Contents
Dilation: the time of contractions
The first phase that doctors or midwives call “job”, Is characterized by the occurrence of contractions. These initially have the effect of shorten the cervix which is usually about 3cm long. Then, the collar opens (he “fades away”) little by little until he reaches a diameter of 10 cm. This is enough space to let the baby’s head pass. This first phase lasts on average ten hours, because we count one centimeter per hour.
But in reality the first few centimeters are often slower and the pace picks up on the last ones. This is why the maternity team advises you to only come when the contractions are already quite regular and close together, so that the expansion is at least 3 cm.
Managing pain when the cervix dilates
Contractions are often painful because they areunusual muscle work. Everyone reacts to this sensation differently. The duration of this phase plays an important role: the longer it is, the less strength we have to endure the contractions. Those who wish can then request a epidural, local analgesia that numbs the pain. From the second baby, the cervix shortens and fades simultaneously. This is why this phase is often shorter.
Expulsion: the baby arrives
When the collar is open to 10 cm, the baby’s head will be able to engage in the vaginal canal. He still has a small tunnel of about 7 to 9 centimeters to go, before seeing the light of day. Each has its own rhythm. Some are born very quickly, in barely 10 minutes, while others take three quarters of an hour to wait. This is nothing to worry about.
If your baby is in seat (4% of cases), it occurs through the feet or buttocks and it is therefore not the head that comes down first, but the lower body. This makes this phase slightly more delicate and generally this birth requires the presence of experienced doctors or midwives, as certain obstetric maneuvers are sometimes necessary.
Stretching the perineum during expulsion
It is during the expulsion that the perineum, the muscle surrounding the vagina, is stretched to the maximum. It may tear under pressure, or an episiotomy may be done if the doctor or midwife deems it necessary. To avoid these two inconveniences, it is better to follow the advice given at that time, to push without forcing.
Delivery: under close surveillance
About 15 to 20 minutes after the baby is born, uterine contractions start again. It remains to evacuate the placenta, this “cake” covered with blood vessels which allowed the exchange of oxygen and nutrients between mother and baby during pregnancy. You will then have to push again, just once.
Bleeding after childbirth is completely normal since the blood vessels to which the placenta was attached are not yet closed. Very quickly, they contract and the blood loss will decrease. It is considered that there is bleeding if the volume of blood lost reaches 500 ml.