Labor Update 3

We've called in reinforcements. My doula is on her way. Gosh I hope she can help with the pain. I wont lie, the contractions are insane!! Currently 7 mins apart, lasting 1 min.

Labor Update 2

So, my labor stalled around noon today, but there was a lot going on around me, and it was definitely distracting. I had a few contractions, but nothing compared to what I had been having. They still were just as intense and painful, however, not in any sort of pattern. At 2:00 I tried taking a nap in the recliner, and managed to fall asleep for about 30 minutes. I woke up extremely disappointed since I thought everything had stopped. I messaged my doula and told her what was up. She said that my body probably needed a break, and to make sure I ate a protein snack/meal and try to relax/sleep again. I ate, and Billie gave me an amazing foot rub while I was laying in my cool dark room. A few hours later, I began having a few contractions again (yay!) I didn't time them, but they were definitely more patterned. I was hungry again and decided to make some rice and veggies for dinner. It was so tasty! After dinner (about 8pm) my doula called again to check on me. I mentioned that I thought things were starting to pick back up since the sun was setting. She recommended for me to take a light walk and get settled in for the night. I have since walked and took a nice long shower. And here I am...about to crawl into bed time some contractions and read or just plain pass out. I have to admit, my body is tired, my brain on the other hand...has other ideas. We'll see who wins out. Hopefully my next post will be when I have my little boy in my arms! :)

41 Weeks Pregnant + Super Moon + Labor Update 1

 

The largest full moon of 2013, a so-called "supermoon," will light up the night sky this weekend, but there's more to this lunar delight than meets the eye.
On Sunday, June 23, at 7 a.m. EDT (1100 GMT), the moon will arrive at perigee — the point in its orbit bringing it closest to Earth, a distance of 221,824 miles. Now the moon typically reaches perigee once each month (and on some occasions twice), with their respective distances to Earth varying by 3 percent.
But Sunday's lunar perigee will be the moon's closest to Earth of 2013. And 32 minutes later, the moon will officially turn full. The close timing of the moon's perigee and its full phase are what will bring about the biggest full moon of the year, a celestial event popularly defined by some as a "supermoon

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/06/22/supermoon-rises-in-weekend-night-sky-sunday/#ixzz2X1sptxVj


Anyways, on to the post! It seems typical that I would wait until the full moon to go into labor. At least I think I'm in labor... Let's go back a bit...

As you may have read in my last post, that I lost some of my mucus plug early Saturday morning, I didn't notice many contractions that were worth paying attention to. I really tried not to make a big deal out of little pangs and cramps. Anyways, at 9pm Billie was here to watch Back to the Future pt. 1--We lead exciting lives I know (but in all fairness, she has never seen it-shocking I know!) I began having more patterned contractions during the movie. I didn't bother timing them until it was over around 10:30ish. We were about to head for bed at this point. Scott took a quick shower and I began timing them. They were averaging 8 minutes apart, lasting for 1 minute. They felt completely different that all the other ones I've ever had. The pain always seems to be in my back--even though Liam's position is correct--apparently I'm just cursed blessed with back labor? Anyways, we decided to try to have sex to keep things moving along. Afterwards, maybe 15 minutes or so, I use the bathroom (again!) and there was a very large glob(?) of mucus/blood! And more spotting. I was still having contractions on the same pattern that definitely grew in intensity. I was up and down, after every other contraction I felt the urge to pee, so I was up a lot. I even got hungry so I ate a greek yogurt and a slice of banana bread (I had the urge to bake earlier today). I fell asleep a few contractions after I went back to bed. It was probably about 1am. I have been waking every few contractions, but not really realizing why I am waking up...until now. 4am hits and I am up! These contractions are painful!! So far my contractions are lasting 45 seconds, with about 7 minutes between. So that's where I am at currently. I am going to try to go back to sleep, if I cant I will try to take a bath/shower and see if there are any changes. I'll update you when I can. Happy Full Super Moon everyone! :)

40 weeks + 6 days Pregnant

Tomorrow marks 41 weeks! Yikes! So here's the update so far. I had a midwife appointment yesterday. Here's the stats:
Weight: +.5lbs, total of +44lbs for the pregnancy! UGH! oh well...
Blood pressure was a bit higher for me, I typically have near perfect blood pressure. 130/88
Fundal Height: 44cm--pretty consistent with my measurements lately
Fetal Heart rate: 120bpm
Fetal position: ROA
Cervical check: .5cm dilated, 80% effaced.

