1. For FTM, Most labor last 24-36 hours.
2. 1 in 2 babies are born via c-section.
3. More c-sections are performed nowadays because doctors want to avoid head/birth trauma and the possibility of having to use forceps an vacuum (and the suing that can come along with it). While most doctors will allow things to progress naturally, if there seems to be a problem, they will opt to perform a c-section rather than not.
4. Only 4% of babies arrive on their due date
5. When umbilical cord is clamped, newborn’s heart automatically goes from pumping blood from the heart straight to the lungs to the normal way.
6. Babies are born with 2 unformed sections (closing up between 9-18 months) on their heads to:
(a) allow head to change shape so that it can fit down the birth canal
(b) allow room for the brain to grow
7. Moms in labor should bring mineral oil to the delivery so that it can be applied to the perinaeum to encourage stretching, thus avoiding an episiotomy.
8. The non-pregnant uterus weighs 2 oz.
9. C-sections can prevent babies from expressing extra mucus from their lungs.
10. Eye drops of erythromycin are given to babies to help fight potential infections of the eyes.
As you can see, I learned a lot in “Prepared Childbirth” Class. We also learned to breathe, but most of the class was spent learning about the actual process of childbirth. It was very helpful, because while I was adamant about getting drugs as soon as I entered the hospital, I now think I can hold off until it really hurts. This is not to say that I will forgo pain relief, but I am no longer scared about labor. I can’t wait until the second class.
