Normal labor & Delivery

It is the nature’s way of bringing baby out of mother’s womb after a safe carrying time of 37weeks.

Labor is divided into three stages-

Normal Labor is heralded by spontaneous onset of painful contractions of the uterus which result in softening and dilatation of the cervix (mouth of uterus). Mostly, it is associated with blood stained mucoid discharge from vagina (show).You would be advised to get admitted to labor ward at this stage. As these contractions of uterus increase gradually in severity and come more frequently they may result in, leaking of amniotic fluid through vagina, breaking of the water bag.

The initial part of first stage of labor is called the latent phase. The standard duration of the latent first stage has not been established and can vary widely from one woman to another. As the cervical dilatation progresses from 5 cm until full dilatation, regular painful uterine contractions become more intense and this characterizes the active first stage of labor and usually does not extend beyond 10-12hours.

Second stage of Labor

During this stage, expulsive uterine contractions cause an involuntary urge to bear down.The duration of the second stage varies with birth completed within 2 to 3 hours.

Third stage of labor

Usually the mother is observed for some time after delivery and encouraged to take a light snack.

Skin to skin contact of baby and mother and initiation of breast feeding are encouraged as soon as possible.

Complications

Experience

Comprehensive

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Women's Health

Dr. Neha Gupta is a compassionate and competent Obstetrician and Gynecologist with a more than 17years of experience in conducting normal deliveries, difficult vaginal/ instrumental deliveries, and complicated cesarean sections in reputed hospitals of Delhi/NCR. She is a well known laparoscopic surgeon in NCR with expertise in medical and surgical treatment of gynecological problems.