If she could have gotten through my cervix, she would have done a stretch and sweep for me, but I wasn't quite open enough. She told me not to expect to go into labor that day (fri) or saturday.

So from the exam, I had a bit of spotting, which I know is normal. But this morning, Scott and I were going to help get things moving (wink, wink) but I had to pee first (of course) and when I went, I noticed I still had a bit of spotting--which had pretty much stopped last night around 10:30pm--and when I went to flush, I noticed something in the toilet. I am 99% sure it was some of my mucus plug! Heck Yes!! FINALLY! I feel like something is happening!! So Scott came to see it, and was grossed out...so we didn't have sex lol, but that's alright. I'm enjoying this little moment I'm having :) My back is crampy, but it seems more constant, than in any pattern, so I'm not sure what that means, if anything. My sleep could be contributing to it as well, I feel like I have two positions to sleep in, comfy for ten minutes,  and GOD if i could only sleep on my belly!! I wake up sore as all get out and my body hates me! At least my calves are feeling better after all that curb walking. It felt like I had done 8,000 stairs!!

So since Wednesday night, when everything came to a haulting stop, I have decided to stop timing, stop thinking, and start enjoying the last few days I have alone. I'm not saying I'm not anxious for him to be here, but I've totally stopped focusing on it. It's easier emotionally not to get my hopes up every time. I dont like to get depressed when nothing is happening, its not fun for anyone. Wednesday afternoon Scott and I went to a local burger/ice cream place and enjoyed a walk around the mill ponds, and Thursday we went to our local honey farm and bought a gallon of honey. I love the drive out to these places, country roads with the windows down and fresh air blowing in! I have also been working on some sewing projects for Liam.




 I would definitely recommend that when you are getting to that point of being depressed when labor isn't happening, you forget about it. I realize how hard it is, but honestly, it is a heck of a lot easier to distract yourself with fun things, than to be mopey all day long! Besides, you wont miss labor. It will definitely get your attention. Enjoy that last few days of a family of two, three, or whatever. Get out of the house, turn off your phone, dont check facebook. Everyone wants to know how you are feeling, but they dont understand that it is even more difficult when they are in you face, even if they mean well. I hope this helps someone. It sure as hell has helped me cope with the last few days. On my list for today: finish the dishes, vacuum, laundry, make curtain for Liam's bedroom, and take a walk. I'm sure I wont get all of these things done, but it would be an accomplishment to finish half of them. :) Enjoy your day!!

40 Weeks + 3 Days Pregnant

So last night...

I woke up at 3am from a terrible contraction. I tried going back to sleep, but couldnt. I tossed and turned, and sat up on my phone for 2 hours before finally falling back to sleep. I knew I could sit up and wait for the next contraction which would eventually wear myself out, or I could try to go back to sleep and save my energy for real labor. I woke again at 7:30 to my alarm, I had a chiropractor appt at 8:15, so I got up and took a shower. I was still having a few contractions, but they were much more spaced out and mild than the 3am ones. The chiropractor adjusted me, and did my pressure points again. They definitely kicked up my contractions a bit. I got home and made some oatmeal with raisins, chia seeds, hickory nuts, and brown sugar. Strawberries on the side, and a tall glass of milk. :) I called the midwife to reschedule my appointment (it was supposed to be today at 12:30, I was hoping not to ride in a car for 2.5 hours round trip while having contractions) I figured I'd reschedule for friday since they don't take appointments on thursdays. Anyways, after that my doula called me and asked how I was doing. I gave her the low-down, and she thought it sounded like baby's head wasn't lined up all the way to keep labor constant.

So she suggested a "mile-circuit"
This consisted of 30 mins laying knees to chest like this:

 











Then immediately 30 mins on my left side with my right leg elevated to help open the pelvis.


Then 30 minutes of curb walking...(15 mins on one side, 15 on the other). This was the hardest part!



So here I am, fresh off my curb, and sweaty...No contractions yet. But I am still hopeful.

Basically the first position helps move baby out of the pelvic a bit, and then laying on the left helps line him up, and then the curb walking helps bring him back down into proper position.

