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When it comes to giving birth, everyone has a different experience. Some will tell stories of quick and easy deliveries, while others can be long and complicated. Although there’s always a common thread of an intense amount of pain and uncontrollable happiness, there are some parts of childbirth that you don’t hear about too often. Want to know what really happens? Let’s get you prepared:
- You may not notice when your water breaks.
Movies and TV shows have gotten us accustomed to a very apparent water breaking scene as an indication of going into labour, but this isn’t always the case. Some might feel a trickle, and some mothers may not even notice that it has happened. For most moms, labour begins and cramps and contractions. In some cases, the water may even be broken by your doctor.
- You might have a bowel movement.
This may be shocking, and may even gross you out, but it’s better to know it now. During delivery, while you’re concentrating all your muscles on pushing, you will also feel the need to use the toilet. But don’t let this bother you. The nurses are used to it, and will clean it all up. Don’t stress out about it.
- You might even throw up.
There is extreme pressure in your abdomen during contractions and delivery, which can cause you to involuntarily vomit. Fret not! This isn’t something that the nursing staff haven’t seen before, so they will be prepared for it.
- An epidural can only be administered at a particular time.
Make sure that you’ve informed your doctor about your decision regarding an epidural. There’s a very small window of opportunity during which you can take one. But there is a chance that you could miss that opportunity if you haven’t arrived at the hospital on time. So, it’s better to mentally prepare yourself for an epidural-free delivery.
- You can never have enough maxi pads.
You may know that you will start bleeding right after you give birth, but prepare yourself for a significant amount of blood loss. Because your periods were on pause for 9 months, the bleeding actually continues for up to six weeks. So, keep those maxi pads ready.
- Your baby can get stuck.
The birth canal isn’t necessarily easy for your baby to maneuver through, and there is a chance that she can get stuck, but don’t let this freak you out. Doctors will monitor your baby’s position at all times to ensure that there are no complications.
- Labour can be long and boring too.
Deliveries that we’ve seen on the big screen are more often than not, quick and action-packed. However, in reality, it could actually be long and boring too. Make sure you rest enough during this time. You can even read a book or watch a show while you wait.
- You’re not done pushing once your baby is born.
Just when you think that you can throw yourself back and breathe once your baby is delivered, the doctor will ask you for one more push, and that’s to deliver the placenta. This will be nothing as compared to pushing your baby out.
- The doctor may have to ‘vacuum’ your baby out.
A vacuum-assisted delivery may be done in cases where your baby is stuck in the birth canal, or if the mother has a heart condition or high blood pressure. However, don’t let that frighten you – all you need to know is that the procedure is extremely safe, and somewhat rare as well.
- You may experience burning sensation during crowning.
As your baby’s head begins to appear, you may experience a burning sensation in your vagina, that could last for about two minutes. This happens when your baby’s head is stretching your vaginal tissue. You can choose to shift positions or slow down the pushing when this happens.
- Labour isn’t about just lying around.
When you see labour on the big screen, it’s always portrayed with a woman lying on her back, waiting to go into the delivery room, but if you’re not dilated enough, it’s better to be active. You can rock, slow dance, sit on a birthing ball or even walk to help you feel better.
Even after reading this, it’s natural to feel nervous about the birthing process. It doesn’t matter how much you read up about it and discuss it with your doctor. Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Remember that that’s okay too. After all, it’s about bringing new life into the world – your own little bundle of joy.