Are You Excited to Hear Your Baby’s First Cry?
Did you know that reality is different from what we see in movies? A newborn doesn’t always come out crying right away! Sometimes the baby needs a few seconds before crying or coughing to clear the fluid from the airways.
At first, breathing may be irregular, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, with short pauses up to 5 seconds. This is completely normal, as the baby is learning how to breathe for the very first time.
What happens at the start of labor?
Contractions may begin at night. If they do, try to sleep and relax to save energy for the pushing stage. Your uterus will continue to dilate even while you’re asleep. If labor starts during the day, stay active, walk and move to help the baby’s head descend and to speed up labor.
- Try different positions, leaning on your partner, sitting on a birthing ball, or simply staying mobile. A warm shower may also help relieve pain and encourage relaxation.
- Practice deep breathing, inhale through your nose, then exhale slowly through your mouth while keeping your jaw and shoulders relaxed.
- Ask your partner to massage your shoulders or back. Massage stimulates the release of endorphins, your body’s natural pain relievers.
- Eat light snacks such as a banana, toast with jam, or low-fat yogurt. Avoid heavy meals that may cause nausea, and skip sugary foods that give quick but short-lasting energy.
Most importantly, keep calm. Relaxation helps you cope with contractions, while stress and fear can make the pain feel more intense.
Water breaking
Labor usually starts within 24 hours after the water breaks, whether it happens naturally or with medical help. It’s worth noting that fewer than 15% of women experience their water breaking before contractions begin. It often leaks as drops or a small gush, not always as a large flow.
Passing the due date
About one-third of pregnant women continue until week 41. Benefits of waiting include:
- Allowing the body to prepare naturally for labor
- Reducing unnecessary medical interventions
- Giving the baby more time for brain and lung development
But going beyond week 41 may carry risks, such as:
- Reduced amniotic fluid
- Higher chance of cesarean birth
- Larger baby size
- Blood pressure problems or preeclampsia
- Baby passing meconium (first stool) into the amniotic fluid
- Declining placental function
- Higher risk of stillbirth
Labor induction
About 1 in 5 women need medical induction, which may include:
- Membrane sweep: Uncomfortable but safe
- Prostaglandins: Medications that soften the cervix and start contractions
- Breaking the amniotic sac: If water hasn’t broken naturally
- IV oxytocin: To speed up contractions
The uterus usually takes about 6 weeks to return to its normal size after birth. Breastfeeding helps speed this process. Your belly won’t shrink back immediately; healing takes time and patience.
Tips for week 40
- Eating during active labor isn’t recommended. Stick to light foods like soup, toast, jelly, or grated apple, and keep sipping fluids.
- Sleep early, take naps during the day, and rest whenever possible. Let others help with chores and preparations. Avoid heavy lifting or standing for too long.
- Shaving or hair removal before birth isn’t necessary, even for a C-section, and can be risky due to poor visibility and body weight.
- Gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or stretching (with your doctor’s approval) help ease pressure and make you feel lighter.
- Prepare different sizes of maternity pads. Bleeding is heavy at first but decreases gradually.
- If you have diarrhea before labor (due to hormones), drink more water and avoid any medication without consulting your doctor.