Natural LaborVS.

Cesarean

Prelabor

First stage

Second stage

Third stage

Fourth stage

Nonprogressingcontractions

Cervix ripens

Contractions are longer, stronger, and closer together

Nonprogressingcontractions

Passage of bloody mucus from vagina

Leakage of amniotic fluid

Progressing contractions

Gushing of amniotic fluid

Dilation of cervix

Begins when the cervix is fully dilated

Ends when the baby is born

Urges to push

Pain lessens which helps the mother calm down

Non-rushing stage

May require many different positions

Shortest and least painful

10-30 minutes

Uterus contracts causing placenta to detach from uterine wall

Clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord

Lasts from after delivery of the placenta until your condition is stable

Indicated by BP, pulse, vaginal discharge and uterine tone

1-2 hours

May be planned, unplanned (emergency)

Many reasons-prolonged labor-fetal distress-fetal problems-prolapsed cord-placental abruption

Typically signing consent form for surgery

Abdomen/upper pubic hair shaved

May be given antacid medication to avoid emesis

IV drip starts and remains in place for 24 hours after delivery

Catheter inserted to keep bladder empty when anesthetic has taken effect

Lie on back

Abdomen washed with antiseptic

Sterile sheet draped over body and surgical drape between you and abdomen

SKIN INCISION UTERINE INCISION

Doctor inspects uterus

Incisions in your uterus and abdomen sutured with absorbable thread

Skin closed with either absorbable thread, nonabsorbable thread, staples or clips removed before you go home

Pitocin in IV is continued to keep uterus from contracting

NATURAL LABOR CESAREAN

More alert after birth

Easier latching of the breast

No narcotics in system

Lower risk of fetal distress

Discharge scores may be higher and able to go home more quickly

Low trauma

NATURAL LABOR CESAREAN

Mother never loses sensations of her body

Able to walk around and monitor pain to know what stage of labor she is in

No post epidural headache

Less chance of nausea

Less groggy after birth

Accomplishment felt

No labor pain

Dignity and privacy (no checking of the cervix)

Most likely scheduled

NATURAL LABOR CESAREAN

Prolonged delivery

Complications can arise

Premature birth

Breathing problems

Lower APGAR scores requiring longer stay at hospital

Fetal injury

NATURAL LABOR CESAREAN

Episiotomy

Bursting of blood vessels

Anyerisum

Other natural complications can arise

Serious abdominal surgery

Incisions through abdomen, muscle, uterus…

Infection Blood loss Injury to organs Longer hospital stay Extended recovery time Higher maternal mortality