Gbenga Betiku

Greetings, lovely readers! I’m thrilled to be back with more insightful and captivating information for you. Today, we’ll conclude our discussion on the stages of labor and delivery by exploring the fascinating Stage 3 – Established Labor.   Stage 3 of labor occurs after the birth of your precious baby when your uterus contracts to expel the placenta through your vagina.   During this stage, there are two methods of management available:   Active Management: In this approach, your midwife administers oxytocin through an injection in your thigh, either during or shortly after giving birth. This helps stimulate uterine contractions. The umbilical cord is not immediately cut; it is left intact for 1 to 5 minutes after birth, allowing for a smooth transfer of nutrients to your baby. Only in special circumstances, like the cord being tightly wrapped around your baby’s neck, might the cord be cut earlier. Once the placenta detaches from the womb, your midwife gently pulls on the attached cord, facilitating its removal through your vagina. Typically, this process takes about 30 minutes after your baby’s birth. Active management reduces the risk of heavy bleeding after childbirth (postpartum hemorrhage) but may lead to increased feelings of sickness and stronger afterpains (post-birth contraction-like pains).   Physiological Management: With this natural approach, no oxytocin injection is given, and the 3rd stage of labor occurs independently. The umbilical cord is not cut until it has stopped pulsating, which usually takes around 2 to 4 minutes, ensuring the continued blood flow from the placenta to your baby. Once the placenta separates from the uterus, you may experience pressure in your lower region, and you’ll be required to push out the placenta. This process may take up to an hour, but usually, it only requires a few minutes of pushing.   When the placenta doesn’t come away naturally or there is heavy bleeding, your midwife or doctor may suggest switching to active management at any point during the 3rd stage of labor.   Before your delivery, your midwife will discuss both methods with you, giving you the opportunity to decide which option aligns better with your preferences and situation.   Please remember that certain circumstances might make physiological management unsuitable for some women, and your midwife or doctor will explain if this applies to you.   I hope you found this information enlightening. Stay tuned for my next engaging topic. Until then, take care and stay healthy!

Hello everyone; I hope you’re all doing well. Today, we will continue our enlightening discussion on the miraculous journey of labor and delivery by exploring the second stage – the moment when you bring your precious baby into the world.   The second stage of labor begins when your cervix is fully dilated and concludes with the birth of your baby, marking the culmination of your incredible birthing process.   During this stage, your skilled midwife will assist you in finding the most comfortable position for giving birth. You have a variety of options, including sitting, lying on your side, standing, kneeling, or squatting. However, it might be challenging if you’re not accustomed to squatting.   For those who have experienced backaches during labor, kneeling on all fours can provide relief. To prepare for this momentous occasion, trying out these positions beforehand is a great idea. Additionally, communicating with your birth partner about your preferences will ensure they are well-prepared to support you throughout the process.   As your cervix reaches full dilation, your baby will gradually move further down the birth canal, drawing closer to the entrance of your vagina. This may elicit an innate urge to push, which some mothers describe as similar to the sensation of needing a bowel movement.   During contractions, you can push whenever you feel the urge. It’s important to note that the urge to push may not be immediate, especially if you have received an epidural, which can diminish the sensation.   For first-time mothers, the pushing stage typically lasts no longer than 3 hours, while for those who have given birth before, it usually takes 2 hours.   While undoubtedly hard work, you’ll find immense support and encouragement from your skilled midwife and your caring birth partner.   As your baby’s head nears the point of emergence, your midwife will request you to pause pushing and take some short breaths, blowing them out through your mouth. This allows for a slow and gentle birth of your baby’s head, providing the skin and muscles in the perineal area (between your vagina and anus) ample time to stretch.   Occasionally, your midwife or doctor might suggest an episiotomy, a small incision made in the perineum, to prevent tearing or expedite delivery. Don’t worry; before the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic injection to numb the area, ensuring your comfort. Should an episiotomy or any significant tears occur during birth, they will be carefully stitched closed after your baby is born.   Once your baby’s head is born, the hardest part is usually behind you. The rest of their body typically follows during the next 1 or 2 contractions, bringing forth the precious new life you have been eagerly waiting to embrace.   With that, we conclude our discussion for today. Join us next time as we continue exploring the awe-inspiring journey of labor and delivery. Until then, take care and stay well!

