Page 15 - Guide to Pregnancy

When will I know I’m in labor?
Labor and Delivery
The chart below will help determine if you are in labor. If you have signs of true labor, or think your water has broken, go to Labor and Delivery.
True Labor
False Labor
Contractions are regular, get closer together (5 minutes apart) and last 40 to 60 seconds.
Contractions are irregular, do not get closer together and last 20 to 40 seconds.
Contractions continue despite movement.
Contractions may stop when you walk or rest or may change with change of position.
Pain/discomfort usually felt in back and moves around to front.
Pain/discomfort often felt in abdomen.
Contractions steadily increase in strength.
Contractions usually are weak and do not get much stronger.
Cervix dilates.
Cervix does not dilate.
Bloody show may be present.
Usually no bloody show is present.
Cesarean birth and recovery
A Cesarean birth may be planned or unplanned. Nurses, anesthesia staff and your physician will be with you in the operating room. If necessary, a group of neonatal health care providers also will be with you and the person you choose. Your blood pressure and heart rate/rhythm will be monitored. Your baby will be delivered in a short period of time once surgery begins. Once delivered, it will take approximately 45-60 minutes to complete surgery. Your incision will be closed with staples or sutures. You will then be moved to the Recovery Room.
Initial recovery after Cesarean birth
The immediate recovery period is similar to the recovery period of a vaginal birth. Rest to conserve your strength. You, your baby and your support partner will remain in the Labor and Delivery Recovery Room for approximately two hours. During this time you and your baby will be monitored closely.
Episiotomy/vacuum
We plan to help you deliver your baby with the least amount of trauma. Episiotomies are not routinely needed and many deliver without the need for any stitches. Sometimes we need to make a small
incision at the vaginal opening to help deliver. We make sure you are numb if you
don’t have an epidural, and will stitch the area after delivery. The stitches dissolve
over time and do not need to be removed. We provide you with medicine to keep you comfortable after delivery.
We are highly skilled in the use of vacuum for deliveries. We will recommend using them only if medically indicated. Our goal is to deliver your baby in the safest manner. There are definitely times when this is the safest way to help your baby into this world.
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