Pregnancy calendar - week #34

Pregnant mothers - week #34

The 'L' word.

Now would probably be a good time for a primer on the stages of labor. It could happen any time now, so being prepared is key.

There are three stages of labor:

1. The first stage is divided into two parts. The first part is called early (or latent) labor, and begins with the onset of contractions. You can expect contractions to last anywhere from 30 to 60 seconds, coming every 5 to 20 minutes.

It's very important to save your energy during this stage. You don't know how may hours (or days) your labor will last, so rest up when you get the chance. If you're really tired, try sleeping between contractions; you'll be glad later on when you really need the energy.

The second part of the first stage is called active labor. During this sub-stage, your cervix dilates more rapidly, and contractions are longer lasting, closer together, and of greater intensity.

Active labor is when the pain really starts to kick in. By now, you've most likely discussed your pain relief options with your doctor, but often, a little improvisation is called for. You may have been determined to forego an epidural or systemic medication, but you have every right to change your mind. This would be a good point to let your caregiver know that you want some relief.

The last part of active labor is called transition. This is when you might start leaving those claw marks in your hubby's arms. Contractions are very strong, and the pain factor is kicked up a notch or two. You may feel nauseous, and have to vomit. There may be a fair amount of bloody discharge as well.

Transition can last anywhere from a few minutes, to a few hours. If you have already had a vaginal delivery, it will likey go much faster.

2. The second stage of labor, often called the 'pushing' stage, begins when you're fully dilated and ends with the birth of your baby.

During this stage, your contractions may be slightly further apart, giving you a good chance to rest in between them.

As your uterus contracts, it slowly pushes baby down the birth canal. If your uterus is doing its job well enough, it might be a good idea to resist the urge to push at this point, and save up some much needed energy. Many doctors, however, will advocate pushing with each contraction. Ultimately, it's up to you (based on the advice of your caregiver) which route you want to take.

Before long, your baby's skull will appear, and with each contraction more and more of his head will become visible. When his head 'crowns' (the widest part becomes visible), things really start to get interesting. His tiny face--nose, cheeks, chin, eyes--will gradually make its first appearance in the world. Hello, little one!

In all, the second stage of labor can last anywhere from a few minutes, to several hours. But you're not done yet: There's one more stage to go!

3. The third stage of labor is delivering the placenta.

Shortly after labor, your uterus will start to contract again. These contractions will seperate the uterus from the uterine wall. Once seperated, your caregiver will likely tell you to push, and the placenta will be expelled shortly thereafter.

The third stage of labor only takes about 5 - 10 minutes on average. That's a snap for a veteran of stages 1 and 2!

This is only a brief overview of the stages of labor. Your doctor will give you a far more detailed run down of what to expect. Make sure to ask him or her any questions you may have about the process. The phrase 'there are no dumb questions' is truer than ever when it comes to giving birth!

Baby and fetal development - week #34

Show us those baby blues!

Baby is weighing in at about 5 pounds now. Labor and delivery are coming so soon--baby is almost ready to meet you!

Here's cause to let out a big sigh of relief: Over 90% of babies that are born in week 34 survive. Things are looking good!

Right now, baby has blue eyes, no matter what ethnicity she is. This will most likely change, unless mom or dad carries the blue eyes gene.

Pregnant dads - week #34

The informed daddy is a happy daddy!

Have you done your labor and delivery research? If not, see above for our handy-dandy summary of what to expect.

And then, be prepared for anything. Just like no two pregnancies are alike, no two deliveries are either. When you see births on TV (oh come on, we know you've flipped to the Lifetime channel once or twice!) babies come out with one swift push, and arrive looking fat, cute, and one year old.

The reality is that labor and delivery can be full of surprises (including bodily secretion surprises), so don't be surprised! Talk with your partner, tell her you know all about it (make sure you learn all about it first!), and that you're excited to be there with her. She'll love this, trust us!