Work:
• Descent and birth of the baby
Contractions:
• Intensity: strong
• Frequency: regular/rhythmic, 2–4 minutes apart
• Duration: 60 seconds long
As baby moves down birth canal, may experience:
• Vaginal fullness
• Pressure in rectum
• Burning, stinging, stretching sensation
• Trembling of extremities
Delivery preparation:
• Drapes
• Cleansing of perineum
• Perineal hairclip,
if necessary
• Pudendal block, if episiotomy is to be done
• Episiotomy, if necessary
|
• Pushing is hard work!
• Cooperative
• Total joy and elation when baby is born |
• Pushing only during contractions
• Good pushing routine may take several contractions
• Relax perineum as you push
• Completely relax body between contractions
• Listen to directions of physician/nurse midwife
• Verbalize feelings so physician/nurse midwife can help
• Watch the birth of your baby
|
• Mobilize and support mother in proper pushing position
• Coach pushing effort
• Help mother relax between contractions
• Ask questions/verbalize feelings to delivery
• Watch the birth of your baby |
A
Guide for Expecting Parents