Delivery FAQ

Delivery is the most important stage of pregnancy. Understanding delivery-related knowledge can help pregnant women better prepare and cope. Here are the most common questions and answers about delivery.

Signs and Timing of Labor

Identifying Signs of Labor

Q: What are the signs before labor? A: Signs before labor include:

• False Contractions: Irregular, weak contractions
• Bloody Show: Small amount of bloody vaginal discharge
• Water Breaking: Amniotic fluid flowing out of the vagina
• Lightening: Breathing becomes easier, appetite increases
• Increased Backache: Obvious soreness in the lower back

Q: How long after bloody show will I give birth? A: The time from bloody show to delivery varies from person to person:

• Primipara: Labor may start within 24-48 hours after bloody show
• Multipara: May be faster, starting within a few hours
• Delayed: There are also cases where delivery occurs days after bloody show
• Heavy Bleeding: Seek medical attention immediately if bleeding is heavy

Q: How to distinguish between true and false contractions? A: Differences between true and false contractions:

Feature	True Contractions	False Contractions
Regularity	Increasingly regular, intensity gradually increases	Irregular, intermittent
Duration	30-70 seconds, gradually lengthening	15-30 seconds, little change
Interval	Once every 5-6 minutes, gradually shortening	Once every 10-20 minutes, little change
Pain Location	Starts from the lower back and spreads to the front abdomen	Mainly in the lower abdomen
Relief Method	Walking or resting cannot relieve	Changing position can relieve

Q: What to do if my water breaks? A: Take the following measures immediately after water breaks:

• Lie Flat: Lie down immediately, elevate hips
• Disinfect: Put a clean towel under the hips
• Contact Hospital: Contact doctor or hospital immediately
• Record Time: Record the time of water breaking and the color of amniotic fluid
• Prohibited: Do not take a bath, have sex, or check yourself

Q: How long after water breaking will I give birth? A: Delivery time requirements after water breaking:

• Term Pregnancy: Induction is required if not delivered within 24 hours
• Preterm: Treatment depends on gestational week and situation
• Infection Risk: Risk of infection increases if water breaks for more than 12 hours
• Hospitalization: Hospitalization is required for observation and infection prevention

Timing of Admission

Q: When should I go to the hospital? A: It is recommended to go to the hospital in the following situations:

• Regular Contractions: Once every 5 minutes for primiparas, once every 3-4 minutes for multiparas
• Bloody Show: Accompanied by regular contractions
• Water Breaking: Go to the hospital immediately
• Abnormal Fetal Movement: Significantly reduced or disappeared fetal movement
• Severe Abdominal Pain: Unbearable pain

Q: What do I need to prepare for the hospital? A: Hospital preparation list:

Documents:

• ID card, medical insurance card, marriage certificate
• Prenatal check-up manual, all test reports
• Hospital medical card

Mom's Supplies:

• Maternity pads, sanitary napkins
• Nursing bra, loose pajamas
• Slippers, toiletries
• Breast pump (optional)

Baby's Supplies:

• Newborn clothes, swaddle
• Diapers, wet wipes
• Bottle, formula (optional)

Delivery Method Questions

Vaginal Birth vs. C-section

Q: What are the pros and cons of vaginal birth and C-section? A: Comparison of two delivery methods:

Vaginal Birth Pros:

• Mother recovers quickly, can get out of bed 24 hours after delivery
• Short hospital stay, lower cost
• Beneficial for newborn respiratory system development
• Fewer postpartum complications
• Beneficial for breastfeeding

Vaginal Birth Cons:

• Intense pain during delivery
• May require forceps or vacuum extraction
• May cause perineal tearing
• Risk of uterine prolapse postpartum

C-section Pros:

• Avoids labor pain
• Can choose delivery time
• Avoids dystocia and birth canal injury
• Life-saving surgery for certain complications

C-section Cons:

• Surgical risks: anesthesia accidents, bleeding, infection
• Longer recovery time, 5-7 days hospital stay
• Higher cost
• May affect breastfeeding
• Need to wait more than 2 years for next pregnancy

Q: Under what circumstances is a C-section necessary? A: Medical indications for C-section:

• Fetal Factors: Malposition, fetal distress, macrosomia
• Maternal Factors: Pelvic stenosis, pregnancy-induced hypertension, heart disease
• Placental Factors: Placenta previa, placental abruption
• Delivery Factors: Arrest of labor, cephalopelvic disproportion
• Other Factors: Multiple pregnancy, previous C-section

Q: Can I have a vaginal birth after a previous C-section? A: Conditions for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC):

• Previous C-section was a lower uterine segment transverse incision
• More than 2 years since the last C-section
• No C-section indications this time
• Good pelvic conditions, fetus not too big
• No complications from previous C-section

Labor Pain Management

Painless Delivery

Q: What is painless delivery? A: Painless delivery (Epidural Anesthesia):

• Administer medication through an epidural catheter
• Block pain signal transmission
• Maintain consciousness, can cooperate with delivery
• Reduce pain by 70-90%
• Currently the most commonly used analgesic method

