Pregnant women expect to enter the delivery room and experience the childbirth they have prepared for based on the birth plan they discussed with their doctor during prenatal visits. However, sometimes surprises occur during childbirth. I will mention some of them in this article based on my experience as a midwife.
All childbirths are unique, even for the same woman. The first birth is often the longest, the second tends to be quicker, and the third may be slower. Each delivery presents its surprises.
Even if the pregnancy is normal with no complications, it can suddenly become high-risk. Complications such as high blood pressure and Pre-eclampsia may arise, sometimes necessitating premature induction if the condition cannot be controlled. Additionally, gestational diabetes may occur, usually detected through a particular text. Gestational Diabetes can lead to complications that require premature delivery and may result in excessive newborn weight gain, making vaginal delivery challenging and needing a cesarean section.
Pregnant women may sometimes mistakenly believe that their amniotic fluid has broken and go to the hospital, thinking this is a labor sign, only for an examination to reveal that the amniotic fluid hasn't leaked and labor hasn't started. Often, the fluid is urine leakage due to pregnancy-related urinary incontinence caused by abdominal pressure on the bladder and loosening of the pelvic floor and bladder muscles. By distinguishing its smell and color, it is best to confirm that the fluid is indeed amniotic. If the fluid is green, brown, or has any redness, it is amniotic fluid. If it is colorless or yellow, it may be urine.
Often, pregnant women come to the delivery room prepared for a scheduled c-section because the baby's head is not downwards towards the birth canal. To our surprise, after examination, it's discovered that the fetus is in a breech position. In such cases, we stimulate vaginal delivery. However, I would like to emphasize that the doctor makes this decision and the expecting mother based on her health condition, whether her previous births were cesarean, and according to the hospital's medical protocol.
In the case of a twin pregnancy, the expectant mother may know that she is carrying twins and anticipates the birth of two babies, only to be surprised by a third fetus not visible during the ultrasound. The mother may also expect a boy and deliver a baby girl.
One of the surprises that mothers often anticipate but are common and natural is the passage of stool during attempts to push the fetus. A rectal enema is administered to empty the bowels before childbirth, but it does not guarantee the prevention of this issue. However, the medical team expects such surprises, and there is no need to feel embarrassed.
Surprises may occur no matter how prepared and informed you are about childbirth and what happens during it. However, educating yourself, enrolling in childbirth preparation courses, and asking the doctor or midwife anything that comes to mind to be better prepared for the childbirth experience is essential.
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