Yes, no vaginal delivery can occur if your cervix does not dilate. It has to open to allow vagina birth. The cervix is the opening of the uterus. It is also known as the mouth of the uterus.
During pregnancy it is closed. It has to open from 0 to 10 cm, then we say it’s fully dilated. Your midwife will then ask you to push your baby out.
In some women it may stop dilating during labor even with severe contractions.
The midwife will continue to monitor with a patograph every 4 hours by performing vaginal examination especially in the active phase of labor. Assuming you repeat the same figure,4 cm continuously, they may decide to take further steps to prevent complications associated with prolonged labor.
They may choose to augment or move to the next step of performing a cesarean section.
Know that prolonged labor can lead to fetal distress, maternal exhaustion, obstetric fistula etc
At that point every minute counts. Cooperate with your doctor or midwife for the best outcome.
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Walking during pregnancy offers numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby. It is a safe and accessible exercise that promotes overall health and well-being. Here are some of the key benefits:
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Walking strengthens the heart and improves circulation, helping to maintain cardiovascular fitness during pregnancy.
Boosts Mood and Reduces Stress
Physical activity like walking releases endorphins, which can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and mood swings common during pregnancy.
Manages Weight Gain
Regular walking helps manage healthy weight gain by burning calories and supporting metabolic health.
Eases Common Pregnancy Discomforts
Walking can alleviate common discomforts like back pain, constipation, and swelling in the feet and ankles by promoting circulation and muscle tone.
Enhances Sleep Quality
Walking during the day can improve sleep quality by reducing stress and helping the body feel more physically balanced.
Supports Joint and Muscle Health
The gentle, low-impact nature of walking strengthens the muscles and supports the joints, which can help your body cope with the extra weight of pregnancy.
Prepares for Labor
Walking keeps the body active and increases stamina, which may aid in endurance during labor. Additionally, the natural movement can help position the baby optimally for delivery.
Reduces Risk of Gestational Diabetes and Hypertension
Regular physical activity like walking can lower the risk of pregnancy-related conditions such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.
Improves Digestion
Walking promotes better digestion, reducing issues like bloating and indigestion, which are common in pregnancy.
Promotes Social Connection
Walking with a partner, friend, or group can foster social interaction, providing emotional support during pregnancy.
Tips for Walking During Pregnancy: • Wear comfortable, supportive shoes. • Stay hydrated before, during, and after walking. • Avoid overexertion; listen to your body and rest if needed. • Choose safe
🔴This is one of the questions most new couples who are expecting for the first time will ask.
🔴While some are scared it can cause miscarriage others believe it can result in developmental problems
🔴Some men will also completely avoid their wives with the intention of protecting the unborn baby and also to give their partners some space.
🔴Some women will also avoid having sex due to the hormonal and emotional changes that occur with pregnancy
🔴It is worth knowing that sex during pregnancy is #safe and does not pose a problem to the mum or unborn baby. Baby is enclosed in its sac/membranes and the opening of the uterus the cervix is also closed. It also has a mucus plan that prevents anything from entering the uterus.
🔴What is important is to have considerations. The pregnancy hormones and the early signs and symptoms can make a woman not desire to be intimate. It’s important for her partner to be considerate to support her through the process. There are times she will want to be intimate, there are times she will refrain. Make use of her happy days.
🔴Some few women who have had repeated abortions or threatened abortions may be advised by their doctors or midwives to avoid sex especially if an incompetent cervix is diagnosed.
🔴Couples can have sex throughout the pregnancy period. It is only to be #avoided when your doctor or midwife advises you #against it due to your health condition or as mentioned above.
🔴During the last trimester, couples can still have sex. What is needed is to assume a position that will not put pressure on the abdomen and also the woman will be comfortable. It should also be gentle.
🔴During the last trimester when labor is about to set in, it is believed to help trigger the onset of labor. The semen also contains prostaglandin which also helps to soften the cervix and help labor to start.
🔴Its also important to know that, you really do not need sex to maintain your pregnancy. Baby is safe and mum is also safe. Women should not be compelled to have sex if they don’t feel like or are currently not in any relationship whilst pregnant. Labor will still be initiated naturally. #midwifery
Yes its extremely important. Having a big baby have implications and can determine your mode of delivery.
A big baby can cause slow progress of labor, birth injury etc
If your baby’s weight is high and you are diagnosed of fetal macrosomia (Big baby) , your doctor will not allow you to have the baby by yourself. You may need a caesarian section.
They may also have to check if there is any condition behind it and provide the necessary care.
In the extreme end if baby’s weight is also extremely low, the doctor will decide which mode of delivery will help the baby to be born safely
In all, will say checking your baby’s weight before birth usually done through a scan is very important and can save you and your baby’s life!
There are lots of stories that make them to fear the thought of giving birth vaginally.
Then the way out to them is to just have a caesarean section so they avoid all the issues that come with vaginal birth
The fact is just like vaginal birth comes with some risk, caesarean section also comes with its risk as well.
It is a procedure that was made to help mums who have issues or indications for it
Example
Baby is too big
There is fetal distress
Baby can’t pass through mums pelvis
Placenta previa
Previous c/s+ short interval
Prolonged labor
Bad obstetric history etc
It’s not the best to just ask for a caesarian section without any indication or proper reason
Speak to your midwife or doctor. Make a proper birth plan that suits your condition. It should not be based on your fear or what people have said about birth
You can approach birth more confidently by preparing for it.
This is when you can see the top of your baby’s head through the opening of your vagina.
This occurs during the second stage of labor when the cervix is fully dilated.
The continues contractions and maternal efforts will aid the birth of the newborn
It’s an exciting time for the midwife and the client
Some midwives will even announce this to the mum to give her more hope that baby is just about to be born
She may even be allowed to touch the babies head to confirm it
At this time you need to cooperate with your doctor or midwife for the best outcome
Depending on the situation they may decide whether the mum needs an episiotomy or not
The midwife will also make her observation and examination, just to make sure there is no cord that is preceding the head as the pressure on the cord at this time can cut off blood supply to the baby leading to fetal distress.
At any point during the birth process communicate all your feelings to your doctor or midwife.
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After the birth of your baby, the placenta has to be delivered
It has to come as complete or whole. No portion of the placenta or membranes should be left in the uterus.
The midwife examines to make sure all the lobes, membranes have all been delivered.
if anything remains in there it can cause infection, as well as severe bleeding
The retained product can prevent the uterus from contracting.
If you suddenly have heavy bleeding after birth or an abortion , kindly report to your midwife or doctor.
Some times after an abortion, you may need further investigations or a scan to make sure the abortion is complete and no other product of conception is left in the uterus.
Further investigations and interventions will be done to prevent further bleeding
