Child birth is very special

 Whether a baby is the first or the seventh, childbirth is a significant event. The health and upbringing of a newborn is dependent on mothers preparedness on how she handles this delicate issue. We can read about childbirth or watch videos, but experience is more important. The first step is to understand female anatomy and how it works during different phases of childbirth. Ovulation is one such phase of the menstrual cycle, when an egg or ovum is released from ovaries. If this ovum meets with male sperm in its journey down the fallopian tube conception takes place. It does sound simple, but Ovulation depends on the interplay of glands and hormones. This may be one reason why some women cannot conceive. The gland that affects Ovulation is the Hypothalamus, using its hormones for communication with the pituitary gland, referred to as the master gland of the endocrine system. In turn, the pituitary gland produces luteinizing hormone (LH) and FSH. High levels of LH cause Ovulation within two days. The cycle continues with mature follicles releasing ovum into the peritoneal cavity and then into the fallopian tube, and from there to the uterus. If the ovum does not encounter a sperm within 24 hours it dies. Ovulation occurs two weeks before the onset of the menstrual period once every month till menopause, or break in between for child birth and pregnancy. Certain changes occur in the cervical mucus, which gets slippery and slick, accompanied by general or localized pain. Sometimes there is delay or deviation from 24 to 35 days in the menstrual cycle, or slight fever in women who follow natural family planning methods. This persuades them to mistake Ovulation for premenstrual symptoms, if accompanied by pain and changes in body. Instead of playing guessing games, Ovulation should be confirmed with kits available in market or through blood tests or pregnancy ultrasound. Once sure, it is advisable to take precautions to avoid miscarriage or bleeding. Motherhood is something nature intended us to enjoy, and we should welcome it in all its cycles.

Giving birth is rightly regarded as an extremely uncomfortable and painful experience for many mothers, and while for some women labor goes quickly and relatively easily, for others it can turn into a real ordeal. Where our grandmothers had to go through the pain barrier more or less unaided, there are quite a few options available for todays pregnant women that can lessen or even completely remove the pain, allowing the joyfulness of giving birth a much greater chance to be appreciated. – Birthing Pool Because the buoyancy relieves some of the pressure on the lower back muscles, being in the water during the early stages of labor can greatly alleviate contraction pains for some women. Some women prefer to stay in the water right through to the later stages of labor, and some even choose to complete the birth in a birthing pool. Birthing pools have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they are seen as a natural way of reducing pain, in line with today’s widespread preference for keeping things simple and as close to nature as possible. – TENS A TENS machine is a small electronic device which you attach to your lower back with electrode pads. The machine passes a very slight electric current through the pads, which is intended to interfere with the pain signals, reducing the extent of the discomfort. The level of current can usually be increased during contractions, and then lowered back down as the pain subsides again. TENS machines have a positive effect on some women while having a negative effect on others. The devices are typically available for hire from the hospital, but if you want to be certain that one will be available, you can purchase one yourself for a reasonable price. – Gas and Air This is also known as entonox, and is a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen that is breathed in via a pipe whenever the mother-to-be feels the need. It is a very light method of pain relief, and is enough on it’s own for some women, especially in straightforward births. The effect is more of a distraction from the pain than an actual reduction, but doesn’t feature the drawbacks of the two more heavy-duty pain relief drugs below. – Subdural An epidural is an injection of pain relief drugs direct into the lumbar region, and is extremely effective at blocking pain. The initial injection must be performed by a doctor, although the drug levels can then be subsequently topped up by the midwife for as long as it is required. Early epidurals also interfered with movement, and so the entire birth had to be carried out lying down, but more advanced versions of the drugs used now allow the mother to walk around a little to relieve discomfort. – Pethidine In most cases, this is the strongest option for relieving pain, and it stops the pain for three to four hours. Unlike an epidural, it can’t be used indefinitely, and only two doses are usually allowed, meaning it is less than ideal for labor's lasting longer than 8 hours or so. The drug can also pass through to the infant, in some cases delaying the start of breathing. However, in the event that this occurs, there are remedies available. Although the choice of which method of pain relief to use is usually left up to the mother, most midwives recommend starting with the less invasive choices such as TENS and gas and air, only moving up to drug treatments if necessary later on.

Pregnancy is one of the most amazing experiences that any woman can have in life. I'm talking about women who have had the privilege of carrying and having children. One of life's greatest miracles is being able to conceive and carry a child as it grows into a fully functioning infant. For all the blessings of pregnancy it is not, however, without its struggles. The most obvious blessing of pregnancy is the promise of a new life that it means. There is nothing more special than seeing a new child added to the world, and women are the ones that get to provide the perfect atmosphere for the unborn child to grow in a safe and warm place. Pregnancy allows a woman to share months of intimacy with her baby before the baby gets to interact with any one else in the world. What a special time of bonding that the months of pregnancy are for mothers and babies. Even fathers must wait until babies are born to feel them or to fully experience them. Some of the best blessings of pregnancy are less serious and yet really enjoyable. For example, pregnancy woman seem to be adored and cared for wherever they go. Pregnancy makes everyone a woman’s best friend. Suddenly doors are being opened, heavy things are being lifted, and great meals are being prepared for you. Few seasons in life will offer these kinds of blessings, so take full advantage of the attention people give you during your pregnancy. For women who love to shop, pregnancy has its obvious benefits. Not only do you have an excuse to spend time and money creating the perfect nursery for your new baby, but you also have a real need to shop for new clothing for yourself. Pregnancy allows the shopper in you to come out and get lots of practice because we all know that mothers and babies need lots of new things. Take advantage of the opportunity to shop while you can, as you won't have it for long! While I have loved the experience of pregnancy very much, I would be lying if I said it was just a walk in the park. No, pregnancy definitely brings additional difficulties to a woman's life. Very few women make it through pregnancy without sickness or being frustrated over the obvious weight gain that happens. Sleep doesn’t always come easily with a baby growing and moving inside of you nor is it always easy to keep up with the demands of life when all you want to do is rest. Whatever hard things come with pregnancy, I guarantee you that nothing can outweigh the joy and privilege it is to be a part of bringing a new life into the world.