How Birth Affects A Baby
Your Pregnancy|April/May 2018

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.

Tina Otte
How Birth Affects A Baby

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.

Denne historien er fra April/May 2018-utgaven av Your Pregnancy.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra April/May 2018-utgaven av Your Pregnancy.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA YOUR PREGNANCYSe alt
COVID & your child
Your Pregnancy

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.

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
EYES WIDE OPEN!
Your Pregnancy

EYES WIDE OPEN!

Breastfeeding and night wakings? Experts shine a light on a possible connection.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
RAISING A BRAT? TIME FOR A RESET!
Your Pregnancy

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.

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
Prioritise REST!
Your Pregnancy

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.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
CRYING CLUES
Your Pregnancy

CRYING CLUES

Discover the meaning behind your baby’s cries.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
Pushing isn't all you need to do!
Your Pregnancy

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.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
We're all NERVOUS about it!
Your Pregnancy

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.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
FOUR-FOOTED FAMILY MEMBERS
Your Pregnancy

FOUR-FOOTED FAMILY MEMBERS

Your children and your pets – everything you’ll need to know to be a happy family.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
Here's to HAPPIER beach days!
Your Pregnancy

Here's to HAPPIER beach days!

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
TALK SO YOU'RE HEARD!
Your Pregnancy

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.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022