, and abdominal strength.
Is there equipment that can help with Kegel exercises?
There are several devices available to help with Kegel exercises. These include Kegel weights, biofeedback devices, and electronic stimulation devices.
It is no surprise that pregnancy and childbirth take a toll on your body. For some women, the physical effects of pregnancy and childbirth are quite minimal. For others, there can be long-lasting issues that come from having a baby. One way to treat some of the physical effects of pregnancy and childbirth is with Kegel exercises.
Kegel exercises can reverse the stress on pelvic muscles that often comes with carrying and delivering and baby. When the pelvic muscles are stressed and weakened, a variety of problems can come about including incontinence. The way to rebuild the strength of your pelvic muscles is with Kegel exercise.
Part of the beauty of Kegel exercises is they require no equipment or special space to do them. You can do Kegel exercises anywhere and anytime. Once you learn the technique to properly do Kegel exercises, you can do them at work, while standing in line at a store, or even in your car.
If you are having difficulty with doing Kegel exercises, there are some pieces of equipment that you can get to help you along. Something as simple as Kegel weights can make your Kegel exercises more effective.
]]>Back labor happens for some women. It is not pleasant by a long shot. But there are ways to deal with back labor. And like the many other things that can occur during an otherwise routine pregnancy, understanding back labor is half the battle.
For many women, back labor is something that brings on anxiety along with the pain and discomfort. Sometimes understanding things takes a lot of the fear and power out of them. This guide will help you understand back labor. What is back labor? What causes back labor? And what are the best ways to help alleviate or treat back labor?
Labor happens when the muscles of the uterus begin to contract. These contractions begin as small twinges and progress to a peak phase, then they will ease off. As contractions become more frequent and more intense, the process of birth will progress. Painful as it may be, contractions are what you want to happen.
What the contractions accomplish is to push the baby into the birth canal. Active labor involves intense pain, cramping, and pressure. This pain generally is centered in the lower abdomen and pelvis. However, about 33 percent of women will feel more pain in their lower back. This is called back labor and it occurs because of the way the baby is positioned.
There is a common misunderstanding that back labor is a myth. Some believe that back labor does not happen and what some women feel is little more than pains that spread from the more common areas of labor. This is absolutely wrong. Back labor is very real, it is a function of the position of the baby.
Ideally, a pregnancy would follow the common course of things, and the baby will be positioned exactly where he or she needs to be; head down and facing the mother’s cervix. But nature unfortunately does not work this way. Sometimes the baby is positioned with his or her skull against the cervix, and this leads to painful back labor.
You may hear your doctor, midwife, or doula say the bay is in the occiput posterior position. This is the medical term for the bay’s head against the cervix. This is not the way the baby should be positioned. The good news about this is that the baby can easily turn during birth. About 15 percent of babies positioned in this way spontaneously turn to the correct position in the course of labor.
When the baby is positioned with his or her head against the cervix you are much more likely to experience back labor. However, this does not mean you will experience back labor. Some women never feel anything other than the normal labor and contraction pains. These are hard enough.
There are some risk factors for back labor. Women who experience pain during their menstrual cycle are more prone to back labor. First-time mothers are also more likely to experience back labor. And if you have gone through back labor with a previous pregnancy, you are likely to experience back labor again.
One study showed that women who have a higher body mass index were much more likely to experience back labor.
The signs of back labor are easy to detect. However, when your labor begins you may feel pains in your lower back. These are not necessarily back labor. The symptoms of back labor include:
Regular contractions come and go. That is the natural progression of labor. Back labor may not abate. It will likely be fairly constant. So as your contraction ease up if you still feel pains in your back these are likely back labor. The pains in your back become increasingly intense as contractions build to a peak.
Preterm labor does not lead to back labor. Back labor only occurs at about 40 weeks.
Most often back labor cannot be prevented. But there are some things you can do to help. There are some things you can try to help prevent or alleviate back labor.
This is a simple exercise. Get on your hands and knees and simply arch your back up like a cat. Then straighten out your back. This will stretch your pelvis and allow the baby to position properly.
You can do this on an exercise ball. You can also straddle a chair backward holding your head and arms on the back of the chair. Another way to do this is by sitting backward on the toilet.
These exercises are meant to help your baby get in the proper position. By manipulating the position of your pelvis and back, you may make it easier for the baby to turn to a more comfortable position.
If you are already experiencing back labor, try walking around and let gravity do some of the work. Sometimes simply moving around a room is enough to reposition your baby.
