Few believe childbirth is an easy-peasy walk in the park. It's the very definition of a struggle, and every birth presents its own challenges.
But for some women, there are signs your childbirth may be more difficult.
Below are 7 Signs Your Childbirth May Be Hard
1. TRAUMA HISTORY
Past traumas should not be discounted.
Women who have not had therapy to help recover and heal after a previous difficult childbirth are particularly at risk.
Previous tissue damage can make them once again vulnerable. Women who have had help for their trauma are more likely to have better access to the resources that will help them get through a second childbirth more easily.
2. GESTATIONAL DIABETES
Health issues throughout their pregnancy can also cause a difficult delivery experience. Gestational diabetes may increase the risk of an early delivery.
If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, effective diabetes management is important.
Strategies including eating healthy foods, monitoring blood sugar, and taking insulin if needed, may make your pregnancy and delivery a bit easier.
3. NEGATIVE HEADSPACE
Mindset is important in managing your pregnancy journey.
As so much of childbirth is all about getting into the right headspace, skipping over mental preparation for the birth can result in emotional difficulties and greater struggle during childbirth.
Rather than focusing solely on a birth plan, it's important for mums to focus on how they want to feel, and to be supported, during birth.
A little mental prep before the big day and open communication with your partner and support group (from parents to friends) is one way to ensure that you're going into childbirth feeling as prepared as you can be, both logistically and emotionally.
4. LARGE BABY
Delivering a larger-than-average baby vaginally can present its own set of complications such as the risk of perineal tearing, loss of blood, or even tailbone damage.
Even after dilation, there's only so much room down there, so to speak. If you are having a large baby, an early delivery or a Cesarean delivery can be considered.
For people who do deliver a large baby vaginally, then postpartum care may need to address the potentially serious bleeding that can occur afterwards.
Managing the care of the mother when the baby is greater than 4.5kg can be challenging. There are ways to make the delivery process smoother and our team well-prepared if they're expecting to deliver a large newborn.
5. FEARFULNESS
Although it might be easier said than done, trying to approach the birth process with a positive frame of mind may be a helpful approach.
All women who have given birth have a strong opinion on their experience, and just through observational studies with a positive mindset, there is a higher likelihood of a positive experience.
On the flip side, approaching childbirth with an intense sense of fear may be harmful. In general, people who had a fearful approach to birth did tend to have a more negative childbirth experience.
Take several steps to prepare for a positive birth experience. If you harbour negative thoughts about the process, don't hesitate to be vocal about your concerns with your doctor, and make sure you express all your fears and concerns during your many checkups.
6. UTERINE FIBROIDS
Noncancerous growths on the uterus, uterine fibroids are typically harmless. They are not uncommon, and some women don't even realise they have them.
When it comes to the delivery of a baby, however, they can cause some issues.
Women with uterine fibroids may be more likely to experience complications such as preterm birth, placenta previa, or serious postpartum hemorrhage.
To avoid any surprises on delivery day, discuss the benefits of having any uterine fibroids explored, and assess the risks involved.
7. BREECH PRESENTATION
If your baby doesn't move into the right position for delivery, then this can complicate the whole delivery process. Babies who present in the breech position might require forceps for delivery, and they may also present the risk of cord prolapse.
Cord prolapse means the umbilical cord gets squeezed, slowing the baby's supply of oxygen via the blood. To avoid these complications you may consider a Cesarean delivery.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Whether it's an unusual presentation or some other issue, there are many potential factors that can complicate a baby's birth and delivery. Dr Alexander can talk to you about your specific condition and offer advice on safe delivery.
Arrange an appointment now for peace of mind and body.
We would advise that you see your general practitioner and possibly obtain a referral to see Dr Alexander at www.alexalexander.com.au