What are contractions?
A contraction is the rhythmic tightening of the muscles of the uterus. You may experience
small and mild „practice contractions“ sometime in the third trimester, which generally do not
last more than a minute and are not regular. For some women, these contractions feel like
period pains and are called Braxton-Hicks contractions. These practice contractions usually
have no effect in terms of opening the cervix. If you feel uneasy, however, ask your responsible
healthcare professional. From about 34 weeks of pregnancy, these contractions will push your
baby deeper into your pelvis. You will notice that your stomach is descending and you can better
breathe, sleep better and digest easier because your baby is no longer applying pressure
to your stomach and diaphragm. Several days before the birth the contractions may appear
again. They are irregular and may be painful to a greater or lesser degree. They are referred to
as false labour.
Especially if you are giving birth for the first time, you should think about attending prenatal
classes. You will learn techniques regarding birth and labour and will be shown relaxation exercises
to use during birth. Many women greatly appreciate the support of their partner (or other
trusted companion) during birth: relaxing massages, encouragement, reassurance or just the
mere presence. It is useful if your partner is as well informed as you are about the process of
giving birth so that he can be a good source of support.
One thing you can be sure of: The moment you hold your baby in your arms for the first time
after birth – when your baby opens the eyes and looks at you– will make you forget all the pain
and stress of labour.

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How will the birth proceed?
When regular contractions begin, the cervix shortens and finally opens, extending to a diameter
of 10 centimetres (3 15/16 in). Healthcare professionals usually call this „complete dilation.“
During this stage, your baby‘s presenting part (usually the head) drops deeper into the pelvis
and rotates to fit better through the true pelvis. The final stage of birth is referred to as the
pushing stage.
Once your child is born, the placenta detaches (a process promoted by skin contact between
you and your child) and is delivered. The health professionals check after the birth to ensure
that the placenta is complete. After a final check and treatment of any injuries, you‘ve made it!
If your little one is in good health, your baby will be placed on your stomach immediately after
birth to hear your heartbeat, breath and voice, to feel you and to smell you. Your baby will look
for your breast within the next hour wanting to suckle. After a short period of monitoring in the
delivery unit, you and your baby are ready to be moved to the postnatal ward.

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Caesarean section
If a natural birth is not an option, delivery by caesarean section is necessary. Most caesareans
are planned, but an unplanned or emergency section may be necessary if a threat to the
health of the mother or child emerges during the birth. Although common, caesarean sections
are major surgical procedures which should not be carried out „on demand.“
Many hospitals now allow the father to be present at a caesarean section. Regional anaesthesia
is all that is required in many cases. This means that only the lower part of your body will be
anesthetized so that you can welcome your baby immediately despite having had surgery.
Your body needs more time to heal after a caesarean than after a natural birth. The natural hormones
that initiate milk production and ensure that your uterus closes need somewhat longer
to take effect. If you have put effort into preparing for a natural birth that could not after all take
place, don‘t be disappointed. Discuss it with your healthcare professional and remember that
the most important thing to give your baby a good start in life is being close to you.

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Newborns have an extremely sensitive sense of smell. Your baby gets to know your own
personal smell in the first weeks after birth and memorizes it. Perfume, perfumed shower
gels and perfumed deodorants will confuse your little one. Ideally you should do without
these products for the first few weeks.

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In the weeks after the birth, you will experience a type of vaginal discharge known as lochia.
Your uterus heals at the place where it was attached to the placenta. That is why it is very important
for you to take things easy in this postpartum period. Pay special attention to hygiene
to help the wound to heal quickly. While a lot of blood will come at the start, the lochia lessens
after a few days, turning brownish at first and then yellowish-white. The odour is similar to the
odour of menstrual blood. Changing your pads regularly, gentle washing with lukewarm water
and other tips from your responsible healthcare professional will help you to heal quicker.

Babyblues or postpartum depression?
While some women have no trouble coping with the hormonal changes that start a couple of
days after childbirth, others suffer more. Baby blues, mainly beginning on the third or fourth
day, is a well-known phenomenon that affects many young mothers. This mood usually only
lasts for a couple of days. Reassurance, calming words and support from your midwife, partner,
family or friends are what help most. If these feelings last for weeks – beyond the postpartum
period – or get worse, you really need to confide in your responsible healthcare professional
and get yourself checked for postpartum depression. There are effective treatment options!