Labor is the first stage of childbirth. During labor the muscles of your womb (uterus) squeeze over and over to open your cervix and push your baby out. These squeezes are called contractions.
Delivery includes the second and third stages of childbirth. Delivery of the baby is the second stage. Delivery of the afterbirth (placenta) is the third stage. During these stages, the baby and then the afterbirth pass through your birth canal and come out.
A cesarean delivery (c-section) is when doctors deliver your baby through a cut made in your belly.
Most of the time, delivery goes well, but doctors will watch you for possible complications.
Where will I deliver my baby?
Typically, you'll be in a hospital or birthing center.
In some hospitals, you'll be in one room for labor and in a different room for delivery.
In other facilities, you'll stay in the same room for both labor and delivery.
What happens when I give birth?
When you're about to give birth, doctors and nurses may help you move into a partial sitting position, between lying down and sitting up. This position:
Some women prefer to give birth lying down or in other positions.
During delivery, your doctor or midwife will:
After your baby is born, your doctor or midwife will:
What can help with delivery?
How is the placenta delivered?
Your placenta is the afterbirth. It's a plate-sized piece of tissue attached to your uterus that provides oxygen and nutrients to your baby. It's attached to your baby with the umbilical cord.
If the placenta doesn't come out or only part of it comes out, the doctor may need to reach into your uterus to remove the placenta.
What happens after delivery?
After the placenta is out, your doctor or midwife may help your uterus contract using:
Your doctor will also stitch up any tears or cuts in your cervix and vagina.
Then you and your baby will spend several hours bonding in a recovery room. In some hospitals, your baby will stay in your room with you for your whole stay. In other hospitals, your baby will also spend time in a nursery.
Most problems happen within 24 hours after your delivery. Nurses and doctors will check on you and your baby regularly during that time.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
oxytocin |
PITOCIN |
