Your Pregnancy: Week 35 for Mom
By: ePregnancy
Remember that summer you spent in your teensy Marc Jacobs bikini? How hot you were, a bronzed goddess on the beach, luxuriating in both the rays of the sun and that sexy lifeguard’s glance? Remember how great that felt? Right now you may feel like trading in your maternity maillot for a muumuu.
You’ve gained approximately 30 lbs, and the strain is starting to show. You’re feeling moody and irritable, more like a beach ball than a supermodel. But you’re gorgeous, and the weight gain is a completely necessary step in birthing your little beach bunny, so give yourself a break. A baby is better than a bikini any day.
Last week we talked about the first stage of labor that you'll experience and the three phases it includes. This week, we'll cover the last three stages which, thankfully, have only one phase each.
Stage 2
Finally! All those contractions come to fruition as you deliver your beautiful baby. This stage can last from 20 minutes to a few hours and can take longer if you are a first-time mom or have had an epidural. You'll feel a strong urge to push in this phase and an equally strong pressure in your rectum. As you push, your baby's head will begin to crown, or become visible. During the crowning, you'll probably have a stinging or burning sensation, and your doctor will instruct you not to push. This gives your vagina time to stretch, rather than tear. And don't be discouraged if your baby crowns, then slips back inside -- this stage is often a two-steps-forward, one-step-back kind of thing. After the little one's head is fully delivered, the doctor and nurses will clear the airway and make sure the umbilical cord is free. In no time at all, you'll be holding that little bean in your arms!
Stage 3
Here's the rub: even after delivering your baby, there's still a bit more work to be done. You must deliver the placenta and your doctor has to make sure the bleeding is under control. This process usually only takes 10 to 30 minutes though, so hang in there. You've made it this far, right?
Shortly after you deliver the baby, small contractions will start again, signalling that your placenta is ready to be delivered. To help it along, one of the nurses may massage your abdomen a bit and the doctor may tug gently on the umbilical cord. Once the placenta is out, your doctor will determine if you have any tears that require stitching (don't worry, they won't do this without anesthesia!) and you'll likely be given some medication to control any further uterine contractions.
Stage 4
Congratulations, Mom! You've done it! This final stage is all about recovery. Contractions will slow to a stop, your heart rate and blood pressure will normalize and your uterus will harden to close the blood vessels that were supplying the placenta with nutrients. Mostly, this is a time for you to get to know the newest member of your family. So relax, and bask in the glow.