Transcript The Birth Process

The Birth Process
Signs of beginning of labor
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1. Baby settles deep into the mother’s
pelvis called “lightening”
2. Losing the mucus plug, called “bloody
show” (**mucus plug is a thick mucus that develops to
prevent bacteria from entering the cervix)
3. Losing amniotic fluid, called “water
breaking” or breaking of waters
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4. Contractions: the tightening and
releasing of the uterine muscle
Three Stages of Labor
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Stage One
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Contractions are opening the cervix, called
“dilating”
Usually 4” (10 centimeters)
Babies head moves lower into the pelvis
Contractions begin to last longer AND get
closer together
Stage Two
Cervix is completely dilated and that
baby’s head has slipped out of the uterus,
followed by the rest of the baby’s body
 Contractions move the baby down through
the pelvis (birth canal)
 Actual birth of the baby
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Stage Three
Uterus gives birth to the placenta
 This has given nourishment to the baby
and is no longer needed. It is pulled away
from the uterine wall and expelled by
contractions.
 Very little discomfort
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Cesarean Birth: delivery of a baby
through a surgical incision in the mother’s
abdomen. How many can a woman have?
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(show video)
Obstetrician: a doctor who specializes in
pregnancy and birth (Ob/GYN)
 Postnatal: period beginning after the birth
of the baby. (what was prenatal)
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