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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye

Emergency Chidbirth

It ls not usually first-time mothers who deliver on the kitchen floor but the more experienced second- and third-timers, whose labours are less predictable and occur at a faster pace. Knowing what to do if a woman goes into labour is essential first-aid knowledge. Although the mother does most of the work during labour and birth, there are a number of things you can do to help. Newborn babies sometimes struggle to breathe, and you might have to provide crucial help. Bringing a new life into the world is an unforgettable experience.

Although there may be few signs that labour is imminent, sometimes the baby's movements are less frequent a day or two before labour begins. As a general rule, a another should feel her baby move at least ten times a day even just before labour starts. However, there is much variation and she need only be concerned if she feels a significant drop in fetal activity: she should see a midwife or doctor about this.

Labour

There are three stages of labour. The FIrst stage starts with contractions and ends when the cervix is filly dilated. The second stage begins as the baby descends through the birth canal and ends when the baby is born. The third stage is when the placenta or afterbirth is delivered.

First stage chidbirth

During this stage she cervix dilates to allow the baby's head through at the second stage. The fist labour signs come on at this stage - the contractions. These are regular pains that start like a much more intense version of period-type pain, felt across the lower abdomen. They come and go every 5-20 ndnutes, lasting up to 30 seconds. The mother may also feel she "waters breaking", as the amniotic fluid around the baby gushes out. If the fluid is brownish, rather than clear yellow, the baby may be in distress, and hospital delivery becomes a top priority.

Second stage chidbirth

At this stage, the mother has an overwhelming urge to push with each contraction. She may involuntarily open her bowels. Try to clear away the faeces without contaminating the vuval area and risking infecting the baby.

Let the mother get into whatever position feels comfortable for her. The baby is ready to be born when you can see the head sitting behind the vulva at the vaginal entrance. At this point, the mother should pant through the urge to push, to prevent the baby shooting out too fast.

As the baby's head arrives, it will normally be facing the floor. Support the head with your hand beneath it - the head naturally turns 90 degrees at this stage. Let it come naturally and do not pull. As soon as the baby's head is out, check to see if the umbilical cord is around the neck. If it is then slip it carefully over the baby's head. If you cannot, then put two sterile string ties wherever you can on the cord and cut the cord somewhere between the ties.

The shoulders should appear next. If not, you may have to help by pulling them down. The rest of the body arrives quickly after this. The emerging baby will be slippery, so be careful not to drop it. Wait for the cord to stop pulsating (about 20 seconds), then use sterile string ties to tie She cord, at 10, 15 and 20cm (4, 6 and 8in) from the babies navel. Keep the baby level with the mother's vagina until the cord is cut. Cut between the two ties that are furthest from the baby.

The baby should start to cry. lf it does, wrap it in clean sheets and a warm blanket and place it on the mother's stomach. If there are no signs of breathing, flick the baby's toes with your fingers. If There is still no breathing, remove obvious obstructions from the mouth and give 2 rescue breaths with your mouth over the baby's mouth and nose. Continue as per the standard basic life support routine for a baby.

Third stage chidbirth

The placenta may not be delivered until up to an hour after the baby's arrival. It should active naturally without any action by you. Keep the placenta to take to the hospital. Gently Massage the uterus to reduce the chance of haemorrhage. The uterus can be easily felt just above the pubic bone.