Delivering My Baby

















What can I expect during my delivery?

During the second stage of labour you will push your baby out of the pelvis.
This stage can last from a few minutes to 2-3 hours.

What is happening?

  • the baby's head turns to find the best fit through the pelvis
  • the vagina stretches as the baby's head is pushed down to allow your baby to pass
    through the vaginal opening

What does it feel like?

  • you may feel a strong urge to push
  • you may push 3-5 times during each contraction
  • you may feel very hot/flushed
  • it is normal to sometimes pass a small amount of stool as you push
  • with the crowning of the baby's head, you may feel a stretching, burning sensation
  • an amazing relief with the birth of the baby's head

    • What helps?

    • get into your birthing position (semi-sitting holding your legs, squatting,
      side lying)
    • trying different positions is a good idea
    • push when you have the urge
    • think of pushing your baby down,forward and out
    • drop your chin towards your chest and use pushing breathing
    • continue with relaxation techniques in between contractions
    • if you are asked to stop pushing at the end,
      use the panting breathing technique

    What is the apgar score?

    The apgar scoring system was designed to quickly evaluate a newborn’s condition
    immediately after birth to help determine any need for extra medical care.
    The nurse or Dr. assess the baby at 1 and 5 min after birth and give a numerical score.
    Apgar Score 2 1 0
    Heart Rate Normal(>100 beats per min) <100 beats per min Absent(no pulse)
    Breathing (rate and effort) Normal rate and effort Slow or irregular Absent (no breathing)
    Responsiveness Pulls away,sneezes or coughs Only grimaces with stimulation Absent(no response to stimulation)
    Activity (muscle tone) Active,spontaneous movement Arms and legs flexed with little movement No movement(floppy tone)
    Colour Normal all over,hands and feet pink Normal but hands and feet bluish Bluish or pale all over