A-Z Interesting Birth Facts

The information contained on this website, including "Interesting birth facts" is of a general nature and is designed for learning purposes only. It is not meant to replace the recommendations or advice of your doctor or midwife. If seeking medical advice we recommend that you consult your Health Professional, first and foremost.

A

Active Birth
An 'Active Birth' is where the mother is in control of her labour. She moves and changes body pose at will and has the freedom to use upright positions such as squatting, kneeling or standing. With an active birth the labouring woman is encouraged to stay out of bed.

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Adrenaline (Hormone)
Is the "fight or flight" hormone that humans produce to help ensure survival. Women who feel threatened during labour (for example by fear or severe pain) may produce high levels of adrenaline. Adrenaline can slow labour or stop it altogether. Earlier in human evolution, this disruption helped birthing women move to a place of greater safety.

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Amniotic Sac
The sac or "bag of waters" filled with amniotic fluid in which the developing baby grows. The membranes which make up the sac sometimes rupture naturally as labour begins, but usually remain intact until the end of the first stage of childbirth. The membranes may also be broken by a midwife or doctor to speed up the birthing process.

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Apgar score

A standardised way of checking the health of a newborn baby. It is designed to assess a baby's health quickly: the checks are conducted at one minute and 5 minutes after birth.

The score is based on 5 elements, which are sometimes named after the letters in Apgar's name: Appearance, which relates to the pinkness or blueness of the baby's skin tone; Pulse, which relates to its heart rate; Grimace, which tests the baby's reflexes and response when the sole of its foot is stimulated; Activity, which checks the baby's muscle tone; and Respiration, which assesses the rate of the baby's breathing. Each element is given a score of 0, 1 or 2 to provide a total score of 10.

A score of 7 or more is considered normal. However, if the baby has a low score at one minute and a normal score at 5 minutes, this, too, is considered normal, particularly if the birth took a long time, or if the mother was given pethidine during labour, which can affect the baby's breathing.

A low Apgar score gives doctors a warning signal that they should check the baby for hidden health problems, such as breathing difficulties or internal bleeding, and allows them to give the baby crucial medical attention when it is most needed.

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B

Birth Canal
The passageway through which the fetus is expelled during childbirth, leading from the uterus through the cervix, vagina, and vulva.

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Bleeding in labour
This is a normal part of childbirth and can be daunting at first sight. Bleeding often occurs as the cervix opens to the required 10 cm. It is noticed more often in the latent phase (before the cervix has opened to 3cm.) If the labouring woman is concerned about the colour tone or amount of bleeding during labour, they should discuss it with their health professional immediately.

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Braxton Hicks
Are when the pregnant woman's uterus muscles tighten for anywhere from 30 to 60 seconds. As the pregnancy progresses, these contractions may become more intense and even painful at times. When they start to become more intense and frequent, they may feel like the real thing, but the contractions will still be irregular in intensity, frequency, and duration, and can taper off and then disappear altogether. If a pregnant woman feels this sensation and it eases up in any way, they are probably Braxton Hicks.

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Breech Babies

Breech babies present with their bottoms down and their heads up in the uterus

Four variations in breech presentation:

Complete: baby sits cross legged with head up

Frank: baby's legs are straight and held flat against his/her body with head up

Footling & or Double Footling: baby's foot or feet are coming first (before their bottom).

Kneeling: baby is in a kneeling position with head up

What is the best way for a breech baby to be born? Most doctors recommend a caesarean birth over a vaginal birth. When carrying a baby in the 'Breech' position, both birthing styles carry certain risks. Therefore before a birthing decision is decided it is recommended that a discussion of the issues with the doctor/midwives providing the care takes place.

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C

Caesareans
A caesarean section is an operation that enables your baby to be born through an incision made on the pregnant belly. Caesareans can be planned as elective for medical or social reasons or are experienced as an emergency caesarean when labour does not go as planned. An emergency caesarean usually occurs after labour has started.

Types of incisions used:

Transverse Incision (LUSCS)
The most common type of incision used is made on the lower part of the stomach, just above the bikini-line, and is referred to as a transverse incision or LUSCS as it cuts through the lower fibrous part of your uterus to deliver your baby. It is the preferred site on which to perform the incision.