This also helps loosen the tension in your body. This may not reposition the baby, but it may relax you enough to ease the pain of back labor.
A doula or midwife can help you by placing heating pads or a cold compress against your body. You can try both to see which works best.
Again, this will require the help of a midwife or doula, but a massage works well for alleviating the pain of back labor.
Have a doula or partner stabilize one hip with a hand and apply steady pressure on whatever area of the lower back where the pain is acute. Using the heel of a hand or a fist, apply pressure on the area where the pain is most intense. As labor progresses, the spot where the pain is most intense will likely change as the baby begins to move through the birth canal. Someone may be able to apply pressure to the sacral joint near the bottom of the tailbone. This can relieve pressure.
While leaning forward on your hands and knees, or straddling a straight-back chair, have a partner stand behind and press both sides of the buttocks with the palms of their hands. Do this during contractions. This can help the sacral joint ligaments to relax which is likely where the baby’s head is putting pressure.
This can be a pleasant experience for both mom and dad. You simply get close as if you were dancing, but the mother should allow her arms to relax and hang down at her sides. Rest your upper body against your partner. Shift your weight from one leg to the other gently. Do this while slowly measuring your breath. The birth dance offers the same basic benefits of walking with the added comfort of the support.
Some women who have experienced back labor describe it as some of the worst pain during labor. Just knowing this can cause anxiety and fear for women who are pregnant. During normal labor and contractions, it is completely normal to feel some level of back pain. Contractions are painful and they can be intense. It is common for women to have back pain even during normal labor.
Some things to keep in mind as you begin to experience contractions include:
If the back pain peaks with your contractions this is likely back labor. Ordinary back pain will remain constant. Back labor will come and go with your contractions.
Feeling the back pain while you are in active labor. This may seem obvious but it is important to know that back labor will persist and be evident during active labor.
Other aches and pains that persist throughout your labor and delivery are most often simple back pain. If you feel back pain even when you are not experiencing contractions, this is simple back pain and not back labor.
Whether we like it or not, labor and contractions are painful. The pain of contractions can radiate into other areas of your body, specifically your back. This is normal if unfortunate. However, learning to distinguish between ordinary back pain and back labor may take some of the anxiety out of your birth experience.
Back labor simply in itself will not harm your baby or you. It is just painful. However, some studies have shown that anytime a baby is in an uncomfortable position in the womb there is a risk of increased difficulty as the baby makes his or her way through the birth canal. This can lead to complications.
There are some things you can do to help prevent back labor. These are prevention strategies and there is no guarantee any of these will prevent back labor. But these strategies have been shown to prevent back labor for some women.
Avoid sitting in any semi-reclining position. This means not sitting with your knees higher than your hips. If you sit a lot, or if you spend a lot of time driving a car, take time to move around and extend your legs.
Do not cross your legs when you sit. Sit up straight in a chair, legs slightly open.
When standing, lean over things like kitchen counters and chair backs. This encourages your baby to move toward the pelvis at the ideal angle.
Start doing pelvic rocks while on all fours. Stretch your back upward like a cat and relax, bringing your back straight.
When laying down or sleeping, make sure you are on your side with back support. Keep your top leg resting forward so that the knee touches your mattress. This will keep your abdomen in a forward position and allow your baby to effectively rest in a “hammock” You can place an extra cushion between your thighs for added comfort.
Swim laps using the crawl or breaststroke. This encourages your baby to swing back and forth in the womb and move toward the front. This has the added benefit of relieving pressure and swelling during your third trimester of pregnancy.
The idea of a textbook normal pregnancy, labor, and delivery carries a range of things that some may not fully expect. While most women will go without labor, experience contractions, and proceed to delivery with nothing out of ordinary, other women will experience some difficulties along the way. One of these difficulties is back labor.
Back labor is not dangerous for you or your baby. Unfortunately, back labor is extremely painful. Back labor happens when your baby is turned so that his or her head is against your back. This causes the baby’s head to put pressure on your back during contractions. As if contractions were not hard enough, back labor can add more pain and discomfort.
There are some steps you can take to help prevent or minimize back labor. Thankfully, all of these things are simple, and you can do them at home as you prepare for your big day. Something as simple as back stretches may relieve strain on your back and nudge your baby into a more comfortable position that prevents back labor.
If you have a good doula or midwife, they will certainly be able to ease you through back labor if you happen to experience it. Otherwise, there are medical steps that can be taken if the pain becomes too much.
]]>Braxton-Hicks contractions are often unsettling for many pregnant women. Especially if they come early in the term, Braxton-Hicks contractions can be a real source of anxiety. But Braxton-Hicks contractions are quite normal.
