WEEK FORTY

WEEK FORTY

You’re here!!

The development of baby

• Baby is born during three stages of labor: first, second and third.
• Babies that are not in the correct position can either be moved or will
need to be born by caesarean section.
• Babies that are in distress may need additional care after they are
born, or will be removed from the mom before actual labor pains
begin.

The development of mom

• Mom’s cervix will continue to dilate until it is fully open (about ten
centimeters) and she is able to push with the contractions.
• While it might seem like a good idea to push earlier, this can cause
tears and more pain than is necessary.
• If you want to have pain medications, sooner is better than later.
They can always be adjusted or taken away if they’re not working or
causing ill effects.
• Make sure to rest as much as you can between contractions so that
you have enough energy to push.
Specific concerns
• Realize that while labor is a difficult process, women have been doing
it for years and you can too.
• Babies born today have a nearly perfect chance of being born without
complications.
• If you are having any troubles, be sure to tell the doctor or the nurse
and they can help make labor easier for you.
• Pain is normal, but only ten percent of women report excruciating
pain, so your chances of not being in this group are pretty good.
• Labor will end – whether it seems like it will or not.
• The end result of labor is always worth the effort.
Congratulations and good luck with your new bundle of joy!

Special tip for dad/partner

• Make sure to bring flowers and other special gifts to mom – she’s done
a lot of work to produce this little person.