Pregnancy Guide

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Admin2025-11-18
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Delivery Overview ​

Childbirth is the final stage of pregnancy and a sacred moment for the birth of a new life. Understanding the basics of childbirth, the pros and cons of different delivery methods, and the necessary preparations can help expectant mothers better welcome childbirth.

Basic Concepts of Delivery ​

What is Delivery ​

Delivery refers to the physiological process in which the fetus and placenta are expelled from the body through uterine contractions and dilation of the birth canal after the fetus has matured in the uterus. This is a complex physiological process involving the coordination of the mother and the fetus.

Signs of Labor Starting ​

  • Hormonal Changes: Progesterone decreases, estrogen and oxytocin increase
  • Uterine Maturation: Increased sensitivity of the uterus to oxytocin
  • Cervical Softening: The cervix begins to soften and dilate
  • Fetal Maturation: Fetal organs mature and are capable of survival outside the womb

Normal Delivery Time ​

  • Full Term Pregnancy: 37-42 weeks
  • Due Date: 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period
  • Delivery Time: Only 5% of babies are born on their due date

Introduction to Delivery Methods ​

Natural Birth (Vaginal Delivery) ​

Definition and Process ​

Natural birth refers to the way of delivering naturally through the birth canal, which is a physiological and natural way of giving birth. The entire process includes regular contractions, cervical dilation, fetal delivery, and placental delivery.

Advantages ​

  • Quick Postpartum Recovery: Faster recovery after delivery, shorter hospital stay
  • Fewer Complications: Fewer surgical risks and complications
  • Immune Benefits: The fetus is squeezed through the birth canal and acquires beneficial flora
  • Breastfeeding: Conducive to early initiation of breastfeeding
  • Lower Cost: Lower cost compared to cesarean section

Disadvantages ​

  • Labor Pain: Significant labor pain, requiring pain management
  • Uncertain Process: The labor process is difficult to predict accurately
  • Birth Canal Injury: May require episiotomy or natural tearing
  • Pelvic Floor Impact: May affect pelvic floor function
  • Emergency Situations: May need to switch to emergency cesarean section

Indications ​

  • Normal fetal position (head position)
  • Good pelvic conditions
  • No serious pregnancy complications
  • Moderate fetal size
  • Good fetal condition

Contraindications ​

  • Pelvic stenosis or deformity
  • Abnormal fetal position (breech, transverse)
  • Placenta previa
  • Fetal distress
  • Serious maternal illness

Cesarean Section ​

Definition and Process ​

Cesarean section is a delivery method in which the fetus and its appendages are removed by surgically cutting the uterus through the abdomen. It is usually used when natural birth is not possible or appropriate.

Indications ​

Absolute Indications

  • Pelvic Abnormalities: Pelvic stenosis, deformity
  • Soft Birth Canal Abnormalities: Vaginal septum, cervical lesions
  • Abnormal Fetal Position: Breech, transverse
  • Placenta Previa: Complete placenta previa
  • Placental Abruption: Placental abruption with fetal distress

Relative Indications

  • Fetal Macrosomia: Estimated weight > 4000g
  • Maternal Factors: Heart disease, hypertensive crisis
  • Social Factors: Elderly primipara, precious child
  • Arrest of Labor: Uterine inertia, prolonged labor

Advantages ​

  • Determined Time: Delivery time can be planned
  • Pain Control: Less pain under anesthesia
  • Avoid Birth Trauma: Avoid birth canal injuries from natural birth
  • Emergency Situations: Rapid delivery of the fetus in emergencies

Disadvantages ​

  • Surgical Risks: Anesthesia and surgical risks
  • Long Recovery Time: Slower postoperative recovery
  • Complications: Complications such as infection and bleeding may occur
  • Scarring: Scars left on the abdomen and uterus
  • Higher Cost: Higher surgical and hospitalization costs

Surgical Process ​

  • Anesthesia Method: Usually intraspinal anesthesia
  • Surgical Incision: Lower abdominal transverse or vertical incision
  • Uterine Incision: Lower uterine segment transverse incision
  • Fetal Delivery: Incising the amniotic sac and delivering the fetus
  • Placental Delivery: Cleaning the uterine cavity and delivering the placenta
  • Suturing: Suturing the uterus and abdominal wall layer by layer

Painless Delivery ​

Epidural Anesthesia ​

  • Method: Continuous drug administration via catheter in the lumbar epidural space
  • Effect: Significantly reduces pain but retains touch and movement
  • Timing: Used when the cervix is dilated to 3-4 cm
  • Advantages: Mother is awake and cooperates with delivery

Water Birth ​

  • Environment: Delivery in a warm water pool
  • Benefits: Warm water relieves pain and relaxes muscles
  • Applicability: Low-risk pregnant women, normal delivery
  • Precautions: Requires a professional medical team

Stages of Labor ​

First Stage: Cervical Dilation Stage ​

Definition and Time ​

  • Definition: From the onset of regular contractions to complete cervical dilation
  • Time: 8-14 hours for primiparas, 4-8 hours for multiparas

Stage Characteristics ​

  • Latent Phase: Cervical dilation 0-3 cm
  • Active Phase: Cervical dilation 3-7 cm
  • Deceleration Phase: Cervical dilation 7-10 cm

Maternal Manifestations ​

  • Regular contractions, gradually increasing
  • Cervical dilation and effacement
  • Rupture of membranes (possible)
  • Emotional changes: Excitement, tension, anxiety

Second Stage: Fetal Delivery Stage ​

Definition and Time ​

  • Definition: From full cervical dilation to complete delivery of the fetus
  • Time: 1-2 hours for primiparas, 30 minutes - 1 hour for multiparas

Maternal Manifestations ​

  • Strong urge to defecate
  • Involuntary pushing
  • Extreme stretching of the perineum
  • Burning sensation and pain