Among all the things that happen during pregnancy, from the growth of the belly to the physical symptoms like morning sickness and food cravings, Braxton-Hicks contractions are frequently seen as an unwelcome complication that provides little else but concern.
With the idea that being informed is the best way to be prepared, this article will give you all the information you need to understand Braxton-Hicks contraction. What are Braxton-Hicks contractions? What do they mean? And What are the symptoms of Braxton-Hicks contractions? We will provide you with what you need to know so you are ready for your pregnancy.
Often called “false labor pains,” Braxton-Hicks contractions are feelings that are quite similar to labor contractions but are not really indicative of labor. Braxton-Hicks contractions usually come toward the end of a pregnancy.
In essence, Braxton-Hicks contractions are your body’s way of preparing itself for the real thing. While they do sometimes feel like real contractions, there are some important differences that will allow you to know what is happening.
Braxton-Hicks contractions can begin thinning the uterus, but they do not lead to delivery. They are not doing the same work as real contractions.
You may have Braxton-Hicks contractions during your third trimester of pregnancy or as early as your second trimester of pregnancy. They’re normal and nothing to worry about.
You can distinguish Braxton-Hicks contractions from "real" contractions or the contractions that signal the onset of labor, by some important distinctions. Labor contractions happen when your body begins to release the hormone oxytocin. This signals your uterus to contract and this is labor.
Labor normally begins in the 40th week of pregnancy. Labor contractions that begin at week 37 signal the possibility of premature labor.
Real contractions tighten the top part of your uterus in order to push the baby downward into the birth canal. Labor contractions also thin the cervix to prepare for birth.
True labor contractions are often described as a wave. The pain begins slowly and builds to a peak, then ebbs. You can feel the tightness in your abdomen by touching your belly. True labor contractions are also evenly spaced (five minutes apart, then two minutes, then one), whereas Braxton-Hicks contractions are irregular.
Other signs of true labor also include:
The fact is, the cause of Braxton-hicks contractions is not known. However, there are some things that can trigger Braxton-Hicks contractions.
Some activities and conditions can increase stress on the placenta and increase blood flow. This leads to an increase in oxygen to the baby. It is thought that these activities can lead to Braxton-Hicks contractions.
It is important to stay properly hydrated while you are pregnant. Women should drink 10-12 cups of water every day.
Many women notice Braxton Hicks contractions after they have been on their feet for long periods of time. Doing strenuous activity of any kind can also trigger Braxton-Hicks contractions.
Orgasm can cause the uterus to contract. The reason for this is that your body produces the hormone oxytocin from orgasm. This is the same hormone that makes the uterus contract. Prostaglandins from semen can also cause the uterus to contract.
A full bladder can put pressure on your uterus. This can lead to contractions and cramping.
It is important to remember that these are all fairly normal conditions and the Braxton-Hicks contractions that result not typically lead to premature labor.
Braxton-Hicks are generally mild. They can feel a little like menstrual cramps. They usually come during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Braxton-Hicks contractions generally are uncomfortable but do not cause actual pain. You may feel tightening in your abdomen that soon relaxes. These sensations can last anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
Braxton-Hicks contractions are also sporadic. They do not follow a pattern. Some women feel them at specific times of the day, while other women may experience Braxton-Hicks contractions on and off throughout the day.
They differ from real contractions in the following ways:
Braxton-Hicks contractions can be alarming, especially for first-time mothers. So, how to tell the difference between Braxton-Hicks contractions and labor contractions? Thankfully, there are some key differences that you can pay attention to so know when labor is really coming on.
Bear in mind that any time during your pregnancy that you feel contractions of any kind, you should consult with your doctor or midwife.
Here are some crucial differences between Braxton-Hicks contractions and labor contractions.
Braxton-Hicks come early in the pregnancy but are often not felt. They are most pronounced in the second and third trimester.
Labor contractions come at about 37 weeks.
Braxton-Hicks consist of tightening, discomfort. May be weak or strong but do not become progressively stronger.
Labor contractions are strong. There is pain and cramping. They can be so intense that you may have difficulty walking. They get progressively stronger.
Braxton-Hicks contractions are typically in the front abdomen.
Labor contractions start in the back and wrap around to the abdomen.
Braxton -Hicks contractions last about 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
Labor contractions are 3-70 seconds and increase over time.
Braxton-Hicks contractions are irregular and cannot be timed.
Labor contractions get stronger and closer together.