I'm not sure what the rest of the day holds for me, but I am excited to see.
Nikky

40 Weeks + 2 days Pregnant

So yesterday my contractions really did pick up. I decided I was sick of sitting around so I turned on some old school jams and tried to dance Liam out!! Then I sat on my birthing ball for awhile when I was online. Around 6pm my contractions became more regular. I timed them at 1 min duration with 6 minutes rest. They usually began in my lower back (like period pains) and at times would go to the front in my lower uterus.

Once Scott got home, we went for a 40 min walk, and then made some dinner. Afterwards, I took a nice hot shower, and went to bed. They were pretty consistent throughout the night until 6am when they subsided once again! Sigh! I slept until 8:30, and since then have cleaned and organized a bit more. It feels nice to have the bedroom and bathroom really clean, and ready for my birth team to be here.

I also had text messaged my doula Rachel, last night, and again this morning. She mentioned that usually mommas don't labor during the day unless it's active labor. So I should rest up and be sure I'm eating well today since I will probably need it throughout the night. I have had some contractions today, but they are pretty mild and not building into anything. I can honestly say, I am pretty scared that the evening will come, and nothing will happen. I guess we will see.

40 weeks + 1 day Pregnant

Yesterday was father's day. We had our annual picnic with Scott's mom's side, and then climbed the Marsh Tower...
Yep...I climbed that...144 steps. Not one damn contraction! FML...Later on, I was sewing up some cloth wipes and at 11pm started getting a few contractions. We went to bed shortly after, I felt like something was definitely going on. I tried not to get to excited, and ended up falling asleep around midnight or a bit after. I woke a few times to some contractions, but eventually fell deeper into sleep and by morning, there was nothing again. I had my chiropractor appointment today and she did the labor inducing pressure points again. She predicted from feeling my pressure points that it will be today or tomorrow. God I hope so!! I did get a few contractions from her adjusting me and using the pressure points. And I have continued having very few mild contractions since. I have since done the dishes and plan to finish cleaning up the house. Not sure what the rest of the day holds for us, but I might go buy some castor oil. We'll see.

More soon! :) 

39 weeks + 4 days Pregnant Midwife Update

Midwife update:

Had my 39 week appointment today, here's the stats:

weight up 2 from last week--seriously!?! come on! total for pregnancy 43lbs

Blood Pressure: 124/68

Pulse: 70

Fundal Height: 43cm

Fetal Heart Rate: 130bpm

Fetal Position: LOA

Estimated Fetal Weight: 9lbs!! Holy Schnikies!


I also must mention that Monday, I had a bout of diarrhea and then was crampy all day. I really thought that was it...it was labor time...but alas, no contractions. I still have crampy-ness throughout the day here and there, but its not like it was on Monday. Either way, I know labor is coming. My doula thinks it will be Monday. Something about first time mommas having diarrhea one week from labor. Fingers crossed!!

PS, my last day of work is tomorrow! Hurray!!! 

Pregnancy Week 38

How far along: 38 Weeks

Weight gain: +5 from last week! Wahhh? 41 for the pregnancy...swell much?

Stretch marks: absolutely

Maternity clothes: yes yes and yes!

Sleep: eh...up and down. I seem to sleep hard and wake often.

Best moment this week: Spending an amazing evening with Scott outside with a campfire and cooking our food over the fire. (tin foil potatoes and cheddarwurst on the tripod, and blueberry pudgie pies!)

Miss anything: just the normal, sleeping on my belly, seeing my ankles, my hands not tingling.

Cravings: nothing really, sweets probably.

Anything make you queasy or sick: not really

Gender: boy!

Wedding rings: off

Belly button: still in

Movements: fewer, but I know he's out of room in there, so many of them aren't so noticeable, even when he does move around--especially if I'm distracted.

Symptoms: tingling hands, swollen ankles/feet, mood swings--mostly just disappointed when things dont feel like they are moving along, tired--been taking lots more naps. slight nesting.

Mood: usually pretty good. I do get cranky when I have to go to work again every morning...and at night when I feel like I haven't progressed or had any contractions.

MIDWIFE UPDATE:
see my previous post on labor watch #3 and small update.

