Stages of labour

Labor is the onset of pain full uterine contraction with progressive dilatation and effacement of cervix and culminating with the delivery of the baby with its placenta and membranes.

Labor and subsequent delivery is a sequence of events. For some fortunate woman it can be over in a matter of few hours with moderate pain, may be just a backache.But for few who are first time moms it can be a real trial of physical and mental strength.As every woman is different and unique so also is each labor. It can vary from one pregnancy to other in the same woman.Presuming everything goes normal labor is divided into three stages.

1st stage of labour:-It is the longest of all                                                                                    corresponds to the onset of labour pain and contractions  and progressive dilatation and effacement (thinning out)of cervix till it attains full dilatation of about 10 cms .If you are experiencing labour for the first time , effacement happens first and then the cervix progressively dilates. In case of experienced mothers effacement and dilatation usually happens simultaneously..The median duration of 1st stage is about 12 hour in 1st timers and 6 hours in experienced moms.This stage is further divided into

• Early or latent phase and
• Active phase

Early or latent labour

           It is the beginning or rather preparation of labour.It can extend upto days.The contractions are usually the intensification of Braxtonhicks which starts aeound 26 weeks . In this stage your cervix starts thinning(effacement) and dilating.You will experience mild painfull contraction or backache.The pain is usually not unbearable.You should expect to get pain every 5 to 20 minutes which stays for about 40 to 60 seconds.You may also experience reddish mucoid discharge vaginally .This is due to the dislodgement and expulsion of the mucus plug in your cervix as it dilates progressively.

Duration of latent labor

Well you have to be patient.As i have already stated 1st stage is the longest of all and this particular stage can stretch for days specially if you are a first timer.

What You should do

• Try to relax
• take light easily digestible snacks
• maintain proper cleanliness and maintain hygiene
• you can carry out light household works also if you prefer
• choose a position which gives you maximum comfort
• You can stay at home until your labour pain grew stronger ,which is an indication itself that you are going into active stage and you should had for a specialised delivery unit.
• Usually your membranes do not ruptures at this stage , but if it does you should head straight to your labour and delivery unit even if you do not have strong pain.

Heart burn in pregnancy

                               Heartburn is a common condition for many, unfortunately, is even more common for women during pregnancy. The acidity is caused by stomach acid to escape and move into the esophagus. It can create pain, pressure and burn the women during pregnancy and naturally women would like a natural and effective solution that will not affect your growing baby.
                                

 There are two reasons why the heartburn becomes a particular issue for pregnant women

• First, the growing baby restricts a woman's organs. The stomach, in particular, is pushed up and restricted. This physical pressure can force stomach acid into the esophagus causing pain and can damage the esophagus. 

• Secondly, during pregnancy, progesterone levels rise.Progesterone serves many beneficial functions to protect the growing fetus and the strengthening of the placenta. The disadvantage is the high level can also cause swelling and relax the esophageal sphincter allowing acid to escape the stomach. Progesterone also may slow the digestion process. 

Resources are available over the counter, but pregnant women should really take the advice of doctor before taking any of these remedies. A better approach might be to adopt some simple lifestyle changes. 
The following steps should be helpful... 

Mumps in pregnancy

                        Mumps is caused by a virus of  paramixovirus family which attacks your salivary glands. mostly the parotid glands.Usually there is bilateral involvement but unilateral involvement is also seen .
                        The incubation period(The time taken for the virus to enter your body and produce symptoms) is usually 14 to 18 days , but may vary from 7 to 23 days . Once you are infected you are Most infectious 3days prior to 4 days after the onset of symptoms.
                        The incidence in pregnancy is 0.8 to 10 case per 10,000 pregnancies. Mumps is highly contagious and it spreads by droplet infection as mentioned below

• coughing.
• sneezing
• or using used hand towel , linens etc
• Sharing utensils.  

 What are the risk if you have mumps during pregnancy 

               Till now there is no report of any congenital anomaly of the baby which has been specifically associated with Mumps during pregnancy.However  If  contacted in 1st trimester( Initial three months ) of pregnancy  there is a higher incidence of spontaneous abortion. There is however a questionable  association of intrauterine mumps and endocardial fibroelastosis.

                If your baby gets infected with  mumps inside your uterus while you had Mumps infection it may leads to respiratory distress after delivery of your baby.Also neonatal thrombocytopenia and spleenomegaly has been seen in perinatal infection(Infection acquired within7 months in utero to 7 days of birth).

                Usually your baby is protected from Mumps upto about 18 months by the maternal antibodies which he gets through your milk.So do not forget to feed your baby your milk.