Braxton-Hicks contractions can go away and ease up with a change of position or hydration.
Labor contractions do not ease up.
If you think you are experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions, you should first consult with your doctor to make sure this is what is happening. After you and your doctor have made certain nothing else is going on, there are a few things you can do to help.
The first thing to do for Braxton-Hicks contractions is to take it easy. Seriously, one of the main causes of Braxton-Hicks contractions is overdoing it, and taking some time to relax and rest is the first order for alleviating this issue.
There is no medical treatment for Braxton-Hicks contractions, but you can try the following things:
Pregnancy is not a good time to hold it in. Drink three to four glasses of water. You can try other things like herbal tea, but water is the best way to hydrate.
This promotes better blood flow to your kidneys, uterus, and placenta.
If neither of these things help, consult with your doctor again. There is a condition called irritable uterus that can be treated medically.
You should always consult your doctor if you experience abdomen pain. There are some other things that can cause abdominal pains and cramping that may get confused with Braxton-Hicks contractions. These can include:
Urinary tract infection: As the baby grows, they will put pressure on your bladder. This will make you need to urinate more frequently. This also means you are at a higher risk for UTIs. A UTI will also include burning during urination and more frequent trips to the bathroom. If a UTI is not treated it can spread to your kidneys. UTIs can easily be treated with antibiotics.
Gas and/or constipation: Another unfortunate complication during pregnancy is gas and bloating. This happens because of the high levels of the hormone progesterone. Constipation is also quite common during pregnancy. All of these conditions lead to bloating, discomfort, and abdominal pain.
You can treat these problems by drinking more fluids and eating more fiber. Exercise is also helpful. If these common treatments do not help, talk to your doctor who can prescribe things like stool softeners or laxatives.
Round ligament pain: Sharp pains in the belly, particularly on one side or the other, are often signs of what is called round ligament pain. These pains can also shoot into your groin area. Round ligament pain happens when the ligaments that support your uterus get stretched to accommodate the growth of your uterus.
Other more serious issues may also cause abdominal pain. If you experience any of the following, see your doctor right away.
Placental abruption: This is when the placenta detaches from the uterus either partially or completely. Placental abruption can cause intense and constant pain, and it can make your uterus feel tight or hard.
Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a condition in which your blood pressure rises to potentially dangerous levels. You may feel pain in your upper abdomen near your rib cage. The pain may be concentrated on your right side.
Again, these are issues that require immediate medical attention. If you think you are experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions, but the pain becomes severe or does not subside, contact your doctor.
Often called “false labor pains,” these are contractions that usually come toward the end of a pregnancy. In essence, Braxton-Hicks contractions are your body’s way of preparing itself for the real thing. While they do sometimes feel like real contractions, there are some important differences that will allow you to know what is happening.
You need not worry about Braxton-Hicks contractions. While they can be part of the process that prepared your body for birth, they are not the same type of contractions that lead to early labor and premature birth.
The primary causes of Braxton-Hicks contractions are dehydration, physical activity, sex, and a full bladder.
Braxton-Hicks contractions generally are uncomfortable but do not cause actual pain. You may feel tightening in your abdomen that soon relaxes. These sensations can last anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
The main symptoms are tightening in the abdomen and cramps that feel similar to menstrual pain.
The main differences between Braxton-Hicks contractions and labor contractions are the severity of the pain and the pattern of the contractions. Braxton-Hicks contractions are generally uncomfortable rather than painful, whereas labor can be so painful you may not be able to walk. Braxton-Hicks contractions are irregular, and labor contractions follow a pattern and increase in severity.
So many things happen during the course of a normal and healthy pregnancy. For first-time mothers, many of these things can be surprising and a little unnerving. Getting early contractions is one of those things that can cause alarm.
Thankfully, the common early contractions, those that come at the start of the third trimester of pregnancy, are the common “false alarm” called Braxton-Hicks contractions. Braxton-Hicks contractions are not early labor contractions.
While it is not fully known what causes Braxton-Hicks contractions, doctors do know that they are perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. Braxton-Hicks contractions are a sign your body is gearing up for labor. They do not signal early labor, and they are nothing like labor contractions.
That tightening in the abdomen and cramping that many women feel in the third trimester is a sign of Braxton-Hicks contractions. They are generally not painful, but they can be uncomfortable.
So, while Braxton-Hicks contractions may come as a real surprise especially for first-time mothers, they are nothing to worry about. If you think you may be experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions, definitely have things checked out with your doctor or midwife, but they are quite normal.
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