Classical Incision
Rarely is a classical incision performed during a caesarean. This type of incision runs vertically (up and down) the uterus. It's normally done either because the baby is premature, the uterus has not stretched enough to allow a LUSCS to be performed, or because the baby is lying crossways in the uterus, or because the placenta is in the way.

'T'or 'J' Incision
There are other rarely used incisions, entitled 'T' or 'J' incisions because of the shape of the incision. These are the result of a LUSCS incision unexpectedly being inadequate to deliver the baby. The obstetrician extends the uterus incision in a 'T' or 'J' shape to increase its size and allow delivery. Usually the baby is in an unusual position, such as a transverse lie (sideways across the belly).

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Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD)

Cephalopelvic Disproportion CPD or small pelvis
A condition in which the head of the baby is determined as being larger than the mother's pelvis through which the fetal head must pass during a vaginal delivery. Health professionals have different views on what type of birth should result with this condition. Most recommend a caesarean birth, however there are others who do not see this condition as a problem for vaginal delivery. For more information consult a Health professional. The following website has an interesting point of view on CPD.

http://www.bellybelly.com.au/articles/birth/small-pelvis-big-baby-cpd

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Contractions
The periodic tightening and relaxing of the uterine muscle, the largest muscle in a woman's body. Something triggers the pituitary gland to release a hormone called oxytocin that stimulates the uterine tightening. It is difficult to predict when true labour contractions will begin. The nature of contractions is that as the labour progresses the contractions, which come in waves, become more frequent and last for a longer period of time.

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Crowning
Is when during delivery, the baby's head is pushing through the vagina and is beginning to be seen at the vulva.

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D

Doula
A non-medically trained support person who provides continuous emotional, physical and informational support throughout her pregnancy, labour and after childbirth. A Doula is often referred to as 'The Missing link in Maternity Care'.

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E

Endorphins (Hormone)
Are calming and pain-relieving hormones that are produced in response to stress and pain. The level of this natural morphine-like substance may rise toward the end of pregnancy, and then rises steadily and steeply during unmedicated labours. High endorphin levels during labour and birth can produce an altered state of consciousness that helps women flow with the process, even when it is long and arduous. Despite the hard work of labour and birth, a woman with high endorphin levels can feel alert, attentive, and even euphoric as she begins to get to know and care for her baby after birth. Endorphins may play a role in strengthening the mother-infant relationship at this time. A drop in endorphin levels in the days after birth may contribute to the "blues" that many women experience at this time.

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Epidurals

(Medicated pain relief option)
It's an injection into the small of the back, using a curved, hollow needle. The needle goes between the vertebrae of the back, and into the space outside the coverings that surround the spinal cord. A fine tube is passed through the needle and then the needle is removed. The tube is taped up the back and over the shoulder. The anaesthetist injects a local anaesthetic into the tube to numb the lower part of the abdomen. Generally, the legs and feet go numb as well. When an epidural is operating, contractions cannot be felt.

There are many documented advantages and disadvantages of having an Epidural and should be reviewed before making a decision on this procedure.

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Episiotomy
A straight cut through the muscle and connective tissue in the perinea area to enlarge the opening of the vagina. The decision to perform an episiotomy is usually made as the baby's head begins to emerge.

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F

Fetal monitor
Device used before or during labour to listen to and record the fetal heartbeat.

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Forceps delivery
A process that helps deliver the baby. If the baby is not moving down the birth canal and there is a medical need to speed the delivery, forceps may be used. The forceps, which look like a long pair of tongs, are gently inserted along either side of the baby's head. The baby can then be pulled out.

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G

Group B Steptococcal Disease (GBS)
This is a type of bacteria can live in a woman's vagina and anus without causing an infection. With the exception of a GBS urinary tract infection, most women with GBS present are 'carriers'and do not have any signs of an infection. A pregnant woman can pass GBS to her baby during pregnancy or delivery. In a newborn, GBS can cause mild to very serious infection. Because of this, most pregnant women are screened for GBS at 35-37 weeks gestation. Women who are positive for GBS are given antibiotics in labour to prevent infection in the baby after birth.

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H

Home Birth
Labour and delivery that takes place at home, usually with a health professional present.

