It doesn’t only happen on TV. Although giving birth unassisted is highly unlikely, it does occur. Most labours last between eight to 24 hours – more than enough time to get you to a hospital or get an ambulance or midwife to you. However, there are those few women who do defy the statistics and whose labours are extremely quick – mainly for second or subsequent deliveries, so here is a step-by-step guide to help you cope if you really are going to deliver on your own.
IS THIS REALLY IT?
First you need to establish if you are in true labour. If you are further than 35 weeks and have experienced any of the following, the chances are that this is really it:
• loss of mucous plug
• your waters have broken
• regular lower back pain that becomes more intense
• tightening of your abdomen, hardening and then softening of your belly – contractions.
If you are experiencing contractions –time them. If the time from the beginning to end of one contraction is between 30 and 75 seconds and there are five minutes between contractions, then you may indeed be in real labour. Moving around, emptying your bladder or drinking fluids often makes false labour pains go away – so try these before you step up action in preparation for a birth. Phone your midwife, doctor or a doula, and describe the pains to them, so they can confirm real labour. If you experience these symptoms, and you are not yet 35 weeks pregnant, you may be going into pre-term labour – get to a hospital as you will need emergency medical assistance to deliver and care for your baby.
MAKE THAT CALL
This story is from the August/September 2021 edition of Your Pregnancy.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August/September 2021 edition of Your Pregnancy.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
COVID & your child
Symptoms, treatment, vaccines and a rare condition called MIS-C is on our minds when it comes to The Virus these days.
EYES WIDE OPEN!
Breastfeeding and night wakings? Experts shine a light on a possible connection.
RAISING A BRAT? TIME FOR A RESET!
It happens, even with the best of intentions. Sometimes we go overboard trying to show our love – and then things backfire.
Prioritise REST!
The fatigue of pregnancy serves to remind you exactly what miracle your body is performing, so it’s essential to listen to it. Here’s what you can do to get through these low times.
CRYING CLUES
Discover the meaning behind your baby’s cries.
Pushing isn't all you need to do!
There are four main factors that affect the length and intensity of labour. They are known as the four P’s and work together to make each woman’s labour unique.
We're all NERVOUS about it!
Sure, it can seem scarier than labour, but with these simple tips to bathing your newborn, you’ll soon be a pro.
FOUR-FOOTED FAMILY MEMBERS
Your children and your pets – everything you’ll need to know to be a happy family.
Here's to HAPPIER beach days!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
TALK SO YOU'RE HEARD!
Feel like your child just doesn’t listen to you? There are some techniques you can use to improve your chances of getting through.