I know any mother or soon to be mother can relate to the last few week of pregnancy being the worst. I am in total agreement!! These last few days have felt longer than many of the weeks I've been through recently. Of course every mother wants her baby to be healthy and strong, but we also want the waiting to be over. I can not wait to see what little Liam looks like, what his cry will sound like, how much hair he has, what his temperment will be, all those questions that have been floating around in my head since before conception. They are finally building up to these last few days of waiting. And it's driving me crazy! lol. I love him so entirely already, I cant wait to see his face and smell his scent. :)

Hopefully my next post will be with my little one in my arms :) Thank you all for your love and support!

Nikky

Labor Watch #3 plus small update

Well, I wish I could say the reason I've been not updating the past few days is because my little one finally decided to come. ... but alas...he has not. I know every mother and soon to be mother understands the crabby disappointment that comes with the last few weeks, when things start happening and then stop abruptly. Yup, that's where I'm at. Figures though, we probably all need to feel this way a little bit.

Anyways, many things we have been trying are just repeats of the last few. We have tried nipple stimulation. While this does cause some mild contractions, it hasn't built into anything measurable.

Method #4 Sex and Orgasm

Attempted: 6/5/13

How far along: 38 weeks, 4 days

Purpose: ripen cervix, and cause contractions

Results: a few minutes afterward I had one of the strongest contractions yet. I continued to have a few more milder ones and ended up going to sleep. Throughout the night I had a few that woke me up, but they eventually tapered off.

The chiropractor also did some pressure points again today. (38weeks, 6 days) It has seemed to slowly work. I had some pressure at the top of my uterus, and some contractions that range in intensity. I haven't timed them. I think I'm at the point where it's easier not to focus on them. I hate to keep getting disappointed.

Midwife Update:

I had my 38 week midwife appointment on wednesday. I gained 5 pounds!! WTF! haha, hopefully its just fluid. My blood pressure was 118/78, pulse 80, fundal height dropped to 42.5cm--was 44.5cm last week. She said its dropped since he is much lower and very well engaged. (yay!) Fetal heart rate 130, Estimated fetal weight 8.5lbs! I expressed concern about going to 42 weeks since my insurance will expire by then, and she mentioned that we could start doing some ways to facilitate labor next week. I'm going to email her on Monday to see if they will do a membrane sweep at my next appt on Wednesday. But she mentioned that she didnt think I would make it to 42 weeks. Here's to hoping!!

All I can say is I hope that all these methods we have been doing are at least thinning and dilating my cervix!

More soon. :)

Labor Watch #2

Method #2 Walking

Attempted: 6/2/13

How far along: 38 weeks

Purpose: helping baby engage lower in the pelvis

Results: one major hill, and 2 miles later...i had one contraction. until hours later, when I went to bed. I was having contractions lasting 1 minute with 2 1/2 minutes rest in between. I ended up falling asleep, and woke three times to pee. Each time, I noticed a contraction, but by the time I woke up, nothing. Oh well...

Method #3 Pressure Points (done by my chiropractor)

Attempted: 6/3/13

How far along: 38 weeks 1 day

Purpose: brings on labor

Results: I will let you know :) ... A bit of cramping, but nothing really happened. BUMMER!!

Labor Watch #1

Like I mentioned in my previous post (week 37) I will be posting updates on our experiences trying to get things moving along. Tomorrow marks 38 weeks. I realize that some people will be appalled that we are trying to naturally induce already, but I will not justify my actions. I know that if baby isnt ready, it wont work. We are starting with the least drastic methods of course.

Method #1 Sex

Attempted 6/1/13

How far along: 37 weeks, 7days

Purpose: ripening the cervix

Results: My braxton hicks contractions did pick up, but have tapered off so far. We'll see what happens once I get to work and am walking around for 6 hours.

Contractions: vary, from 9 minutes apart lasting for 2 minutes, to 16 minutes apart lasting 1 minute. Currently its been 30 minutes since my last.

Tonight we will take a walk, and I will update this post in the morning with the results.

Overall results: while sex was fun (duh!) and I did get a few contractions, it didnt stick. Oh well. Next time. :) and it rained cats and dogs here, so the walk was out. Bummer. 

Pregnancy Week 37

FULL TERM!!
I cant believe it! I'm finally here! Now, I just need to work on June 1st and then I can go into labor anytime. Working on the first will ensure I have insurance until the end of the month. Wahoo!!!

