Labor and Delivery of Your Baby

With your pregnancy coming to a close, you are beginning to anticipate the birth of your baby. Activities such as attending childbirth classes, having regular physician appointments, reading books, talking to others, and asking lots of questions will help you prepare for the birth of your baby.

Learning as much as possible about labor and delivery, and learning what to expect will help you through this next step of your pregnancy.

In this section you will find a wealth of information about:

•    Labor - what it feels like and what to expect
•    Comfort and pain management
•    Various forms of labor
•    How to recognize the early signs of labor and when you should go to the hospital
•    Helpful suggestions and tips for your partner in how to support you through your labor

Normal Changes During Pregnancy

Toward the end of the ninth month you may notice that the baby feels lower in your pelvis. Your provider may mention that the baby has "dropped" into the pelvis. Your abdomen will appear lower and more protruding. You may notice that it is easier to breathe and eat larger amounts of food. Heartburn may improve. With the baby sitting lower in your pelvis, you may also notice increased backache or hip (sciatica) discomfort, and more frequent need to urinate.

As you get closer to delivery, you may notice the following symptoms:

•    Frequent bowel movements
•    Indigestion, nausea or vomiting
•    Increased vaginal discharge
•    More Braxton-Hicks contractions. These contractions do not normally cause pain, but can be confused with true labor.
•    A "bloody show" or slightly brown, pink or blood tinged mucous, which is released from the cervix as it expands.
•    A leveling off of weight gain
•    Your "bag of water" may break. That is, the amniotic sac begins to lose fluid, which may appear as a trickle or gush coming from your vagina.

Home Remedies for Delivery of Babies

•    Hot compresses are really helpful.
•    Mix 3 teaspoon lime juice, ¼ teaspoon powdered black pepper and 1 teaspoon honey in 1 cup water. Drink for 3 months.

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