Giving birth is the process of pushing the baby out from your uterus.
When you are ready to do that, you will go through labor, which consists of three stages.
Preterm laborcan start before the full 37 weeks ofpregnancy.
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Your baby will only be seen as viable (able to survive) after the 24thweek of pregnancy.
The longer your baby remains in the uterus, the better.
Babies have the best chances of survival when born at full term.
As far as what triggers labor, preterm labor could be triggered by trauma or other complications.
Yourcervixwill shorten and soften, and the ligaments in your pelvic area will relax.
During pregnancy, your baby is protected by a fluid-filled membranous sac called the amniotic sac.
When labor begins, sometimes your membranes will rupture (water breaking).
Upright positions can help move the dilation along, unless you have received epidural pain management.
If your water is not yet broken, that may be done.
Or your practitioner may consider the use of medications, such asoxytocin, to accelerate labor.
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When the babys head is visible, this is called crowning.
In some cases, you may be assisted through this process with the use of vacuum extraction or forceps.
When the baby is fully delivered, the cord will be cut.
However, cord cutting may be delayed for 30 to 60 seconds or more.
Ideally, skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby should happen as soon as possible after delivery.
This is where the delivery of the placenta takes place.
You may still feel contractions, and you will continue to be monitored for complications.
The biggest complication at this stage is maternal hemorrhage.
Postpartum hemorrhage is blood loss of 1,000 mL or more after delivery.
During this time, you will be monitored closely for complications and begin bonding with your baby.
You may be encouraged to breastfeed right away.
If your baby requires additional care, this may occur in the room or in a separate area.
Babies who require a higher level of care may need to be moved to a neonatal intensive care unit.
The hospital may want you to schedule a follow-up visit with a pediatrician and obstetrician before you are discharged.
So many things could go wrong, but so many things can go right.
Above all, try and enjoy the moment as you welcome your baby into the world.
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