Family Living and Sex Education, Part 8

Question 1: Describe and discuss childbirth: first stage of labor.

Answer 1: In the first stage of labor, the contractions of the uterus are about 30 seconds in duration and arrive every 15 or 20 minutes. For some women, the amniotic sac may break during this period, expelling the fluid from the body. There may be a bit of bleeding also during this period as the coagulated blood that was blocking the cervix falls away. The last part of this first stage in labor is called the transition period: the contractions become much longer (up to 90 seconds) and more intense. They may also begin arriving every 3 minutes. During the transition period, the cervix opens all the way, to a diameter of about 10 centimeters. This is wide enough for the head of the fetus to pass through.

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Question 2: Describe and discuss childbirth: second stage of labor.

Answer 2: In the second stage of labor, the baby is born. This stage begins with the head of the baby moving into the birth canal. As the contractions of the uterus continue to mount in intensity, the mother helps push the baby out through the cervix, into the vagina, and then out into the world. When the head of the baby appears at the opening of the vagina, it is said to be crowning. As the baby emerges from the vagina, someone removes any blood or mucus on the baby’s face, and makes certain that the umbilical cord is not fastened around the baby’s neck. A great deal of fluid is expelled from the mother’s body along with the baby. Once the umbilical cord stops pulsating, it will be severed from the baby.

Question 3: Describe and discuss childbirth: third stage of labor.

Answer 3: In the third stage of childbirth, the baby has been born, but the uterus continues to contract until the placenta is expelled. In cases where the placenta has a hard time exiting the mother’s body, someone may exert some light pressure on the mother’s abdomen to speed the process. It is important that the entire placenta be removed from the body because it can become infected. Interestingly, breastfeeding soon after childbirth helps control internal bleeding for the mother because it causes the secretion of a hormone that makes the uterus contract. As the mother is recovering, the health of the baby will quickly be assessed, and the baby will be wrapped in clean, dry blankets. Once the baby is returned to the mother, she may immediately begin to nurse it.

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