Labor

Our doctors respect a woman’s right to choose the method of her delivery. If you wish to aim for a vaginal birth then he will support you fully in this choice. Similarly, if you choose to have an elective Caesarean Section he will support you fully in this choice.

It is important to recognize the signs of labor so that you will know when you are experiencing the “real thing.” If this is your first baby, you will most likely experience lightening (the descent of the baby’s head into your pelvis) sooner than women who have already had other children. Typically, the signs of labor include uterine contractions, tightening of your stomach, and cramps in your low back. About two-thirds of women experience these tightening before their waters break. About one-third will notice fluid leaking out first. If you are unsure about what is happening, contact your doctor’s office.

You may also be interested in taking childbirth preparation classes, which teach coping methods for labor and delivery, and help guide new parents in the many decisions they will make before and during the birth process. One of the things you may be most concerned with is the amount of pain you may experience during labor. Childbirth is different for all women, and no one can predict how much pain you will have. During the labor process, our doctors and nurses will ask you if you need pain relief and will help you decide what option is the best for you. Your options may include a local or intravenous analgesic (pain relieving drug), an epidural (injection which blocks pain in the lower part of your body), or a pudendal block (numbs the vulva, vagina, and anus during the second stage of labor and during delivery).