gestation period It is a period of 280 days or 40 weeks, starting from the first day of the last menstrual period. However, this period does not match the pregnancy period calculated by women based on the day of sexual intercourse. If we start the pregnancy from the day of fertilization, this period will be shortened by approximately 15 days. Towards the end of pregnancy, labor pains begin due to factors that have not yet been proven. During examinations, especially in the last months of pregnancy, the position of the baby in the womb and its leading part are determined. In first pregnancies, the baby's head must settle in the birth canal a few weeks before birth. This will show us the chances of the baby being born normally. About 95% of babies enter the birth canal with their head forward. In cases of breech presentation, the method of delivery is determined by the experience of the physician and the preference of the family. Because there is a risk of harm to the baby during birth. There is no chance of normal birth in side (transverse) and oblique (oblique) postures. However, to change the baby's position, turning maneuvers have been described before the birth pains begin. If the family accepts the risks of these maneuvers, they can be tried to give a chance for normal birth.

A few days before the actual labor pains begin, a bloody-slimy discharge, popularly called "engagement", is a sign of birth. Pains in preparation for birth, which occur several times a day at first, gradually increase between the 38th and 42nd weeks of pregnancy. The pains, which are infrequent and irregular, gradually become more frequent and begin to be felt strongly. We can say that labor pains have begun when the intervals between pains decrease below 5 minutes and begin to last more than half a minute.

Normal birth can be divided into 3 stages.

1. First stage: It is the period between when labor pains begin and when the cervix is ​​fully dilated. It is divided into two as latent (initial, hidden) and active period. The period in which cervical dilatation slowly increases despite regular pain is the latent period. Approximately 4 cm from the cervix. It is considered as the time until the opening is reached. The time from now until the cervix is ​​fully dilated is called the active phase.

2. Second stage: It is the period from the full dilation of the cervix to the birth of the baby. During this period, the baby is advanced through the birth canal with excruciating pain. It usually takes about 1-2 hours.

3. Third stage: It is the period between the birth of the baby and the birth of the baby's partner (placenta). Maximum 30 min. It takes until.

What are the events that should alert the pregnant woman near birth?

1. Fluid coming out of the vagina: In about 10% of pregnancies, the membranes rupture before the birth pains begin and fluid begins to come out of the vagina. This situation immediately to consult a doctor It is a situation that requires.

2. Regular and severe contractions felt in the lower abdomen: It indicates the beginning of labor pains.

3. Vaginal bleeding: A small amount of bleeding is due to the dilation of the cervix, excessive bleeding is due to premature separation of the baby partner from the uterus (placental abruption), baby partner coming forward, etc. may occur for reasons.

4. Feeling more severe pain in the waist and abdomen than the expected birth pain may lead to premature separation of the baby's partner from the uterus or uterine rupture (especially those with previous cesarean sections and myoma may indicate in patients who have undergone surgery).

In what cases is stitched birth (episiotomy) performed?

In the past, birth with stitches was recommended for almost all first births, as well as in cases such as large babies and breech presentation, which could cause serious tears in the birth canal. It was accepted that this practice would prevent damage to the woman's birth path. However, detailed studies on this subject in recent years have shown that stitching at birth does not always provide the expected benefits and even creates some drawbacks (chronic pain, discomfort in sexual intercourse). For this reason, today there are cases where the baby has a high risk of tearing on the way out, the baby's heartbeat is disrupted, the baby has shoulder occlusion, etc. In such cases, stitched birth is applied. Apart from this, all births are tried to be done without stitches. Slight tears that may occur during birth are easily repaired and do not cause any permanent problems for the mother.

How should postpartum follow-up be?

The first 1-2 hours after birth are very important. Uterine failure (atonia) and excessive bleeding are most common during this period. For this reason, a woman who has given birth should be tested every 15 minutes. should also be checked. If uterine failure is detected early, it can be corrected with medication. Otherwise, if the physician is experienced, the patient's life can be saved with uterine-preserving and bleeding-stopping surgeries, or if the physician is not experienced, with hysterectomy surgeries.

When should breastfeeding start?

Unless there is an obstacle, breastfeeding should begin as soon as possible after birth. It should be breastfed periodically, every 2-3 hours. Breastfeeding technique should be taught correctly to the mother. This will both ensure that the milk comes in faster and prevent nipple cracks. During breastfeeding, each breast lasts 15 minutes. should not be given more than XNUMX ml, and the order of administration should be changed. After breastfeeding, the nipple should be cleaned with boiled, cooled water and anti-crack creams should be used. For the first few days, there will not be enough milk to feed the baby. However, the mother should continue breastfeeding patiently and drink plenty of fluids.

When is blood incompatibility injection given?

In cases where the mother's blood group is Rh(-) and the baby's blood group is Rh(+), an incompatibility injection (Rh immunoglobulin) should be given to the mother after birth. This is precautionary for future pregnancies.

How long does the postpartum period last? What is its importance?

Postpartum covers a period of about 6 weeks after birth. During this period, the normal (physiological) changes that occurred in the woman during pregnancy return. The color of the postpartum discharge (lochia) seen during this period changes over time. It first turns red, then brown, and finally yellow.

During the postpartum period, the female body is very sensitive as it goes through major changes and experiences a traumatic event such as birth. Infections may occur during this period. During this period when the woman's sleep is significantly reduced due to breastfeeding, complaints of high fever and pain should be taken into consideration and a physician should be consulted.