Fetal Delivery Sequence ​

  • Fetal head crowning
  • Fetal head delivery
  • Shoulder delivery (anterior shoulder first, then posterior shoulder)
  • Complete delivery of the fetus

Third Stage: Placental Delivery Stage ​

Definition and Time ​

  • Definition: From fetal delivery to complete expulsion of the placenta
  • Time: 5-30 minutes

Signs of Placental Separation ​

  • Uterus contracts and becomes hard and spherical
  • Small amount of vaginal bleeding
  • Umbilical cord lengthens outward
  • Spontaneous delivery of the placenta

Labor Pain Management ​

Pain Level and Characteristics ​

  • Pain Intensity: Described as one of the strongest pains humans can experience
  • Pain Nature: Paroxysmal, progressively worsening
  • Pain Location: Lower abdomen, lower back, perineum
  • Influencing Factors: Parity, anxiety, support system

Non-Pharmacological Pain Relief Methods ​

Breathing Techniques ​

  • Lamaze Breathing: Reducing pain through different breathing patterns
  • Chest Breathing: Used in early contractions
  • Shallow and Fast Breathing: Used in the active phase
  • Panting Breathing: Used in the deceleration phase

Position and Movement ​

  • Free Position: Walking, squatting, side-lying, kneeling
  • Pelvic Rocking: Relieves back pain, promotes fetal head descent
  • Massage: Back, waist, perineum massage
  • Hot and Cold Compresses: Relieve local pain

Hydrotherapy ​

  • Shower: Warm water impact on the waist
  • Bath: Relaxing in warm water (with doctor's permission)
  • Water Birth: Completing delivery in water

Psychological Support ​

  • Positive Suggestion: Positive self-suggestion
  • Partner Support: Partner's companionship and massage
  • Environment Creation: Quiet, comfortable, dim environment
  • Music Therapy: Listening to relaxing music

Pharmacological Pain Relief Methods ​

Analgesics ​

  • Pethidine (Dolantin): Intramuscular injection, acts for 4-6 hours
  • Fentanyl: Intravenous administration, short duration of action
  • Precautions: May affect fetal respiration, use under doctor's guidance

Anesthesia Methods ​

  • Epidural Anesthesia: Most commonly used painless delivery
  • Spinal Anesthesia: Used for cesarean section or emergencies
  • Intravenous Anesthesia: Used in emergencies

Delivery Preparation ​

Physical Preparation ​

Exercise Preparation ​

  • Pelvic Floor Muscle Training: Kegel exercises
  • Stretching Exercises: Pelvis, waist stretching
  • Breathing Training: Practicing labor breathing
  • Physical Reserve: Moderate exercise to enhance physical strength

Nutritional Preparation ​

  • Balanced Nutrition: Ensure protein and vitamin intake
  • Energy Reserve: Appropriately increase carbohydrates
  • Hydration: Ensure adequate water intake
  • Weight Control: Avoid excessive weight gain

Material Preparation ​

Hospital Bag Preparation ​

  • Maternal Supplies: Nursing clothes, maternity sanitary pads, nipple cream
  • Newborn Supplies: Clothes, diapers, swaddles
  • Documents: ID card, medical insurance card, prenatal checkup file
  • Toiletries: Toiletries, towels, etc.

Delivery Environment Preparation ​

  • Hospital Selection: Choose a suitable delivery hospital
  • Transportation Arrangements: Arrange transportation to the hospital
  • Accompanying Persons: Determine accompanying persons and roles
  • Emergency Plan: Formulate a response plan for emergencies

Knowledge Preparation ​

Labor Knowledge Learning ​

  • Labor Process: Understand the characteristics of the three stages of labor
  • Breathing Techniques: Learn various breathing methods
  • Pain Management: Understand different pain relief methods
  • Complications: Understand possible complications

Skill Practice ​

  • Breathing Exercises: Regularly practice labor breathing
  • Relaxation Techniques: Learn progressive muscle relaxation
  • Position Practice: Try different delivery positions
  • Massage Techniques: Partner learns massage methods

Delivery Complications and Prevention ​

Common Complications ​

Postpartum Hemorrhage ​

  • Definition: Bleeding exceeding 500ml within 24 hours after delivery
  • Causes: Uterine atony, placental retention, soft birth canal injury
  • Prevention: Strengthen labor management, handle the third stage of labor promptly
  • Treatment: Use uterotonics, massage the uterus, surgery if necessary

Fetal Distress ​

  • Manifestations: Abnormal fetal heart rate, reduced fetal movement, meconium-stained amniotic fluid
  • Causes: Umbilical cord compression, poor placental function
  • Prevention: Strengthen labor monitoring, detect abnormalities in time
  • Treatment: Change position, oxygen inhalation, deliver as soon as possible if necessary

Amniotic Fluid Embolism ​

  • Manifestations: Dyspnea, shock, bleeding
  • Characteristics: Low incidence but high mortality
  • Emergency Treatment: Multidisciplinary collaboration, active rescue

Abnormal Labor ​

  • Prolonged Labor: Labor process is too long
  • Precipitate Labor: Labor process is too short
  • Abnormal Fetal Position: Persistent occiput posterior position, etc.

Preventive Measures ​

  • Regular Prenatal Checkups: Detect high-risk factors in time
  • High-Risk Factor Management: Manage high-risk factors
  • Choose Suitable Hospital: Hospital capable of handling complications
  • Formulate Delivery Plan: Formulate an individualized delivery plan

Friendly Reminder: Although childbirth is painful, it is also one of the most wonderful experiences in life. Adequate preparation, a positive mindset, and a professional medical team are the guarantees for a safe delivery. Trust your body, trust your medical team, and welcome the arrival of a new life.