As a mum to be, you’re probably wondering what to expect during the delivery of your little bundle of joy. It’s natural to be curious about the delivery process and the journey you’ll embark on.
Perhaps you want to know what happens during labour; or maybe you have concerns about complications that could arise during delivery. The team at Matilda Hospital are here to tell you more about the delivery process.
What to Expect During Labour
Regular contractions or the breaking of your waters are a sign that labour has started and it is time to contact your doctor or the hospital to discuss the next steps and when to go the hospital. During labour, contractions become more frequent and more intense and you may experience other symptoms such as back pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Doctors and midwives will monitor your progress during labour by checking your cervix for dilation and monitoring your baby’s heart rate. It’s important to stay hydrated by drinking water or clear liquids. You may also be allowed to eat small snacks to keep your energy levels up.
While each labour is unique, the process of a vaginal delivery follows four stages:
• First stage, is where the cervix dilates from 1cm-10cm
• Second stage, involves pushing and delivery
• Third stage, is when the placenta is delivered
• Fourth Stage, you are monitored for complications for an hour or two
The entire labour progress usually lasts between 12 to 24 hours. For the team to best understand your birth preferences, you are encouraged to draw up a birth plan and share this with your doctor and midwife.
Pain during childbirth is experienced to a different degree by each woman and there are several options for pain relief. At Matilda, mums can find relief through mobilization, using birth ball, applying warm pads, calming music, and soaking in a bath. Stronger pain relief is available through a TENS machine, pain injections (check this), Entonox (gas and air) or an epidural. A walking epidural is an effective method of labour pain relief that allows mums to move around, drink and eat.
The Matilda team believe in a parent-baby friendly approach and welcome the presence of partners during the big event. Each mother has a dedicated midwife looking after her in active labour and during delivery.
Pushing and Delivery
When you reach the second stage, it’s time to push, and soon you will meet your little one. As the cervix becomes fully dilated to 10 cm, you may feel pressure and the urge to push, the Doctor and midwife will guide you on when and how to push. Pushing can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more. Midwives are experienced in helping mums deliver in different birth positions such as the lithotomy position, squatting position, all-four position and side lying position.
During the first golden hour after birth, if all is well, your baby will be with you for uninterrupted skin-to–skin contact to enjoy bonding, and all the other benefits this brings. The midwife will initiate first breastfeeding support to you and your newborn. All the measurements, baby bath and vaccination will be arranged afterwards.
Potential Complications During Natural Birth
While natural birth is generally safe, there are potential complications that can occur. These complications include shoulder dystocia, fetal distress, and postpartum haemorrhage. It’s important to discuss potential complications of natural birth with your healthcare provider and have a plan in place for any emergencies that may arise.
New technology such as the Jada system has been introduced in the case of postpartum haemorrhage. Matilda is the first hospital in Hong Kong to be trained to implement this new system which uses a Vacuum-Induced Uterine Device, to control bleeding within minutes and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Understanding the maternity delivery process is crucial in preparing for your new baby’s arrival. From the early stages of pregnancy to the actual delivery, there are many factors to consider and decisions to make. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of the various delivery options available, including vaginal delivery and C-section, as well as the potential risks and benefits associated with each. Antenatal classes are a great way to meet soon-to-be mums and ask questions. If you want to find out more information you can visit the Matilda website www.matilda.org where statistics on deliveries are benchmarked.
Every pregnancy and delivery is unique so don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek support from healthcare professionals and advocate for yourself and your baby during your maternity journey.
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