Childbirth
Every birth is unique. We can’t predict exactly how it will go, but we can prepare you. We explain what to expect and how to prepare for it.
Childbirth
You can give birth between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy . This is normal and safe.
Breaking of the waters
In 1 in 10 deliveries, contractions start with the water breaking. The amniotic fluid is usually clear or light pink with white flakes (skin oil from the baby).
During the day or in the evening? Call us directly. We schedule a check-up together.
At night? If the head is in the right position, the amniotic fluid is clear and you are not having contractions yet, call around 8:30 am. Try to get some sleep.
Does the color of the amniotic fluid change (green, brown, yellow) or do you get strong contractions? Call us right away!
Sometimes you lose a lot of fluid at once, sometimes small amounts with movement. Keep your wet sanitary pads or underwear so that we can check this.
Often the contractions start on their own within 24 hours . If this does not happen, it may be necessary to induce labour. This is then done in consultation with the hospital.
Dilation contractions
In 9 out of 10 deliveries , contractions start first. These are contractions of the uterus, which make your abdomen hard and you feel a cramp. This can start in your lower abdomen and radiate to your back or legs. The contractions come on, reach a peak and subside again.
How does it start?
In the beginning, contractions are irregular and less strong.
A hot shower, bath or paracetamol can help.
Find distractions, because contractions can still subside in this phase.
When do you call us?
First delivery? Call if contractions come every 3-4 minutes , last 60 seconds , and last for 1-2 hours .
Have you given birth before? Call if contractions come every 4-5 minutes and last 60 seconds .
We will then visit you at home for a check-up and internal examination to see how much dilation you have. Together we make a plan: sometimes you go straight to the hospital, but often you can stay at home for a while.
In the final phase, we stay with you to guide you, help you relax and make sure the birth goes well.
Contractions
At 10 cm dilation you get an untenable urge to push. If your baby is deep enough, you can push with it. We will guide you through this.
What is going on?
With each contraction, the baby comes a little further into your pelvis. Between contractions, the head may sink back slightly, but with the next contraction you push it forward again.
How long does pushing take?
First delivery: usually (more than) an hour.
Have you given birth before? Often within (half) an hour.
Once the head remains visible, it won’t be long before your baby is born.
Afterbirth
After the birth of your baby, the placenta (placenta) will also come. This usually happens within 15-30 minutes. You will have contractions again and with our help the placenta will come out.
Need extra help?
Sometimes we give an injection in consultation to help and limit blood loss.
Aftermath
Your uterus is still contracting to become smaller. This can be painful, but paracetamol helps with this.
