Hey Everyone! I know it's been quiet here, but that's because we are moving!!!
Slowly I will be moving our posts from this blog to our new site. I am so excited about this transition as we move this to a full time ministry. Join us over at www.childbirthconversations.com and be sure to join our email list!
I look forward to restarting the conversation with you!
Showing posts with label General Information. Show all posts
Showing posts with label General Information. Show all posts
Monday, February 26, 2018
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Can I Become Tolerant of Epidurals?
One of my friends who has four children asked me if it's possible for epidurals to become less effective because of becoming tolerant of the medicines in the epidural as hers had become less effective with each birth. I did not know the answer. So at one of my prenatal appointments I asked my doctor about this.
My doctor said that this is not really possible because of the way epidurals work. An epidural is a temporary block on the nerves that is there and then goes away. There is not a way to build up the medicine because it is not metabolized like medicines that you ingest. He said that it could be possible if you were given epidurals every day, but this is not likely for women having babies.
Why then were the epidurals less effective each time? I have no idea and neither did my doctor.
Have you had the experience of epidurals being less effective with each delivery?
My doctor said that this is not really possible because of the way epidurals work. An epidural is a temporary block on the nerves that is there and then goes away. There is not a way to build up the medicine because it is not metabolized like medicines that you ingest. He said that it could be possible if you were given epidurals every day, but this is not likely for women having babies.
Why then were the epidurals less effective each time? I have no idea and neither did my doctor.
Have you had the experience of epidurals being less effective with each delivery?
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Getting Back in the Game
As you have noticed, the blog has been quiet for several months. After my last birth, things got very hectic around here and I needed to back off for awhile. In fact, until recently, it was even hard for me to talk about birth. God has been doing a work in my family and me, and it was His hiatus. Now He seems to be saying it's time to start this ministry up again. Why? I cannot say for sure. Perhaps because I'm expecting my 6th baby. Perhaps because I have many friends who are having babies. Maybe both or any other number of reasons. Whatever the reason or reasons, God is clearly telling me it is time.
So what does that mean? I'm going to be easing back into this. My hope is to do 2 posts a week. I will likely be repeating some old posts, but I would also like your help in writing new ones.
What are things you would like to know about in relation to childbirth?
What types of stories would you like to read?
Do you have a birth story to share?
Have you read anything helpful or something that was not useful that you would like to write about?
Please check out my About Page for my general overview and purpose of this blog. Also, feel free to ask any questions. I will do my best to give as much information as possible, but as I said I am easing back into this and may not be able to get the research you are seeking as quickly as you may need, so I ask for your patience as I restart this endeavor.
Thank you for coming over. I am excited to see what questions people have or who might want to write a post to share.
Welcome back to the conversation!
So what does that mean? I'm going to be easing back into this. My hope is to do 2 posts a week. I will likely be repeating some old posts, but I would also like your help in writing new ones.
What are things you would like to know about in relation to childbirth?
What types of stories would you like to read?
Do you have a birth story to share?
Have you read anything helpful or something that was not useful that you would like to write about?
Please check out my About Page for my general overview and purpose of this blog. Also, feel free to ask any questions. I will do my best to give as much information as possible, but as I said I am easing back into this and may not be able to get the research you are seeking as quickly as you may need, so I ask for your patience as I restart this endeavor.
Thank you for coming over. I am excited to see what questions people have or who might want to write a post to share.
Welcome back to the conversation!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
How Do You Advocate For Yourself?
This question came from one of my friends that I wanted to answer on here. The question relates specifically to going to labor and delivery when not in labor as discussed yesterday.
So, you are having pain that is unexplained and is not seeming to go away, you cannot get to the doctor's office and you are concerned, so you head over to the hospital to see if you can get some answers. What do you do from there?
They will put you on the monitor to check the baby and see if you are having contractions, but sometimes that is all that will happen if there is nothing evident. Throughout pregnancy there are weird pains and twinges that are often unexplainable, and usually if everything looks good there will be no need to do more. It is also possible that the doctor may not come by if everything looks normal.
If you are not comfortable with this and and wish for further evaluation, ask. Remember to be polite and gracious, knowing that sometimes things maybe refused or you may have to wait awhile to see the doctor on call. If your nurse is not working with you, you can ask to speak with the charge nurse, but please only do this in extreme circumstances.
The biggest thing is to not be afraid to ask. You can ask to see your doctor. If you are far enough along and are unsure if what your feeling could be labor related, you can asked to be checked. You can ask for medication. You can ask for anything. Again, be polite and gracious and be willing to listen in case they must refuse your request. This is the best way to advocate for yourself. Also pray for wisdom and peace throughout this time. God is the One ultimately in control and He knows what is going on.
So, you are having pain that is unexplained and is not seeming to go away, you cannot get to the doctor's office and you are concerned, so you head over to the hospital to see if you can get some answers. What do you do from there?
They will put you on the monitor to check the baby and see if you are having contractions, but sometimes that is all that will happen if there is nothing evident. Throughout pregnancy there are weird pains and twinges that are often unexplainable, and usually if everything looks good there will be no need to do more. It is also possible that the doctor may not come by if everything looks normal.
If you are not comfortable with this and and wish for further evaluation, ask. Remember to be polite and gracious, knowing that sometimes things maybe refused or you may have to wait awhile to see the doctor on call. If your nurse is not working with you, you can ask to speak with the charge nurse, but please only do this in extreme circumstances.
