Dilation Of The Cervix – What You Need To Know | Dubai Birth Photographer

Dilation.

This word becomes the center of every pregnant woman's world towards the end of her pregnancy term, which is fair, because dilation determines delivery and you WANT to dilate if you are planning for a natural, vaginal delivery. 

Despite the fact that we, as women, are all physically built the same way, we are all different, because each one of our bodies reacts in a different kind of way to the ebb and flow of the magical hormones circulating in our bodies. So what is "normal" or "standard" for one woman, is not necessarily true for another. And hence why I get really upset when care providers hold women in labor to strict "standards"  (for example, dilation of 1cm/hour) It is completely unrealistic to expect women to navigate through the intricate web of labor; a ride full of emotions, psychology, temperament, past experiences and comfort, and STILL expect a dilation rate of 1cm/hour. It just doesn't make sense!

For me, a big part of comfort is achieved through education and raising awareness. If we as women understand what it takes to achieve "X" in labor (whatever that X represents is personal to you I think) then it will make things a lot less stressful and clear. Which is why I LOVED this article I'm about to share with you

It walks you through:

  • What dilation of the cervix is all about? 
  • The Story behind "Centimetres"
  • Does dilation mean a woman is in labor?
  • How necessary are vaginal exams
  • How fast will a cervix dilate
  • What affects cervix dilation

Click on the image below to access the article, or simply click on this highlighted part right here.

8 Natural & Effective Tips For a Slow Or Stalled Labour | Dubai Birth Photography

"If you’re birthing in a hospital and find that your labour reaches a plateau or stalls, unless you’re informed about what a stalled labour means and what you can do to help yourself, it can become a very anxious time."

From talking to so many pregnant moms, this seems to be one of the biggest fears of things that could go "wrong" during labor. I saw "wrong" because technically it's not exactly wrong, it's a speed bump, and sometimes completely natural as a laboring woman's body adjusts to so many changes over the course of her journey. In September, I covered the birth story of an Abu-Dhabi based first time mom, whose early stage of labor was a little over two days long. Labor seemed to stop and go, get long, get short. It was all over the place. The wonderful midwives at Corniche Hospital took excellent care of her. Despite the fact that she wasn't even in active labor yet, they allowed her to stay in the hospital because she felt comfortable and safe in that environment. Patience, time, lots of changing positions, walking, dancing, laughing.. all those things, and more, lead to a beautiful vaginal birth, and a healthy 3 kilo baby. 

I love this article, and everything it suggests, and highly recommend it to all my beautiful, pregnant mommies. Click the link below or the picture to read it in full.

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- See more at: http://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth/8-natural-effective-tips-for-stalled-labour/