Whether your baby is born vaginally or by caesarean section, he will have some markings on his body that you may not expect. Here’s what to look out for.
MOST EXPECTANT PARENTS today know that a newborn baby looks nothing like the newborns you see on TV dramas. So while you already expect your baby to be slimy and wet, what may cause you concern in the hours after birth is the puffiness, bruising and swelling your baby may have on his head, face and genitalia. Your baby may look like he has just been in a fist fight, even if your birth has been a gentle one.
Your baby has grown from a tiny seed into (on average) a 3-3.5kg little person. In order to fit, he has been squashed and squished into his womb environment. Next, he has to pass through the bony pelvis meaning his body has to adapt and move into a position to optimise his exit from your body. Sometimes the mother may need assistance in the form of metal forceps or a vacuum device to help push her baby out.
In most births, the baby’s head is the first to enter the pelvis. In order for your baby’s head to fit through easily, he has to tuck his chin onto his chest and let the back and top of his head come through first. If he has his head lying in another position, or he lifts his chin, this could cause the labour to be longer and his head to be affected more by the delivery process.
Esta historia es de la edición April/May 2018 de Your Pregnancy.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April/May 2018 de Your Pregnancy.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
COVID & your child
Symptoms, treatment, vaccines and a rare condition called MIS-C is on our minds when it comes to The Virus these days.
EYES WIDE OPEN!
Breastfeeding and night wakings? Experts shine a light on a possible connection.
RAISING A BRAT? TIME FOR A RESET!
It happens, even with the best of intentions. Sometimes we go overboard trying to show our love – and then things backfire.
Prioritise REST!
The fatigue of pregnancy serves to remind you exactly what miracle your body is performing, so it’s essential to listen to it. Here’s what you can do to get through these low times.
CRYING CLUES
Discover the meaning behind your baby’s cries.
Pushing isn't all you need to do!
There are four main factors that affect the length and intensity of labour. They are known as the four P’s and work together to make each woman’s labour unique.
We're all NERVOUS about it!
Sure, it can seem scarier than labour, but with these simple tips to bathing your newborn, you’ll soon be a pro.
FOUR-FOOTED FAMILY MEMBERS
Your children and your pets – everything you’ll need to know to be a happy family.
Here's to HAPPIER beach days!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
TALK SO YOU'RE HEARD!
Feel like your child just doesn’t listen to you? There are some techniques you can use to improve your chances of getting through.