Q: Does painless delivery have side effects? A: Possible side effects:

• Hypotension: Needs close monitoring
• Headache: May occur after puncture
• Nausea and Vomiting: Drug reaction
• Prolonged Labor: In a few cases
• Postpartum Urinary Retention: Temporary

Q: Is painless delivery suitable for everyone? A: Contraindications for painless delivery:

• Coagulation disorders
• Infection at the puncture site
• Severe spinal deformity
• Maternal refusal
• Precipitate labor

Other Analgesic Methods

Q: What other methods can relieve pain? A: Non-pharmacological analgesic methods:

• Breathing Techniques: Lamaze breathing
• Massage: Lower back and perineal massage
• Water Birth: Warm water relieves pain
• Acupuncture: TCM acupuncture analgesia
• Psychological Support: Partner companionship, music relaxation

Q: How to do Lamaze breathing? A: Key points of Lamaze breathing:

• First Stage: Chest breathing, slow deep breathing
• Intensified Contractions: Shallow and fast breathing
• Transition Phase: Pant-blow breathing
• Second Stage: Hold breath and push down when pushing
• Practice: Need to practice during pregnancy and use proficiently during delivery

Delivery Process Questions

Stages of Labor

Q: How many stages is labor divided into? A: Labor is divided into three stages:

First Stage:

• From regular contractions to full cervical dilation
• Primipara: 11-12 hours
• Multipara: 6-8 hours
• Divided into latent phase and active phase

Second Stage:

• From full cervical dilation to fetal delivery
• Primipara: 1-2 hours
• Multipara: 30 minutes - 1 hour
• Need to cooperate with pushing

Third Stage:

• From fetal delivery to placental delivery
• Usually 5-30 minutes
• Maximum not exceeding 1 hour

Q: What should be noted in the first stage? A: Key points for the first stage:

• Diet: Eat easily digestible food
• Activity: Appropriate walking helps labor
• Urination: Urinate every 2-4 hours
• Rest: Rest fully during contraction intervals
• Breathing: Adjust breathing with contractions

Q: How to cooperate with pushing in the second stage? A: Pushing techniques in the second stage:

• Timing: Push during contractions, rest during intervals
• Method: Push down, similar to the feeling of defecation
• Breathing: Hold breath and push, do not shout
• Position: Lithotomy position or semi-recumbent position
• Cooperation: Follow the midwife's instructions

Delivery Complications

Q: What is fetal distress? A: Manifestations of fetal distress:

• Abnormal fetal heart rate: Too fast (>160 bpm) or too slow (<110 bpm)
• Abnormal fetal movement: Significantly reduced or disappeared fetal movement
• Abnormal amniotic fluid: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid
• Requires emergency treatment, may need C-section

Q: What is postpartum hemorrhage? A: Definition of postpartum hemorrhage:

• Bleeding within 24 hours postpartum: ≥500ml
• C-section bleeding: ≥1000ml
• Common Causes: Uterine atony, placental factors, birth canal injury
• Needs timely detection and treatment

Q: What is amniotic fluid embolism? A: Characteristics of amniotic fluid embolism:

• Low incidence but high mortality
• Amniotic fluid enters maternal blood circulation during delivery
• Manifestations: Dyspnea, shock, DIC
• Requires emergency rescue

Post-Delivery Questions

Postpartum Recovery

Q: How soon can I get out of bed after delivery? A: Postpartum activity time:

• After Vaginal Birth: Can get out of bed after 6 hours
• After C-section: Can get out of bed after 12-24 hours
• Someone needs to accompany you when getting out of bed for the first time
• Gradually increase activity level

Q: How soon can I take a shower after delivery? A: Postpartum shower suggestions:

• After Vaginal Birth: Can shower after 24 hours
• After C-section: After wound healing, about 7 days
• Avoid tub baths to prevent infection
• Moderate water temperature, time should not be too long

Q: What are the dietary precautions postpartum? A: Postpartum diet suggestions:

• Easy to Digest: Choose light, easily digestible food
• Sufficient Nutrition: Supplement protein and vitamins
• Promote Lactation: Drink more soup and water
• Avoid Raw and Cold: Do not eat raw and cold food
• Moderate Iron Supplementation: Prevent anemia

Newborn Care

Q: What checks does the newborn need after birth? A: Newborn check items:

• Apgar Score: 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth
• Physical Examination: Weight, length, head circumference
• Disease Screening: Heel blood screening
• Hearing Screening: Hearing function check
• Vaccination: Hepatitis B vaccine, BCG vaccine

Q: When does the newborn start breastfeeding? A: Breastfeeding time:

• Early Contact: Start within 30 minutes after birth
• Early Latching: Start breastfeeding 1-2 hours postpartum
• Frequent Feeding: Once every 2-3 hours
• On-Demand Feeding: Adjust according to baby's needs

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Friendly Reminder: Delivery is a complex process. It is recommended to choose a regular hospital and proceed under the guidance of a professional doctor. If there are any abnormalities, inform the medical staff in time.