M. Biomed, SpOG(K), Subspes- KFM
Dr. Evert Pangkahila is an obstetrician & gynecologist, and a maternal and fetal medicine consultant in Indonesia with eight years of experience. He is a lecturer at Udayana University and runs a private hospital in Bali. Dr. Pangkahila obtained his medical degree in 2008 from the Udayana University, and a master’s degree in Biomedical Science. After doing a specialty in Obstetrics and Gynecology, he got trained in the Maternal and Fetal Medicine Consultant program and laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.
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Dilation and effacement of the cervix during birth allow vaginal delivery. After the initial contractions, the cervix gradually begins to dilate and soften. Your obstetrician or midwives may observe these changes to ensure that your body is preparing for natural vaginal birth. This process is physiological, and there is no need to worry about safety. Most women, especially for the first time, have concerns and queries about labor and delivery. However, it is normal, and knowing what happens can help reduce anxiety and stress during delivery. Read on to know more about cervical changes during each stage of labor and birth and ways to relax during labor. [mj-toc] What Happens To The Cervix During Birth? [caption id="attachment_893206" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] This might be the foremost question pregnant mothers ask their doctors. Let us help you with this. Labor is a physically and mentally challenging process. During this process, your body goes through a lot of stress while it gets...
Baby crowning is when the baby’s head starts to appear during delivery, and it is also known as vaginal crowning or birth crowning. Weeks before going into labor, a woman’s body begins to prepare itself for the birthing process. Once the process of childbirth begins, it occurs in various stages, just like the stages of fetal development within the mother’s womb. Contractions are the initial step of childbirth, followed by pushing and baby crowning during delivery. This post explains more about baby crowning, what it feels like, how to fight the urge to push, how to prepare for childbirth, and the duration of crowning. [mj-toc] What Is Baby Crowning? [caption id="attachment_893588" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] During labor, your baby’s head starts showing up through the vaginal opening with each contraction. A contraction develops when the uterine muscles tighten and relax for the baby to pass through the birth canal. As you start pushing, the baby’s head will appear, but once...
There are times during natural childbirth or vaginal deliveries when certain situations or complications may require a doctor’s intervention to assist the delivery. Vacuum-assisted delivery is one such method to assist complicated natural deliveries where a baby is pulled out from the birth canal with the help of a vacuum pump. Read along to know more about vacuum-assisted delivery, its types, procedure, prerequisites, risks, and when to avoid this procedure. [mj-toc] What Is Vacuum-Assisted Delivery? When the mother is unable to push anymore while delivering the baby, doctors take the help of instrumental delivery, such as a vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery. In this case, a vacuum cup is used to pull out the baby from the birth canal. The vacuum cup, also called the ventouse cup, is made of plastic and attaches to the baby\'s head, pulling it out with the help of a vacuum (1). [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/tips-for-having-a-normal-delivery_00384250/" title="20 Tips And 4 Exercises For A Normal Delivery"] Why Is Vacuum-Assisted Vaginal...
Childbirth is one of the most fulfilling experiences for mothers, but it can be painful. But how painful is childbirth? It may vary among women depending on various factors. Research also shows some women opt for cesarean sections due to the fear of labor pain (1). However, there are various natural ways and medications to reduce the pain during labor and delivery. If you haven’t used pain relief earlier during pregnancy, do not hesitate to ask for some relief if overwhelmed by pain during labor. Considering all options of pain relief can be helpful for mothers, especially first-time mothers. Knowing the options available ahead of time could reduce your fear and anxiety, and you may avail them if required. Read about how painful childbirth is, what giving birth feels like, and the natural and pharmacological ways of pain relief before and during labor and childbirth. [mj-toc] How Painful Is Childbirth? [caption id="attachment_894048" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] No two births are...