INTELLIGENT PARENTING This covers a much overlooked part of pregnancy, viz parenting during pregnancy ... yes, parenting begins during pregnancy and you will find some interesting ideas here on getting a headstart with parenting.

Labor and Delivery

Second Stage of Labor

This stage begins when the cervix is fully dilated at about 10 cm, and ends when the baby comes out. In this stage the contractions may become a little less intense and the urge to push begins at this time.

This is also subjective and some of you may not have this urge to push. So prepare ahead of time for this phase too. The contractions at this time also stimulates the receptors in cervix which stimulates the release of oxytocin.

CROWNING

This is the time when your baby’s head slides under your pubic bones. The pain in the uterus may decrease but this initiates a feeling of intense burning in the perineum because of tissue stretch and bulging in the perineum. This is the moment when you can ease your pushing to let the baby slide out as naturally as possible.

Look out and concentrate for that first sound of cry which will take you to another world of you and your baby. The feeling that you go through in that instant is not describable and it is to be experienced. Keep yourself geared up for that and take him if you can for breast feeding.

• Learn Kiegel Exercises and practice it daily in pregnancy.
  
• You can prepare your perineum with oil massage weeks before your due date and try to use natural vegetable oils such as sesame; almond or coconut. This will soften the tissues and make it more flexible.
  
• Explore different positions that will make you more comfortable and that will allow you to stay centered during the final phase of delivery.

 
HOW TO GO THROUGH THE REAL PHASES OF LABOR?

1. First Stage of Labor
2. Third Stage of Labor