17
When Will Labor Begin?
Activities
Discussion
Resources
NPB book page 5 PowerPoint slides 16 – 17
Due dates can be problematic if they are not accurate, or if parents believe that they are guaranteed to have their baby before or exactly on a specific date. By understanding the complexity of pregnancy dating and the variability of pregnancy lengths, as well as the benefits of letting labor begin on its own, parents can have realistic expectations and reduced stress.
Discussion Prompts
• How was your due date calculated? Was it changed at any point?
• Do you know what percentage of babies are born on their due dates?
Key Points
• Average pregnancy length:
•“ Due date” calculated based on the date first day of the last menstrual period( LMP) plus 40 weeks. Early ultrasound can also be used to date pregnancy.
• Due date may be used to make decisions on induction and measurements of baby’ s growth, so accuracy is important.
• Pregnancy length has natural variability of +/- 2 weeks.
• Can be helpful to recognize a“ due month” instead to reduce stress.
• Average length of a first pregnancy is 40 weeks and five days. Only five percent of babies are born on their due date.
• Pregnancy warning signs:
• Persistent vomiting, fever or flu This lesson reinforces symptoms. HEALTHY BIRTH PRACTICE # 1:
• Vaginal bleeding.( Blood-tinged
Let labor begin on its own. mucus during labor is normal.)
• Itching or foul-smelling discharge.
• Burning or difficulty while urinating.
• A gush of fluid or continuously leaking fluid.( Increased discharge is normal.)
• More than four contractions in an hour before 37 weeks.
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing.
• Severe and / or persistent headaches.
• Vision changes, dizziness or fainting.
• Severe swelling of face and hands.
• Severe, sharp abdominal pain.
• Pain, swelling or redness in the leg( s).
• Decrease or change in baby’ s movement.
Preview
STAGES OF LABOR
© PLUMTREE BABY, LLC
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