Worst symptoms this week: my hands/wrists falling asleep all day!! Even now, I'm wearing my wrist braces and my fingers are still numb. The braces do, however, make it much easier to sleep and function. Well, because of my hands being numb, I wake up all the time during the night!! Yesterday was the worst. I had such a miserable headache from lack of sleep. And Scott has been sick with sinus issues so I drove both ways to the midwives. Luckily, after a nap, my headache did get slightly better.

Anyways...

How Far: 37 Weeks!!! :)

Weight gain: -1lb since last week+36 for the pregnancy.

Stretch marks: yes

Maternity clothes: of course

Sleep: Terrible...when Im not waking to pee (usually 2-3 times a night) I am waking because my hands are asleep and I cant use them to help me turn over...

Best moment this week: just making it through another week, and getting closer to seeing my little man!

Miss anything? Sleep, sleeping on my belly, my hands working properly

Cravings: nothing particular

Anything make you queasy or sick: not really, still smelly people...ew

Gender: boy!

Wedding rings: havent tried recently, but im sure they still wont fit.

belly button: i dont think it will ever pop out or be completely flat, but it has definitely changed!

movements: lots, not so much kicks, but his little butt moving around

symptoms: see above, tired, nesting, bh contractions (12ish minutes apart, lasting for 1), still swelling in the feet and ankles--but its been getting slightly better, pubic pain.

Mood: feeling "done" lol. like most women at 37 weeks im sure. I want my little man to be here, and I want my body back, Im SO ready to be a mom! excited! happy! anxious! :)

Midwife update: measuring at 44.5weeks! estimated fetal weight is 7.5-8lbs. my pulse was 60, and b/p was 122/86--a bit higher than normal. My weight was down 1 lb from last week. fetal heart rate was 140. He is still head down and his head is "nice and engaged" as she said. She also mentioned "see you next week...or maybe not" eeekkk!!! 

Scott and I are also trying to get things going. I believe that if Liam is not ready, these things wont work. I have researched and I understand the risks, but like Ive mentioned before, I trust my body. I will be posting throughout the week on "Labor Watch" with updates on my contractions and things we have tried to get labor started.

Thank you all for following me on my journey into motherhood! I am SO excited to continue to share my experiences!

<3 Nikky

Our Childbirth Classes

We decided to take our childbirth classes with our doula, Rachel. I cannot explain how wonderful these classes are!! I will add a bit to this post every week to mention a few things about what we learned. They way I can always come back for reference and you can see what an "out of hospital" birth class is like.


I am not claiming that these techniques are that of my own, or that I am certified in anything on this topic. I am just passing along knowledge and ideas for you to research on your own and with your care provider you can decided if this is what is right for you.

Week 1: Nutrition

We learned about the Dr. Brewer's Pregnancy Diet and why we should use it. There were so many aspects to this, but the things that stood out the most to me was salt intake. On the website it explains it in depth, but here is a paragraph from their page on salt intake.

As pregnancy progresses, the placenta needs a great deal more blood flowing through it in order to work efficiently. In normal pregnancy, the mother's blood volume must expand by more than 40 percent to meet this metabolic need. Salt is a chief element in maintaining this dramatically expanded blood volume. One of the properties of salt is that it causes the body to retain fluid which, under normal conditions, is retained in the bloodstream for use in placental perfusion. Salt restriction during pregnancy limits the normal expansion of the blood volume. A blood volume below the level needed to service the growing placenta produces disastrous consequences. (Including toxemia, perinatal deaths, c-sections, abruptio placenta)


Nutritional Deficiency in Pregnancy

Complications	Control Group (750)	Nutrition Group (750)
Preeclampsia	59	0
Eclampsia	5	0
Prematures (5 lb. or less)	37	0*
Infant Mortality	54.6/1,000	4/1,000

--Adapted from Winslow Tompkins. Journal of International College of Surgeons 4:417, 1941.
(*Smallest baby weighed 6 lb. 4 1/2 oz.)

Above is a table I snagged from the same page that is on salt intake. This clearly shows how important great nutrition is in pregnancy! If that's not enough proof, I don't know what is!