Hello everyone, I am back with more interesting gists. We started a series on labour and delivery on our last episode. We examined the latent stage of labour. Today we are taking a look at the first stage of what we call established labour. Remember I told you the latent stage is not really part the labour stage. It’s just like a prelude to the actual labour stage  Established labour is when your cervix has dilated to about 4cm and your contractions are stronger and more regular. When should you contact a midwife? Call your midwife or maternity unit if: your contractions are regular (every 5 minutes) and last at least 60 seconds. your waters break your contractions are very strong and you feel like you need pain relief you’re worried about anything If you go into hospital before your labour has become established, they may suggest you go home again for a while. Once labour is established, your midwife will check on you from time to time to see how you’re progressing and offer you support, including pain relief if you need it. You can either walk around or get into a position that feels comfortable to labour in. Your midwife will offer you regular vaginal examinations to see how your labour is progressing. If you do not want to have these, you do not have to – your midwife can discuss with you why she’s offering them. Your cervix needs to open about 10cm for your baby to pass through it. This is what’s called being fully dilated. In a 1st pregnancy, the time from the start of established labour to being fully dilated is usually 8 to 18 hours. It’s often quicker (around 5 to 12 hours), in a 2nd or 3rd pregnancy. When you reach the end of the 1st stage of labour, you may feel an urge to push. Let’s stop here Today. Next time ,we’ll examine stage 2 of labour. Bye for nw.

Greetings everyone! It’s a pleasure to be back here with you. Labor and delivery are among the most anticipated stages for every pregnant woman. Over the next few weeks, we will explore the various stages of labour leading up to delivery.   Today, our focus will be on the latent stage. The latent stage of labor occurs before the active labor stage. Labor has not fully commenced during this phase, but the body is preparing for it. Your cervix begins to soften and open (dilate) in preparation for the birth of your baby.   You may start experiencing irregular contractions during this stage, but it can take several hours or even days before you enter the established labor phase. Typically, the latent stage is the longest phase of labor.   During this stage, your contractions may vary in discomfort, ranging from mild to more painful sensations. There is no predetermined pattern regarding the frequency or duration of contractions.   In the latent stage, having something to eat and drink is advisable, as you will need energy when labor becomes established.   If your labor starts at night, try to find comfort and relaxation. If possible, take advantage of the opportunity to sleep.   If your labor begins during the day, remaining upright and engaging in gentle activity is recommended. This encourages your baby to descend into the pelvis and aids cervical dilation.   Breathing exercises, gentle massage, and a warm bath or shower can help alleviate pain during this early stage of labor.   Let’s pause here, but don’t worry; we will discuss the next stage in our upcoming episode. Until then, take care of yourselves, stay healthy, and goodbye for now.

Greetings, everyone! I’m thrilled to be back here with another informative update on pregnancy.   Pregnancy is a transformative phase that brings numerous physical changes in the human body. Alongside weight and body shape alterations, there are other shifts in body chemistry. The heart works harder, body temperature rises slightly, secretions increase, joints and ligaments become more flexible, and hormones change.   These changes often lead to physical discomfort. In this edition, we will explore two of these discomforts and discuss coping strategies.   Let’s begin with Nausea and Vomiting, a common occurrence during pregnancy. Here are some suggestions to help you cope:   Consume small frequent meals. Avoid going long periods without eating, as it can trigger or worsen nausea. If you experience continuous nausea, try eating every one to two hours. Steer clear of greasy, high-fat foods that are harder to digest. Start your day with dry starch foods like crackers, toast, or cereal before leaving bed. Have a high-protein snack before bedtime to stabilize blood sugar levels. Limit your coffee intake, as it stimulates acid secretion and can exacerbate nausea. Consume liquids separately from meals, waiting approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Another common discomfort during pregnancy is constipation. Here are some coping strategies:   Increase your dietary fiber intake by incorporating fiber-rich foods such as fruits, raw vegetables, whole grain products, nuts, and dried fruits. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Regular exercise, even simple activities like walking, helps alleviate constipation. Consider consuming prunes or figs, or drinking prune juice, as they contain natural laxatives. Now you have a better understanding of how to manage Nausea, Vomiting, and Constipation during pregnancy. In our next edition, we will discuss additional common discomforts that occur during this special time.    Until then, stay healthy!