Labour - 2nd Stage
 Last month we covered the First Stage of Labour. Now begins the second stage when you will begin to push. Contractions will occur 3-5 minutes apart and last for as long as 60-90 seconds. You will probably have an overwhelming urge to bear down and press the baby through the birth canal.
During the descent, the rotation of the baby’s head is assisted by powerful contractions, stretching the vagina wide open to accommodate its passage. The bones of its skull are soft enough to allow a little flexibility.
The head and the body are like two balls moving against each other, the largest diameter being that of its head. The body’s trunk will have its limbs tucked tightly in. The natural action of a contracting uterus will mould the baby into the right shape for its journey through the birth canal.
This stage of labour has been described as the most intense, thrilling and passionate of all, and for some women it is the nearest thing to overwhelming sexual excitement. Some women say that your reaction, less a rational decision, is more of a natural response sweeping through your body. You are encouraged to follow the natural breathing pattern and trust the spontaneous feelings.
Keep Breathing
Some people think it is a good idea to hold your breath then push frantically, however it’s been found that holding your breath is not only exhausting for the mother, but can be dangerous for the baby in that it reduces the oxygen content of the blood.
Crowning
As the baby’s head passes through the bony pelvic outlet, the head must twist sideways slightly then to a backwards-facing position again before becoming visible. Seen for the first time, it may look more like a wrinkled walnut than a baby’s head.
When the widest part of the baby’s head is at the birth opening, you will feel stretched to your utmost. This is known as the “crowning”. It is important not to push as this stage, despite wanting to, as you may tear the perineal tissue.
Episiotomy
The doctor or midwife may consider it necessary to perform an episiotomy at this stage. If you do not wish to have one, say so. (An episiotomy is a surgical cut in the perineum, the muscular area between the vagina and the back passage.)
To avoid tearing, you will need to begin intense breathing before the head crowns in a bid to “breathe the baby out” rather than pushing. In this way it may slip forwards. The doctor or midwife will check to see that the umbilical cord is free of the neck and may insert a catheter into the baby’s mouth to suck any mucus out.
Nearly There
The head may look sticky with mucus and violet or purple in colour though this is normal as it has yet to take its first breath to oxygenate its blood.
Once the head is free, it will turn to align with the shoulders which are still inside. You may be asked for a push to free the shoulders.
Your Baby is Born
Next the body will slide out and the baby is born. This is often accompanied by a great gush of water, followed by a baby breathing and crying with limbs lashing about.
The baby may be covered in vernix, a creamy-like substance that protects the baby’s skin while in the uterus. Its head may be oddly-shaped, asymmetrical and moulded by the birth canal, with a receding forehead and chin.
Its face may have little red marks around the eyes and eyelids and its nose may seem flattened. The body, still attached by the umbilical cord, may see small in comparison with the head, though the genitalia may seem extraordinarily large. This is a normal looking baby.
Next month's article is Labour the 3rd Stage.
This article is courtesy of Ninemonths.com.au - your online guide to pregnancy, birth and life. |