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Hormones

Hormones (Four major systems working)

Relaxin
The hormone that causes joints and ligaments to soften and become stretched during pregnancy, This allows the pelvic bones to expand more easily during labour and delivery. Relaxin is also responsible for body changes, such as an increase in an expectant mother's foot size.

Endorphins
Are calming and pain-relieving hormones that are produced in response to stress and pain. The level of this natural morphine-like substance may rise toward the end of pregnancy, and then rises steadily and steeply during unmedicated labours. High endorphin levels during labour and birth can produce an altered state of consciousness that helps women flow with the process, even when it is long and arduous. Despite the hard work of labour and birth, a woman with high endorphin levels can feel alert, attentive, and even euphoric as she begins to get to know and care for her baby after birth. Endorphins may play a role in strengthening the mother-infant relationship at this time. A drop in endorphin levels in the days after birth may contribute to the "blues" that many women experience at this time.

Oxytocin
This natural hormone stimulates the uterus to contract. Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin that is often used to induce or speed up labour contractions. Pitocin may be given after delivery to help the uterus return to its normal size. Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin, also helping the uterus contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size.

Adrenaline
Is the "fight or flight" hormone that humans produce to help ensure survival. Women who feel threatened during labor (for example by fear or severe pain) may produce high levels of adrenaline. Adrenaline can slow labor or stop it altogether. Earlier in human evolution, this disruption helped birthing women move to a place of greater safety.

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Hypnobirthing
A style of labour management that employs suggestions and the power of the mind to control pain, via Hypnosis.

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I

Incisions
Types of incisions used:

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Induction
This is the use of artificial means to begin labour. These may include medication to soften the cervix, rupture of the amniotic sac, or medication to cause the uterus to contract, such as oxytocin (Pitocin).

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J

Jaundice (Newborn)
Is a yellow tinge to a newborn's skin. It is caused by too much bilirubin in the blood. It usually begins on the second or third day of life and starts disappearing when the baby is 7-10 days old. It is sometimes corrected by special light treatment but it is usually harmless and soon passes. In rare cases, prolonged jaundice may be a sign of something more serious.

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K

Kegal Exercises
These exercises are done to strengthen the pelvic floor, which can help a woman push more efficiently during delivery and can help recovery. To do Kegel exercises, contract and hold the muscles used to stop the flow of urine.

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L

Lamaze
This is a method of managing pain during childbirth. This technique focuses on relaxation, controlled breathing, and distraction. The Lamaze approach is neutral about pain medication. Women are encouraged to learn about all options and decide what is right for them.

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Lightening (AKA Dropping)
This is the movement of the baby down into your pelvis. Your doctor uses "stations" to describe how far the baby has dropped. The term '3 station' is when the baby's head is not yet in the pelvis.'0 station' is when the head is at the bottom of the pelvis. This is also called fully engaged. When the head is beginning to emerge from the birth canal, the term '+3 station' is used. +3 occurs during delivery and is also called crowning.

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M

Mucus plug (AKA 'Show')
A plug of mucus which blocks the cervix during pregnancy. This plug is here to keep bacteria out of the uterus. As the cervix thins and opens, this plug may fall out. When it falls out, you may notice stringy mucus or a thick (gluggy) discharge that is brown, pink, or reddish.

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N

Nitrous Oxide (Happy/Laughing gas)
Is a gas made up of 50 per cent oxygen and 50 per cent nitrous oxide. It is recommended to start breathing the gas the very second you feel a contraction beginning. It takes at least 20 seconds for the gas to build up in your blood stream to a sufficient level to give you some pain relief, and 45-50 seconds before it reaches it's greatest effectiveness. If you wait until the contraction really hurts, and then start breathing the gas, it will be taking effect in between contractions.

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O

Oxytocin (Hormone)
This natural hormone stimulates the uterus to contract. Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin that is often used to induce or speed up labour contractions. Pitocin may be given after delivery to help the uterus return to its normal size. Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin, also helping the uterus contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size.

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P

Perineum (Perineal area)
This is the thick muscular strap type area between the vagina and the anus.

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Pethidine
Pain-relieving drug which is related to morphine and used during labour. It is usually given as an injection into the thigh. It can cause drowsiness, dizziness and nausea in the mother and undue sleepiness in the newborn baby if administered too close to the actual birth.

