Patient's question:
At 38 weeks pregnant, preparing for a natural delivery, I don't know how to coordinate with the baby to help it quickly pass through the birth canal.Doctor's answer:
Natural childbirth refers to the delivery method where a baby is born through the vagina without artificial intervention under safe conditions. The basic condition for natural childbirth is that the three factors determining childbirth—uterine power, birth canal, and fetus—are all normal and compatible with each other. When deciding on natural childbirth, a pregnant woman should first understand her estimated due date and the entire process of labor.Guidance:
First Stage of Labor
Also known as the cervical dilation phase, this stage begins when regular uterine contractions occur every 5-6 minutes and ends when the cervix is fully dilated to 10 centimeters, allowing the baby’s head to emerge. For first-time mothers, this stage typically lasts 11-12 hours, while for experienced mothers, it takes about 6-8 hours.
Cooperation during the First Stage of Labor:
1. Eliminate fear, stay calm and optimistic;
2. Eat and drink regularly to ensure adequate nutrition;
3. Urinate on schedule (every 2-4 hours) to keep the bladder empty and prevent obstructing the baby’s head;
4. If the amniotic sac has not ruptured and with a doctor’s approval, the woman can walk around in the labor room;
5. Perform pain-relieving techniques during contractions.
Second Stage of Labor
Also known as the fetal delivery phase, this stage begins when the cervix is fully dilated and ends with the baby’s birth. For first-time mothers, it may take 1-2 hours, while experienced mothers usually complete it in minutes, though it can sometimes last up to 1 hour.
The peak of labor arrives as the baby is about to be born. The baby’s head moves close to the vaginal opening, and the vulva and anus appear swollen due to the pressure of the baby’s head on the pelvic floor. Soon, the baby’s head will be visible, moving forward with each contraction and slightly sliding back when contractions subside.
When the top of the baby’s head becomes visible, the midwife will advise the woman not to push too hard, as a rapid delivery may tear the skin of the perineum. The woman should relax and take a few seconds to breathe. If there is a risk of severe tearing or if the baby is in distress, an episiotomy may be performed. As the baby’s head expands the vaginal opening, the woman may feel a sharp pain followed by numbness, caused by the stretching of vaginal tissues blocking nerve conduction.
When the head is delivered, the baby’s face is downward. The midwife may check the umbilical cord to ensure it is not wrapped around the baby’s neck (the cord often wraps around the head as the body emerges). Then, the baby’s head turns to one side, aligning the head and shoulders in a straight line. The midwife cleans the baby’s eyes, nose, and mouth, and if necessary, clears any fluid from the respiratory tract.
During the next two contractions, the baby’s body slides out of the mother’s body. The midwife typically supports the baby under the arms and guides it out, placing it on the mother’s abdomen while still attached to the umbilical cord. Initially, the baby may appear slightly blue, with a greasy coating and streaks of blood, and will cry. The midwife will also clear the baby’s respiratory tract again and provide oxygen if needed.
Third Stage of Labor
Also known as the placenta delivery phase, this stage begins when the baby is born and ends when the placenta is expelled, lasting about 5-15 minutes, but not exceeding 30 minutes.
After the baby is born, uterine contractions will continue to expel the placenta, though these contractions are relatively painless. Subsequently, the doctor will clean the woman and, if there are any tears in the perineum, will perform local suturing.