One other thing that stood out in my mind from week 1's class was if you are nauseous or have acid during your pregnancy (I am lucky enough not to be...yet), do not take tums or rolaids for relief. If taken in large quantities, they can calcify your placenta! When you placenta has calcification spots it functions at a decreased rate (which doesn't help the baby at all). It will try to overcome this by growing larger. While this may not be a life or death issue, it may cause your baby to not get the nutrients he/she needs. My doula suggests taking papaya enzyme tablets instead of tums or rolaids. Papaya enzyme tablets are found at many drugstores, and natural food stores. They are cheap and tasty too! Papaya has been eaten for hundreds of years as a fruit and to help aid in digestion. Even if you are not feeling sick, but you've eaten a large meal you can take papaya enzyme to help digestion. You cannot take too much papaya.
You can usually find it in either a papaya flavor or a mint flavor. I've had both, and enjoy them both. 



Week 2: Labor Stage 1

This class was so amazing!! We watched a video that was computer generated to show us what is actually happening inside our bodies during labor. For me, I always do tons of research and can read about something until I'm blue in the face. But, it always solidifies my knowledge when I can see it as well. For me, when I fully understand something frightening, I no longer have fear of it. (kinda like when you know how a haunted house is run, it no longer scares you) Of course there are many unknowns that can me scary, but for the general overview of what is happening and why, I have definitely left much of the fear behind with this class. 
This video was not the one we watched in class, our's was much more indepth, but this is kinda an overview to give you an idea of what we saw.

We also started talking about relaxation techniques that our partner can do to help us get through stage 1 of labor. We talked about stroking. This is where your partner starts at a high point in your body, say your shoulders, and gently strokes downward toward your fingertips. Rachel mentioned that you always should start at the top and work you way down. It seemed similar to reiki and engerywork where you are sorta directing the flow of energy downward to relax the body. Your partner could also start at your back (if you are laying down) and make their way to your feet. Always top to bottom.



Week 3: Dad's Role

This class Scott took notes the entire time! It was so cute to see him scribbling everything down! Rachel's husband joined our class to give his perspective on some things, which I think helped the Dads in the class. The class basically went through what a dad or other birth partner needs to do while mommy is in labor. Keeping her hydrated and using the bathroom regularly, making sure she is eating, helping her relax, being her mental, emotional, and physical support. 

We also played a great game where we had double sided cards with different labor/birth choices on them. We first set them out to our ideal birth plan, and then had to change 4 of them. So which 4 were we willing to give up? And is this birth still acceptable? And then we did 4 more, and eventually 2 more. So of course we picked ones like "birth out of hospital" "no pain meds" "freedom of movement" "no episiotomy" "vaginal birth" etc. And you end up with your close to least acceptable birth. This just really helps you think about the things you want, and the things you would be willing to sacrifice for the health of your baby and yourself. She also told us about a great free birth plan from the Earth Mama Angel Baby website. Birth Plan. She recommended printing 2 birth plans. The first being your ideal plan, and the second being your "Plan B". If you had to transfer to hospital, what would your wishes be. The great thing about this site for your birth plan is that when you go to print it, it only prints the options you chose on the first screen. So there is nothing else any care providers see or get confused by. 









 Week 4: Stage 2 and 3 of Labor

Basically stage 2 is the pushing and delivery of the baby, and stage 3 is delivery of placenta. 

We learned about some different positions to push in: standing, side-lying, sitting upright in bed, sitting on the toilet, semi sitting, hands and knees, squatting, lap squatting, supported squat, and dangle. 
Here are a couple of videos I found on Youtube that I found interesting. For both home and hospital births. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkzRTS6IdQo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yreizEBmwHs

 
 
We also discussed some things to do after the birth occurs. Sitz baths and ice pack pad for perineum comfort. Rest, rest, rest! Keep drinking fluids, eat something that wont bind up your digestive tract (no pasta, bread, cheese, etc) You want to be able to have a bowel movement easily. Enjoy your new family member!



 I am going to combine weeks 5 and 6 since they sort of go together. 

Week 5: Variations of Normal & Week 6: Induction and C-sections

(I am going off of my husband's notes--which can be difficult to read from time to time, so hopefully I get it correct--as always do your own research.)

Condition
Risks to baby and mother
Options if condition is present

Pre-term labor
insufficient lung development of fetus, baby may have to stay in NICU
hydrate! get a snack, rest!, take a epsom salt bath (3+cups of epsom salts in bath water) Soak 1 hour.