The biggest thing is to not be afraid to ask. You can ask to see your doctor. If you are far enough along and are unsure if what your feeling could be labor related, you can asked to be checked. You can ask for medication. You can ask for anything. Again, be polite and gracious and be willing to listen in case they must refuse your request. This is the best way to advocate for yourself. Also pray for wisdom and peace throughout this time. God is the One ultimately in control and He knows what is going on.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Cord Prolapse
This is another area I want to delve a little deeper into so people are more aware of this issue and know how to manage and what to expect if this occurs. I am thankful this does not happen frequently, but when it does it is a life or death situation for the baby.
What is umbilical cord prolapse?
An umbilical cord prolapse is when the umbilical cord comes out of the vaginal opening ahead of the baby. When this occurs, pressure is put on the cord cutting off oxygen to the baby, necessitating a quick delivery.
What happens when this is found?
If the cord is in the vaginal cavity, you will immediately be laid as far back as possible and the bed put in the trendelenburg position (you will feel like you are standing on your head in the bed). A nurse or midwife will put her hand into your vagina and push the baby up into your uterus to take pressure off of the cord and you will be immediately rushed to an OR for a c-section.
What if I am not in the hospital when this happens?
If your water breaks and you can tell there is a cord coming out of your vagina find some way to get your hips in the air immediately! Then call 911 or have someone else to it if they are with you. Keep your hips in the air until you are positioned by the paramedics and they can help get the baby off the cord.
What are some risk factors?
Your water rupturing prematurely, having too much amniotic fluid, having a very long umbilical cord, the baby in an unfavorable position for delivery and having multiples
Do you have any experience with this type of emergency?
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Placenta Problems
I want to go a little more in depth into some of the placental problems that can occur with pregnancy and can cause complication with childbirth. The placenta is formed early in pregnancy and supplies oxygen and nutrients to the baby and removes waste from the baby. Normally the umbilical cord is attached to it carrying the oxygen, nutrients and waste. It is usually attached to the front or side of the uterus. It is an amazing organ that God has designed, but like everything else in this world there are opportunities for things to go wrong.
Placenta Previa
This is the most common of the abnormalities that arise with the placenta. A complete previa covers all of the cervix. A partial previa covers part of the cervix. There is also a marginal previa where the placenta is touching part of the cervix. If any of these do not resolve a c-section will occur. Approximately 90% of the time a previa seen in the 20 week ultra sound will resolve before you are ready to give birth. There is nothing you can physically do to make it move. If you are desiring a vaginal birth, pray hard for God to move it.
Placental Abruption
A placental abruption occurs when the placenta pulls away from the uterine wall before the baby is born. There can be a partial or complete abruption. Both can cause serious problems for both mom and baby, however complete is more likely to cause death in one or both. Know the signs of abruption so you can seek medical help immediately.
Common signs are: vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain (usually sharp and very painful, but can be less severe), Uterine tenderness, back pain and contractions that are very close or a long contraction that will not let up.
If you have any of these signs contact your provider immediately. If you're in excruciating pain get to a hospital asap.
Placenta Accreta, Increta or Percreta
These occur when the placenta attaches too firmly and deeply into the uterine wall at different levels. An accreta is too deep into the placental wall and may not detach properly. An Increta is implanted even deeper into the wall keeping the placenta from being able to detach after birth. A percreta goes through the uterine wall and can attach to other organs, typically the bladder.
The most common symptom is vaginal bleeding and can cause premature labor and delivery of the baby. If they are suspected ultrasound or MRI might be done to check the severity. If known before delivery a c-section might be done to try to preserve the uterus or a hysterectomy may be necessary. Thankfully these are quite rare.
Retained Placenta
Sometimes after birth the placenta does not want to come out, which is called a retained placenta. If this happens a D&C will be required to remove the placenta before there is too much blood loss. A retained placental can cause severe blood loss for the mother and can be life threatening.
Have you had complications with your placenta? Share your experience.
Placenta Previa
This is the most common of the abnormalities that arise with the placenta. A complete previa covers all of the cervix. A partial previa covers part of the cervix. There is also a marginal previa where the placenta is touching part of the cervix. If any of these do not resolve a c-section will occur. Approximately 90% of the time a previa seen in the 20 week ultra sound will resolve before you are ready to give birth. There is nothing you can physically do to make it move. If you are desiring a vaginal birth, pray hard for God to move it.
Placental Abruption
A placental abruption occurs when the placenta pulls away from the uterine wall before the baby is born. There can be a partial or complete abruption. Both can cause serious problems for both mom and baby, however complete is more likely to cause death in one or both. Know the signs of abruption so you can seek medical help immediately.
Common signs are: vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain (usually sharp and very painful, but can be less severe), Uterine tenderness, back pain and contractions that are very close or a long contraction that will not let up.
If you have any of these signs contact your provider immediately. If you're in excruciating pain get to a hospital asap.
Placenta Accreta, Increta or Percreta
These occur when the placenta attaches too firmly and deeply into the uterine wall at different levels. An accreta is too deep into the placental wall and may not detach properly. An Increta is implanted even deeper into the wall keeping the placenta from being able to detach after birth. A percreta goes through the uterine wall and can attach to other organs, typically the bladder.
The most common symptom is vaginal bleeding and can cause premature labor and delivery of the baby. If they are suspected ultrasound or MRI might be done to check the severity. If known before delivery a c-section might be done to try to preserve the uterus or a hysterectomy may be necessary. Thankfully these are quite rare.
Retained Placenta
Sometimes after birth the placenta does not want to come out, which is called a retained placenta. If this happens a D&C will be required to remove the placenta before there is too much blood loss. A retained placental can cause severe blood loss for the mother and can be life threatening.
Have you had complications with your placenta? Share your experience.
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