It’s natural to feel apprehensive about giving birth, especially if this is your first time. Still, knowing what to expect as the day approaches helps reduce those fears.
The following are some tips to help you prepare. We encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider about your concerns. You can also contact us at Anderson House if you would like to speak with one of our caring advocates.
What to Expect During Labor and Delivery
Every woman experiences giving birth differently. The amount of pain, time in labor, and emotional stamina varies for each woman.
The Mayo Clinic outlines the stages of labor and birth. Here’s what you might expect:
1. Early and Active Labor
Early Labor
Early labor isn’t particularly uncomfortable for most women, but like the entire process, knowing how your body will respond is challenging to predict. To keep you comfortable, you may want to go for a walk, take a shower or bath, or try special breathing techniques. At this point, contractions usually aren’t as intense.
Active Labor
Contractions become stronger and occur more regularly. Your body begins to respond more to labor with the possibility of leg cramps, an upset stomach, or feeling pressure in your back. Your baby is moving down the birth canal as your body prepares for delivery. Predicting how long active labor will last for each woman is impossible.
2. The Birth of Your Baby
If this is your first time, it may take longer to deliver your baby. Some women deliver in a matter of minutes, while it may take hours for others. At this point, you will need to push to help your baby move through the birth canal. Guidance from your healthcare provider helps ensure effective pushing.
After your baby’s head is delivered, the shoulders are delivered. The rest of the baby’s body follows shortly.
3. Delivery of the Placenta
During the third stage of labor, you deliver the placenta, typically within 30 minutes. Mild, less
painful contractions continue after delivery to help move the placenta into the birth canal. Your healthcare provider will ensure the placenta is delivered intact to prevent complications.
Learn Simple Breathing Techniques
Most women’s number one fear is pain during childbirth. A pregnant woman wonders if she will be able to handle the pain or how much pain she will experience. Thankfully, women’s bodies are naturally built for childbirth.
Learn simple breathing techniques to minimize pain. The more relaxed you are during labor, the less pain you will feel. The 4-4-6 method is the easiest. Breathe in through your nose for a count of 4, hold it gently for a count of 4, and slowly breathe out through your mouth for a count of 6.
Free online and in-person classes help you learn other simple breathing techniques. Consider the Lamaze or Bradley methods.
You can also opt for medical pain management, such as an epidural.
Contact Anderson House for the Support You Need
Being afraid to give birth is normal. Still, we never want you to feel alone. We are here to provide the support and care you need.
We can help you learn more about proper prenatal care, the stages of the birthing process, or how to care for your newborn. Contact us to schedule a free and confidential appointment to speak to an advocate at Anderson House. We’re here for you.