Post term labor (after 42 weeks)
Post maturity of fetus, respiratory distress.
wait, induction by pharmacutical and non-pharm methods--castor oil, sex, nipple stim, etc

PROM (Premature rupture of membranes)
Likelyhood of infection increases--especially with the more vaginal exams you recieve, Labor clock begins.
Avoid vaginal exams

OP, Posterior, Face up, Sunny side up
Longer labor, more painful back labor
Optimal fetal technique, movements, avoid artificial rupture of membranes.

Breech Birth
Cord prolaps, providers are not trained in vaginal breech birth techniques
chiropractic maxiobustion, (and a bunch of stuff i cant read lol)

Transverse, Laying sideways
This is a true emergency if in active labor
C-section

Arrested Labor --labor that stops
None if bag of waters is intact, frustration and maternal exhaustion
Unwavering encouragement, position change, wait, nap if able. augmentation.

Failure to progress
None of bay of waters is intact, furstration, and meternal exhaustion
change positions, augmentation.

Meconium
may indicate fetal distress, meconium aspiration
Deliver in water, suction, intubation with suction

CPD (baby too big)
Very rare today inspite of high rate of diagnosis.
patience, change positions, tire from pushing, c-section

Shoulder dystocia
pelvic muscles can trap blood in babys head
gaskin manuver, mcroberts postion

Cord prolaps
baby deprived of oxygen
lay head on floor and lift bottom to reverse gravity--taking pressure off the cord. Lift cervic to hold cord away. Instant C-section.

retained placenta
hemmorage
pitocin, cydotech, extraction, hysterectomy

***Like I've mentioned above, these are the notes we took from our classes, please research conditions on your own.                                                                                 


 Class 6 notes: 

Analgesics--demeral, stadol, fentanyl, etc 
Delivered: via IV 
Effects: Alleviates prectption of pain.
Risks: mother--loopy, spacy, out of control, sleepy after birth Baby--sleepy, poor suck reflex, respiratory depression, seperation from mother, no bonding immediately after birth.
Labor: constant monitoring, limits mobility, may lead to augmentation. 

Anesthesia--epidural or general
Delivered: via IV
Effects: loss of sensation or conscious 
Risks: Mother-- lowers blood pressure, fever, itchy, 10% will not work, urinary catheter, reaction to drugs up to 6 weeks postpartum, clots, needle can break off in your spinal column, spinal headache, dizziness, seizures, life support, respiratory and cardiac failure, paralysis, death. Baby--drugs reach baby in minutes, fever, labor more painful for baby, breastfeeding difficulties, fetal distress, increase birth interventions.
Labor: can slow down or stop labor, requires augmentation, limits mobility, constant monitoring, relaxes uterus, fetal positioning, greater chance of episiotomy, ineffective pushing,greater chance of intervention and c-section.

C-Sections
Types: planned (no labor), Planned (in-labor), Emergency in Labor
"good" Reasons: Hemorrage, placenta previa, abruptia placenta, cord prolapse or compression
 questionable Reasons: Electronic fetal monitors "shows" distress, times up, fetal presentation, failed induction, previous c-section, elective.
Effects from ansethesia: groggy, sleepy, nausea, itchy (see above anesthesia risks to mom and baby)


Class 7: Labor rehearsal! yay!

This class was so much fun! Rachel set up stations in her house and we traveled through our "labor" and tried out different positions and techniques to help us cope with labor. She had dimmed the lights, and played soft music. Here are some of the positions we went over.


 The Supported Squat Positon:

 

 Here, Dad is sitting at the edge of a couch/chair and Mom is nestled between his knees. His arms are under her armpits, and she is in a full squat. This position helps open up your pelvic bones and brings baby down further.


Supported Stand Position:

Here, Rachel suggested that Dad leans against a wall for added support. Dad's feet should be spread widely apart and one foot more forward than the other to give a wide supported stance. Same arm position are going on here, and Mom is just dangling with knees apart. This position also helps baby to move down.


Hands and Knees Position:

As seen above, this is pretty self explanatory. You can however, do this position in bed, on the floor, on the floor with pillows under knees and arms, or with a birth ball for added support. This position helps take the weight of baby off your spine.



Resting on Birth Ball:

 

Many women enjoy bouncing slightly in early labor, this position helps with posture and balance. You can do figure 8's and hip circles with the birth ball to help position baby.


Sidelying Position:

This position can ease hip pain. Also Dad can give gentle massage or stroking during this time. Very relaxing!


I hope these help! Just remember to keep moving, swaying, rocking, and squatting!