Child Development

List 5 words that come to mind when you hear “Labor”

Labor and Delivery

Get out a piece of paper for

Labor/Delivery notes

Stages of Labor• Before Labor begins

– Cervix normal shape, size, closed

• First Stage of Labor– Contractions: tightening and releasing of

uterus muscles– Contractions lead to Dialation (the

widening and thinning of cervix)– The thinning of cervix is Effacement.

Cervix must thin from 3/4 inch to as thin as piece of paper

Stages of Labor

• Transition– The completion of first stage– Cervix fully dialated to four inches (10cm)

and effaced– Baby head slips out of uterus into birth

canal

Stages of Labor

• Second Stage– Crowning: top of head appears at the top

of the birth canal– Head emerges: Head changes shape to fit

through canal, after head, comes shoulders, then rest of body comes easily

• Third Stage– Placenta: woman delivers placenta, no

longer needed by baby

Bellringer

• What are the stages of Labor?

• What is the most interesting thing you learned about labor yesterday?

Complications

• Breech: baby not head down position, feet/buttocks first

• Assisted birth: may need forceps, episiotomy, vaccuum

• Cesarean birth (c-section): surgical incision in abdomen to remove baby

Birthing Center

• Not usually attached to Hospital--can be a problem if to far away from home.

• Nurses/Midwifes--usually not dr.’s• LDRP’s: Labor, Delivery, Recovery and

Postpartum rooms• High class hotel suites instead of hospital

rooms• Refrigerators, whirlpools, private

rooms/baths, regular bed, sleeping space for dad.

Hospitals

• Can still have get LDRP’s and even whirlpools to ease pain

• Doctors, and all emergency equipment for mom and baby

• A lot of medical interventions

Home Birth

• In own home• Midwife or Doula--labor assistants• Comfortable in own home, lots of

alternative techniques : acupuncture, aroma therapy, yoga, etc.

• Support though the whole process• Away from emergency equipment and

dr.

Water Birth

• Home, hospital or birthing center

• Easier transition for baby and mom

• Relaxing environment

• Must sanitize equipment and water

• Medical problems unlikely

• Need trained professionals

• Rent pools and equipment