|
Preterm Labor…Preterm labor is labor that starts before you are 37 weeks pregnant (3 or more weeks before your due date). Babies born too early have an increased risk of health problems and may not survive. While some signs of preterm labor are very clear, they can sometimes be dismissed as normal events at the end of pregnancy. Often times, women experiencing preterm labor have a strong feeling that something is “different.” Please listen to your body. If you are experiencing some of the symptoms listed below, please call your provider right away. These symptoms could be a sign of preterm labor:
• Bleeding from the vagina
• A sudden gush or slow leak of fluid from the vagina
• Contractions of the uterus that are consistently 10 minutes apart or closer, either with or without pain
• Menstrual-like cramps
• Low dull or constant backache, or a backache that comes and goes
• Pelvic pressure
• Increased or changed vaginal discharge
• A feeling that “something isn’t right”
If you notice any of these symptoms, but aren’t certain if you are in preterm labor, please don’t hesitate to call your provider. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, sometimes taking some steps to relax can help them go away. If something isn’t right: Lie down; Drink 2-4 glasses of water; Relax with some slow deep breathing; Take a bath or shower to relax. If you don’t feel better, then please call your provider right away.
Labor Signs… At the end of pregnancy, it is normal to feel somewhat anxious about when labor is going to begin. In the weeks or days leading up to labor, many women lose their mucus plug. It will look like a mucus discharge in your underwear or, when you wipe after using the bathroom. It is sometimes yellowish or clear, pinkish, brownish, or tinged with blood. Another sign that labor may be starting soon is that you may get a burst of energy and a sense that you want to get things in order prior to your baby’s arrival. This is often called the nesting instinct. While these are encouraging signs, they do not mean that you are in labor.
How Will I Know I’m in Labor? Many women feel uncertain about when to call their provider or what is considered true labor. Here are some basic guidelines:
• Contractions every five minutes for one hour - These contractions should be getting longer, stronger, and closer together. If you are unable to talk or walk through your contractions, it is time to call.
• You think that your water has broken - Most women have a large “gush” of fluid that comes from their vagina when their water breaks. Occasionally, women will have a slow leak of water that is persistent over a few hours. If you have any question about whether or not your water is broken, please call. It is likely we will have you come in to either the office or the Maternal Child Health unit for further evaluation.
• You should also call if -You are having bright red bleeding like a period or you do not feel your baby move for 10-12 hours.
How Do I Know if it’s Really Labor? It is common for women to have contractions near the end of their pregnancy. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine if you are having false labor or true labor. Here are some ways to determine whether you are experiencing true or false labor:
• Take a shower or bath, or go for a walk. If the contractions stop, it is not true labor. If they continue, it is probably true labor.
• Are the contractions getting longer, stronger, and closer together? If so, it’s likely true labor.
• Have two glasses of water. This will often help stop false labor.
• If you are unable to talk or move through the contractions, it is likely true labor.
Questions? In Labor? Call 334-4110 from 8:30-5:00 Monday through Friday, or 334-7331 at any other time.
Welcome to North Country Hospital’s Women and Children’s Center… We are looking forward to helping you prepare for your new baby. With every pregnancy there may be new experiences and questions you may have, this guide will provide you with useful information throughout your pregnancy. Please fell free to contact the staff at the hospital or North Country OB/Gyn medical practice. Please see the inside back cover for contact numbers and helpful information from your medical providers.
Our family will help you create your family… Our recently remodeled Birthing Center has four beautiful birthing rooms. These intimate, warmly decorated rooms let you have your baby in a special setting with all of the comfort and privacy of your own bedroom and a relaxing whirlpool tub. You will still have all of the medical attention and modern equipment of a traditional delivery room. The birthing room concept allows the family to participate in the birth in a relaxed atmosphere.
North Country Hospital's Maternal-Child Department has been well known for its philosophy of family centered care for quite some time. During your stay with us, a designated support person is welcome to spend the night if a bed is available. Flexible visiting hours, a complimentary fruit basket and gift for baby will enhance your visit.
Our highly trained staff is always available for phone consultation and we have two certified lactation consultants who specialize in breast-feeding support.
Classes designed to enhance your childbirth experience… If you have questions about your pregnancy, are nervous about labor and delivery or worried about becoming a new parent ... then join the crowd! That’s what childbirth education classes are for - a chance to share ideas and concerns with other expectant parents and learn from an expert. Being prepared will enhance your childbirth experience and decrease your anxiety.
Childbirth classes offer 2 options:
The Six Week Class - Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30 pm
The Two-Day Saturday Class - From 9am - 2 pm. We offer a two-day option for an in-depth childbirth education program. This two-day class is a good alternative for students and working parents-to-be or as a refresher course for those who are already parents!
Expectant Moms may be accompanied by their partner, coach, friend or family member. Topics to be covered include: Coping with pregnancy; Dynamics of labor and delivery; Relaxation and comfort techniques; Pain relief options; Infant care and feeding; Birth videos; Family care; and Car seat safety.
Cost is covered by most insurance plans. If you are a Healthy Babies client please give us your insurance number and we will bill Healthy Babies. Please do not let cost prohibit you from attending; no one will be turned away for financial need!
Call The Wellness Center @ 334-5566 for information about childbirth classes.
PLEASE REMEMBER! Second hand smoke is very dangerous for your baby. Give your baby a Fresh Start with good clean air to breathe.
|
