Delivery or Child Birth - Gynecology Treatment

Delivery

Childbirth or delivery is the final stage of pregnancy when the baby (sometimes babies) leaves the woman's uterus as it passes itself through the vagina or Caesarean section.

Vaginal delivery is the most common way of childbirth. It can be segregated into three stages of labour:

• Shortening and opening of the cervix
• Birth of the baby as it descents
• Delivery of the placenta

The first stage of labour usually lasts 12 to 19 hours during which the body prepares itself for the delivery. It begins with crampy abdominal or back pain that becomes stronger and closer together over time. The second stage is usually for 20 minutes to two hours depnding on the position of the baby in the womb. Pushing with contractions occur during this stage. The third or final stage is for five to 30 minutes. Delayed clamping of the umbilical cord is recommended. There are several methods to control pain like:

• Relaxation techniques
• Spinal blocks, and
• Opioids