Is delivery coming and you have a thousand doubts? Are you worried about things that you dare not ask your gynecologist or midwife? It is normal that as the time of delivery approaches, you have concerns about the big event.
Through our Instagram profile we have asked pregnant women their doubts and concerns about childbirth , and we have compiled them into 31 questions that midwife Jessica Vázquez Alonso-Calzón (matronaoviedo) has kindly agreed to answer.
1) How do I know if my delivery will be cesarean or normal?
We cannot know it until it develops and we see if the labor progresses well or a problem arises for which a cesarean section would be indicated.
2) Does it hurt a lot? I am very concerned about labor pain
Labor contractions hurt, but it is a pain that comes and goes and you should be prepared and informed about labor pain and relief methods. A childbirth preparation program reduces fear and anxiety of the unknown and helps you cope with labor pain better.
3) I am 23 weeks old and have a placenta previa, is my baby likely to be born prematurely? Are there risks to childbirth?
At 23 weeks it is still too early to talk about placenta previa, as the uterus grows it can still move up. If not, your delivery would be through a scheduled cesarean section, since vaginal delivery would not be possible. A placenta previa does not influence whether or not a baby may be premature.
4) Can I have a tear in childbirth? How can I prevent it?
When it comes to a first delivery, it is very possible that you have a tear during the delivery. You can reduce the risk by performing a perineum massage during pregnancy (from week 32-34)
5) I have the human papillomavirus, can I have a natural birth?
Having the papilloma virus there is no problem in having a vaginal delivery.
6) Why is there so much fear of the epidural? What is your biggest risk?
There are many false myths in everything that surrounds motherhood and in regards to epidurals to a great extent.
Among the most frequent side effects are the drops in blood pressure after its administration, but to avoid them we administer serums in a preventive way and in this way we compensate for those possible drops.
All the side effects that an epidural can entail will be detailed in the consent that you must sign and if you have doubts, always discuss them with the anesthetist.
7) Will I have an episiotomy? In which cases is it done? Should they inform me before doing it?
Routine episiotomies are not recommended, they should be performed in very specific cases. Yes, they must ask for your consent before doing it.
8) During the whole pregnancy I have low hemoglobin, what happens if at the time of delivery it is still low?
If your hemoglobin drops below 11 g / dl, you should take iron supplements. In the postpartum it is recommended to take iron for a month.
9) I am six months old, I notice that my baby is placed very low and it hurts when it moves, could it cause premature labor?
It doesn’t have to. I recommend the use of a pelvic belt to reduce these discomforts.
10) I had my first daughter by cesarean four years ago and now I am seven months pregnant, will it be cesarean again?
A caesarean section is not indicated due to having had a previous caesarean section.
11) What to do when you are afraid of the pain of contractions?
A good preparation for childbirth that includes adequate information, breathing and relaxation techniques.
12) Is a normal delivery possible being hypertensive? What is the protocol to follow in these cases?
Vaginal delivery is possible, and is the most advisable. In the case of pre-eclampsia, depending on the values of the tests performed, an induced or provoked labor may be possible. The protocol will depend a bit on each hospital.
13) I have a transverse uterus, can I have a normal delivery?
Your uterus throughout the pregnancy will be placed as it grows in an upright position, and therefore the option of vaginal delivery is the same as in uteri that started from anteversion.
14) What anesthesia do you recommend?
No anesthesia! The epidural is not an anesthesia, it is an analgesia. I recommend that after learning about the non-pharmacological and pharmacological methods that you will be able to have, you decide what to use as the labor progresses and how you are carrying it, in such a way that it allows you to enjoy the moment and your delivery.
15) If it comes with a cord around the neck, can you have a natural birth?
Of course! The circular cord is usually solved with a very simple maneuver during delivery.
16) I have herniated discs (L5S1) and I am afraid that the epidural will be punctured badly, can something like this happen?
Epidural analgesia is usually set between L3-L4 or L4-L5, however I advise you to bring the report so that your anesthetist can see your spinal history, if he has not done it before.
17) I have an 11 month cesarean section and I am 3 months pregnant, can the scar open as the uterus enlarges?
A new pregnancy is not recommended during the first 12 months after cesarean section, due to the risk that exists with respect to the scars left on the uterus. But don’t worry, during the whole delivery you will be super controlled.
18) Can perineal massage be performed having a cerclage, since what week?
No problem, the cerclage is at the level of the cervix, it does not influence at all. I recommend that you start at week 32-34.
19) How will I know when to push if I have an epidural?
In the case of not feeling the desire to push, directed pushes are made. The midwife who assists you in the delivery will tell you when and how to do them.
20) I am 39 + 6 days old and I have no contractions. What can I do to help induce labor?
The best thing for you and for the baby is to respect the process in a normal way and without intervening if conditions allow it. Labor can start between 37 and 42 weeks.
In any case, raspberry leaves are very advisable, they will not cause labor, but they can shorten the time of the prodrome.
21) What is the best position for delivery?
If you do not have epidural analgesia, the position that your body asks for, free movement. If you are wearing the epidural, the position may be typical for lithotomy or on the side.
22) How to prevent fearful and negative thoughts from triggering postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is a serious and serious health problem that should not be confused with postpartum sadness, which is totally normal and transitory. In any case, if you have any questions, always consult a professional.
23) Does the vagina remain the same as before after a vaginal delivery? Is it back to its normal diameter?
Yes.
24) In which cases is a pelvimetry performed?
Currently in Spain it is not carried out.
25) How will I know that I am in labor?
After having completed a childbirth preparation program with the appropriate information, you will feel more confident in being able to recognize the start of labor.
26) Is a breech delivery possible?
Yes!
27) Can I have a vaginal delivery after two cesarean sections?
There are hospitals where if possible, it depends on the protocols they have in each one.
28) How to heal episiotomy stitches and prevent them from opening?
They do not heal in a special way, it is recommended soap and water with the daily shower and keep the compress as dry as possible. To prevent them from opening, it will not depend only on you, but avoid picking up pesos.
29) Are enema and shaving essential?
No, it is a practice that is not recommended.
30) Can I have a bowel movement during childbirth? It’s something that worries and embarrasses me …
It may happen that when the head is about to come out due to compression in the rectal area, fecal remains are expelled, but it is totally physiological … and absolutely nothing happens!
31) I am very short, does the size of the mother influence whether it will be natural delivery or cesarean section?
You do not have to have a greater risk of having a cesarean section because of your height, rather it could influence the weight of the baby and the size of your pelvis, among many other factors, but your height alone, no.
Photos | iStockphoto
In Babies and more | What to do and what to say if you feel like you are not being treated well during your labor, “What happens in labor is deeply etched in both brains.” Interview with Ibone Olza
