If the delivery is a test for the mother, it is also for the baby.
From the narrow space of the uterus, the newborn passes air. In a few minutes, it changes the environment from the liquid medium in air environment and must adapt quickly.
During childbirth
The baby plays an essential role in the induction of labor. It is present in 95% of cases upside down, they say it is a presentation "cephalic" the most favorable delivery.
In 4% of cases, the fetus is sitting in his mother's womb is the breech presentation. The prognosis for vaginal delivery varies depending on the school, and a cesarean can be discussed because it is a more risky childbirth compared to a cephalic presentation.
Once arrived at the maternity, midwife or obstetrician will take care. It puts in place a monitoring to assess the well-being of your baby by heart rate and the frequency of your contractions. You will be a vaginal to know where you are in labor. We evaluate the characteristics of your cervix (the dilation, length, texture and position) and the height of your baby's head in relation to your pelvis.
In late pregnancy, in general, the cervix is closed, long, toned and posterior. Contractions associated with the release of hormones and to support the baby's head will act on the cervix. As to labor for a first baby, the cervix will begin to shorten, it becomes semi-long, short and cleared, this is what is called cervical effacement. Once the neck cleared, the expansion step starts. The cervix will gradually open up (on average 1 cm per hour) up to 10 cm, it is said that you are fully dilated.
If you have already given birth, the effacement and dilation of your cervix are often at the same time. Work faster.
While working, your baby will flex his head and in a direct oblique diameter of your pond. This is the widest diameter. As in, his head goes down. It speaks of commitment when the widest part of the baby's head crossed the narrowest part of your pond. Once his head engaged, it will descend into the basin as a result of uterine contractions.
Even if you are fully dilated, it is possible that the midwife gives time to let your baby down as much as possible by itself in your pond. Thus, over his head will be low and ready to go out, unless you push and it will be easy.
During the eviction, you push with all your might to get the baby's head. The midwife will guide you and support you. Once the head out, you've done the hardest part. Midwife emerge one after the other shoulder of your baby and the rest of his body. You can then reach out to pick up your child. Dad, if desired, may cut the umbilical cord. If your baby is fine, you can let skin to skin against you and submit directly within if you chose to feed this way.
Sometimes the baby does not yet support expulsive efforts. The midwife can then be brought to call the doctor to help the expulsion by a suction cup or spatulas.
Once your baby against you, it is expected that the placenta detaches (up to 30 minutes after delivery). You push once or twice to get it out. The midwife will check the status of your perineum and practiced stitches if it finds a tear, or episiotomy was necessary.