It is important to recognise the signs of labour so that you will know when you are experiencing the “”real thing.”” If this is your first baby, you will most likely experience the descent of the baby’s head into your pelvis sooner than women who have already had children. Typically, the signs of labour include uterine contractions, tightening of your stomach, and cramps in your low back. About two thirds of women experience these before their water breaks. About one third will notice fluid leaking out first.
You may also be interested in taking a childbirth preparation class, which teach methods for coping with labour and delivery, and helps guide new parents in the many decisions they will make before and during the birth process. One of the things you may be most concerned with is the amount of pain you may experience during labour. You can have a very “low-tech” birth if you wish, knowing that all the best equipment, services and staff are immediately available, if required. Childbirth is different for all women, and no one can predict how much pain you will have. During the labour process, your midwife or Dr. Alex Polyakov will ask you if you need pain relief, and will help you decide what option is the best for you. Your options may include a local or intravenous analgesic (pain relieving drug), an epidural (injection which blocks pain in the lower part of your body), spinal anaesthesia (used when the delivery will require forceps), or a pudendal block (numbs the vulva, vagina and anus during the second stage of labour and during delivery).
