Your spouse is fast approaching her delivery date. It may be time for you to become familiar with the process of labor that she is about to undergo. These are the various stages of labor before delivery: Stage one: This stage marks the onset of labor. The mother’s cervix starts to slowly dilate. She may experience contractions very similar to Braxton Hicks … [Read more...] about Stages of labor
Archives for October 2006
Pregnancy: Thirty-three weeks
During the thirty third week of your wife's pregnancy, your baby's head will have expanded 3/8ths of an inch more than the previous week. Inside his brain, neurons and synapses will be developing at an escalating rate, in preparation for the fast approaching due date. Here is a picture of what your baby looks like at this stage: … [Read more...] about Pregnancy: Thirty-three weeks
What to expect in the rush to the hospital
The big day has arrived and you are pulling up to the front door of the hospital. Your partner is in labor, huffing and puffing every three minutes. Parking illegally in the “No Parking” zone, you could not care less. If you don’t get her into the labor room, you are going to be delivering your first child, alone. This is a scary thought. … [Read more...] about What to expect in the rush to the hospital
Read the Apgar score
Dads, do your know what an Apgar score is? It is a test used by doctors at the time of your child’s birth. It helps assess the baby’s health and overall condition and determine the need for further medical intervention. The doctor will calculate your baby’s Apgar score one minute—and again five minutes— after birth. Ratings for each point are assigned between zero … [Read more...] about Read the Apgar score
Childbirth options
This may be a good time during the pregnancy for your spouse to give a thought to the manner of delivery she wishes to opt for. The options— natural, induced, or cesarean—all have their pros and cons. Natural delivery This is the most common method of childbirth. It does not involve an extended stay in a hospital. The risks associated with major surgery are … [Read more...] about Childbirth options