Pregnancy Lounge

Tag: child

  • Stages of Labor

    Every woman’s labor is different, following it’s own pattern (even from pregnancy to pregnancy) and there are some things that can’t be anticipated. Although every labor and birth is unique and your labor will unfold in a very special way, the process is remarkably and beautifully constant. You can expect a sequence of events, when everything goes smoothly.

    Labor is typically divided into three distinct stages. The first stage being when your cervix softens, dilates and thins out (effacement), ending in full dilation.

    The first stage can be divided into three “phases”: the early (or latent phase), the active phase and the transition phase. The second stage of labor is when your baby passes through the birth canal and is born. During the third stage, the placenta (afterbirth) is delivered.

    —Signs of Labor
    —Preterm Labor
    —Preterm Complications
    —Preterm Labor Causes
    —Preterm Prevention and Treatment
    —First Stage: Phase I
    —First Stage: Phase II
    —First Stage: Phase III
    —Second Stage
    —Third Stage
    —Induction of Labor
    —Induction of Labor Procedures
    —Labor Induction Risks
    —Do It Yourself Labor Induction

  • The First Stage of Labor – Active Labor

    During the second part of the longest stage of labor, your cervix really opens up, continuing to dilate from about 4 centimeters up to 8 centimeters. Your contractions continue to become more intense, more regular and last longer, as your labor progresses. They get closer together, eventually about 3-5 minutes apart and may last over a minute each, as your baby gets in position for birth. Read more on labor below:

    Active Labor

    Physically, you may be feeling increasing pressure and pain in your back. You may be much less comfortable than the earlier phase, as your labor pains intensify and become more frequent. During this phase, you may feel more fatigue, leg discomfort and increasing mucousy discharge (bloody show), as well as diarrhea. If your water didn’t break earlier, it will now or your doctor or midwife may choose to rupture your membranes sometime during this phase. During active labor, some women request an epidural or other pain medication.

    Emotionally, you may feel increasingly restless and anxious, especially if this phase lasts a long time. Your mood may become more serious and your initial excitement may begin to wane as your pain gets worse. You may find it very difficult to concentrate, while dealing with contractions and your support person can help keep you focused.

    At this point, you will be headed for the hospital or there already. To reduce your growing discomfort, try breathing exercises and relaxation techniques (the ones that you may have learned in childbirth class), if you feel like doing them. Concentrate on resting and relaxing, because the more relaxed you are, the easier and quicker your labor may be. Soaking in a warm bath or taking a shower, may be helpful at this time. Experiment with different positions to find ones that are more comfortable. Discomfort can often be helped by positions that allow gravity to speed dilation, including walking, squatting or rolling on a birth ball. If you are confined to bed, try lying on your side.

    If your doctor or midwife agrees that it’s alright to do so, drink clear liquids or suck on ice chips to keep from becoming dehydrated and also to keep your mouth from becoming dry. If you become hungry, you can ask if it’s okay to have a light snack, such as Jell-O, although many hospitals won’t allow you to eat anything during labor. In between contractions, get up and walk around, if possible. Take this time to use the bathroom, because urinating regularly will allow your baby’s head to move down more easily into the birth canal. A gentle massage from your partner (or support person) may be welcomed, although some women prefer not to be touched during this phase of labor.

    Back to Labor Stages

  • Adoption Options

    Adoption Options

    There are technically three basic adoption options for birthmothers to choose from: confidential (or closed) adoption, mediated (or semi-open) adoption and fully disclosed (or open) adoption. These options are categorized by the different degrees of openness achieved, as well as the amount of information exchanged between the birthparents and the adoptive parents. Many birthmothers like the freedom of being able to choose one of these adoption options because it gives them more flexibility and control over their situation. The decision is completely the birthmother’s to make, depending on which option she is the most comfortable with. No matter which option the birthmother chooses, it’s important to remember that all varieties of adoption- whether closed, semi-open or open- are permanent.

    Closed Adoption

    A closed adoption refers to a confidential adoption process where the identities of the birthparents and the adoptive parents may not be shared. No identifying information such as names, addresses or phone numbers is exchanged between families, but limited non-identifying information such as physical characteristics and medical history may be provided to both parties. There is no contact between the birthparents and the adoptive parents before or after placement and no on-going information of the child is shared. In a closed adoption, the birthmother generally doesn’t choose the adoptive parents and relies on the experience of the adoption professional to select the best adoptive parents.

    Semi-open Adoption

    A semi-open adoption refers to an adoption process where some limited identifying information may be shared between the birthparents and the adoptive parents, such as first names, possibly pictures and letters following the birth and sometimes gifts. Information is usually shared through a mediator (adoption agency personnel or attorney) rather than direct contact between the two parties. Sometimes, birthparents and adoptive parents may meet face-to-face, usually before the delivery or at the hospital. There is no direct contact after placement. Semi-open adoption makes it possible for the birthmother to play an active role in choosing the adoptive parents.

    Open Adoption

    An open adoption refers to an adoption process where full disclosure of identifying information between the birthparents and the adoptive parents are shared and there are no limits placed on how much can be exchanged, as long as it is mutually agreed upon. In open adoption, the birthmother can select the adoptive parents from a group of screened families. Many times, the two parties have direct contact and develop a trusting relationship. The birthparents and adoptive parents may communicate with each other by telephone calls, letters and are often encouraged to meet in person. On-going contact may occur after placement including letters, photographs, e-mails, phone calls and sometimes even actual visits. Adoption professionals generally moderate the degree of openness between the two parties, based upon their mutual wishes and what works for them. The level of openness should be decided on a case-by-case basis and the birthparents need to understand that both parties must agree on the level of on-going communication between them post-placement, although the agreement isn’t legally binding.