Cuddle - 0 to 12 Months15 labor and delivery terms both partners should know

While preparing for labour here are 15 labour and delivery terms both partners should know:

 

Braxton Hicks contractions: 

These are contractions that are irregular and painless. It starts during the first trimester and increases in frequency as the pregnancy progresses.

Cervix: 

The opening between the vagina and the uterus.

Contraction:

Rhythmic tightening of the uterus, usually causing the cervix to dilate and allow the passage of the baby. In labor, contractions get stronger, closer together and longer.

Mucous plug:

 A mucus plug is a collection of mucus that forms in the cervical canal in early pregnancy. It prevents bacteria or infection from entering your uterus and reaching your baby. As your cervix prepares for labor, you will lose the mucus plug, which is normal.  

Ruptured Membranes:

Usually refers to the breaking of the fluid-filled sac surrounding the baby. The fluid may come as a gush of water or as a slow leak.  Slow leaks are sometimes mistaken as incontinence.

Epidural:

A common method of anesthesia used during labor. It is inserted through a catheter which is threaded through a needle, into the epidural space near the spinal cord.

Dilation:

 The enlarging of the cervix is called dilation. When the cervix is dilated to ten centimeters it is called a fully dilated cervix. 

Effacement: 

It is the thinning of the cervix, which happens when it is dilating. 

Lightening: 

By the end of the third trimester, the baby settles lower into the mother’s pelvis. This change in baby’s position is called lightening or dropping. First-time moms would feel this around four to six weeks before their due date. Otherwise, it won’t be usually felt until labor begins.

Forceps:

Tong-shaped instrument that may be used to help guide the baby’s head out of the birth canal during delivery.

Vacuum Extractor:

Instrument that attaches to the baby’s head and helps guide it out of the birth canal during delivery.

Crowning: 

That stage of labour when the baby’s head can be seen through the vaginal opening. This happens in the second stage of labour.

Episiotomy:

 Is an incision made in the perineum and posterior vaginal wall in order to enlarge the opening for the baby to pass through? You won’t feel any pain during the process as a local anesthetic will be used before doing it.

Apgar scale:

Immediately after birth, your baby’s general condition may be evaluated and rated on  Apgar scale at 1 minute and five minutes after birth. APGAR scale assesses the infant’s Appearance (color), Pulse (heartbeat), Grimace (reflex), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration. For each of these, a score in the range of 0-2 is given. Higher the score, the better the condition. Babies whose overall score is above 6 are fine. Those who score between 4-6 would need suctioning the airways and oxygen administration. And those who score under 4 needs extra lifesaving techniques

Meconium: 

This is a greenish substance that builds up in the baby’s bowels and is generally excreted shortly after delivery.

Lochia: 

Lochia is vaginal discharge after childbirth. It consists of blood, mucus, uterine tissue and other materials from your uterus. The colour of lochia will be dark red in the first 3-4 days, pinkish brown at 4-10 days and whitish yellow at 10-28 days.

Afterpains:

As your uterus gradually shrinks back, you may experience some contractions after delivery too. These are called afterpains and are usually felt while nursing.