Calculate delivery date
Most women want to calculate the exact date of delivery as quickly as possible when they have a positive pregnancy test. Ovulation and the last menstrual period can help with this. But even without information about the menstrual cycle, doctors can calculate the expected date of birth. First fetal movements allow conclusions about the baby’s age, but are very inaccurate. The delivery date can be determined more precisely and much earlier in the pregnancy with an ultrasound examination.
When will the baby finally be born?
Even with the most careful calculations, the date of birth according to the plan and the actual date of delivery do not fall on the same day for the majority of pregnancies. Only around four percent of pregnant women actually have their babies on the planned date of birth.
Where to give birth?
In the first months of pregnancy, most women do not yet think about where they want to bring their child into the world. However, pregnant women should think about this point as early as possible: If there are no medical concerns and a natural birth is expected, you are free to decide where you want to give birth: as an outpatient or inpatient in the clinic, in a midwife’s house, at home – there are numerous options. Find out in good time before the baby is born which place is most likely to suit you.
Most women prefer to give birth in a clinic. There are now often beautifully designed delivery rooms with a pleasant atmosphere, with options for water birth and the necessary medical safety in the background.
Birth: Three phases until the baby is here
It can take several hours from the first contractions to the baby’s first cry before you can hold your baby in your arms. The opening phase usually takes the longest: first-time mothers should expect up to 12 hours; for women who have already given birth at least once, it usually goes faster.
In the second phase, the expulsion phase, the cervix opens fully and the usually very painful pushing contractions begin, which finally bring the baby into the world.
The delivery is followed by the postpartum phase: during this phase, the uterus contracts, the placenta detaches from the uterine wall and is then expelled as afterbirth.
Birth: Pain is part of it
However, if it does become too painful, pain-relieving medications and epidural anesthesia (PDA) are available for every phase of the birth. No woman need be ashamed to make use of them! Not everyone perceives pain the same way, and the position of the baby or the anatomy of the pelvis can make the pain quite unbearable. It is also sometimes painful and unpleasant if the severe stretching causes the perineum to tear or if an episiotomy is necessary. The doctor will suture this area under local anesthesia after the birth.
Risk birth and complications
Even during an initially normal delivery, unforeseen problems sometimes occur. They may require obstetric intervention such as the use of a suction cup or a cesarean section. Even during the postpartum period, complications can still occur, such as an incompletely expelled placenta and associated heavy bleeding.
A new stage of life begins
After delivery, feelings of happiness usually predominate. Efforts and pain are quickly forgotten. However, allow yourself rest and relaxation during the first period. After the stresses and strains of childbirth, the postpartum period follows, during which you give your body time to recover and get used to life with a child.