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Placenta Previa
The placenta moves out of its normal position and covers all or part of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Placenta previa can cause abnormal bleeding, early separation of the placenta from the uterus, premature birth, or the need for an emergency caesarean section delivery.

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Polyhydramnios (AKA Hydramnios)
This is an excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid. The condition may increase the risk of having a caesarean section.

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R

Relaxin (Hormone)
The hormone that causes joints and ligaments to soften and become stretched during pregnancy, This allows the pelvic bones to expand more easily during labour and delivery. Relaxin is also responsible for body changes, such as an increase in an expectant mother's foot size.

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Retained Placenta
Is when all or part of the placenta or membranes are left inside the uterus during the third stage of labour.

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Ripeing of the Cervix
When the cervix starts to soften, and becomes more supple towards the end of pregnancy. This continues during the prelabour. When the cervix ripens it is preparing to open, and be drawn up into the lower segment of the uterus during the 1st stage of labour.

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S

Show (Mucus Plug)
A plug of mucus which blocks the cervix during pregnancy. This plug is here to keep bacteria out of the uterus. As the cervix thins and opens, this plug may fall out. When it falls out, you may notice stringy mucus or a thick (gluggy) discharge that is brown, pink, or reddish.

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Stages of Labour
First stage: Begins at the onset of labor and ends when the cervix is 100 percent effaced and completely dilated to 10 centimeters. The transition occurs toward the end of this first stage. (See Transition for more information)

Second stage: Begins when the cervix is completely effaced and dilated and ends with the birth of the baby

Third stage: Begins with the birth of the baby and ends with the delivery of the placenta

Fourth stage: Begins with delivery of the placenta and ends one-to-two hours after delivery

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Stations
The term is used to describe how far the baby has dropped. See 'Lightening' for more information.

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Support Person
The role of the support person is to give support and comfort to the birthing woman throughout and after her labour.

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T

Transition
This is the last section of stage one of labour. During transition, the cervix dilates from 7-10 centimeters. These last few inches of cervical opening may occur fairly quickly, but can be quite difficult. Contractions are stronger and more frequent, putting pressure on your lower back and rectum.

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U

Umbilical Cord
The umbilical cord is the spongy, cord-like structure which connects a fetus to the placenta. It carries nourishment and removes waste via two arteries and a vein. The cord is cut after delivery, and when the cord stump falls off, the baby's navel is revealed.

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V

VBAC
Vagina Birth After Ceasarean (VBAC). It was once believed that if a woman had a caesarean section, she would need to deliver any future babies in the same manner. Today, many women are able to have a vaginal delivery after one caesarean. If a mother has had a caesarean section, they can ask their doctor if a VBAC can be considered for subsequent deliveries.

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Ventouse delivery - (AKA Vaccum delivery)
During this method of assisted birth, a device that has a cup on the end is attached to the baby's head. Gentle suction is applied to hold the baby's head in place while the mother pushes to help move the baby through the birth canal. This extractor may be used if the baby needs to be born quickly once crowning begins or if the mother needs help pushing the baby out. Serious risks to mother and baby are low, although the baby may have temporary bruising or swelling on the scalp.

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Vernix
Is a thick, greasy, substance which covers the baby's skin in the womb. It can also cover the baby's skin after delivery and is less pronounced if the baby is overdue. It moisturizes and protects the baby's skin in the womb and is rich in vitamin K.

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W

Waterbirths
Birthing the baby in water. Waterbirths can be performed in some hospitals, specialized waterbirth centres, and at home under the guidance of approved/specialised health professionals.

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When to go to hospital or your birthing place

Signs of labour typically include:

Contractions that are regular and increase in frequency or severity
Pain is in the lower back
A show or mucus plus is present and pinkish or blood-streaked
Membranes rupture.

If any of the above signs of labour occur, or if the pregnant woman is in doubt, she should contact her Doctor/hospital. They will advise on when to go to the birthing place.

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Y

Yoga (Pre-Natal)
A system of techniques for balancing the body, mind and spirit through relaxation, exercises, postures, breathing and meditation techniques to assist during labour and delivery.

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Z

Zygote
This is a medical term for a newly fertilised egg before it implants into the uterus. This is the beginning of a pregnancy.

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