Showing up too early at the hospital, when you are still in the early stages of labor can lead to unnecessary interventions during labor, including a possible C-section. The first phase of labor is the longest, with mild contractions. Walking around, being on your feet, and squatting during this phase will help your labor continue in a healthy and normal fashion until you reach active labor. This phase of labor often occurs later than once thought by doctors, when your cervix is at least six centimeters dilated. Staying at home until you are in active labor and it is time for medical intervention can help to ensure a vaginal birth. In some cases, labor induction, which when labor is brought on with drugs or instruments, is medically necessary. But as long as you and the baby are doing well during labor, it is best to avoid labor induction. Research has shown that induction during labor can double your likelihood of having a cesarean section. Try to avoid an “elective induction,” which is an induction done purely for convenience, rather than necessity. Instead, lean on your birthing partner, your spouse, or your doula and use the breathing and labor techniques you learned in a birthing class to encourage labor. There is conflicting evidence for whether or not epidurals can increase your chance of a cesarean section. An epidural delivered too early in labor may increase your chances of C-section; however, a combined spinal epidural  (CSE) or "walking" epidural offers pain relief without numbness and can actually make pushing easier. Talk to your doctor or midwife about the relative benefits and risks of pain medications so you can decide which pain management option is right for you.  An epidural can limit your baby's ability to move around in the womb, so if he is in a bad position he may have a hard time adjusting to a better position during labor. When you are given an epidural, your ability to move around will also be limited, which could lead to complications during labor. You may be able to reduce some of the increased risk of needing a cesarean section by waiting until you are at least 5 centimeters (2.0 in) dilated before you get an epidural or other pain medication. By that point, your labor is less likely to slow down or stop. It can also help to stay mobile during the early stages of labor by walking around and shifting positions while you are in labor. Avoid laying flat on your back, as this can make it more difficult for your baby to get in a good labor position, and prolong your labor. A baby that is breech is positioned butt-first or feet-first in the womb and if not moved, can cause complications during delivery. If your baby is breech at about 36 weeks of pregnancy, your midwife or doctor can show you hands-to-belly movements to turn the baby so he is head first. These movements can reduce the need for a C-section by ensuring your baby in is a good position for labor. If your baby is a bad position during labor and may have a hard time passing through your pelvis despite hand movements to shift him, your obstetrician may use forceps or a vacuum extractor as a safe alternative to a C-section. Talk to your obstetrician about these procedures and specify in your birth plan if you would prefer these options to a cesarean section. If you have requested that your spouse or birth partner be with you in the delivery room, make sure that person knows that you want a vaginal delivery. He or she can support you through your contractions, remind you of your goals, and speak up for you when you are too exhausted to do so effectively. You should also specify in your birth plan that you would like a vaginal birth and give your obstetrician, your midwife, and your doula a copy of your birth plan. However, it's important that expectant mothers always include a provision in their birth plan about what to do in the event a C-section is needed due to emergency medical reasons.
تجنبي الذهاب إلى المستشفى حتى يأتي المخاض. تجنبي الإثارة أثناء الولادة. اسألي الطبيب عن خيارات تسكين الألم في حالتك. تعلمي كيف تقلبي الجنين المقعدي من الطبيب أو الداية. لابد أن يعلم زوجك برغبتك في الولادة الطبيعية.