The Second Stage Of Labor Is The Effort Phase
Childbirth is divided into the opening phase, the effort phase, and the exit of the offspring. The effort phase begins when the uterus opens to its full extent. As the fetus presses on the rectum and perineum, the mother needs to work harder. The baby is born as the mother struggles during the contraction, while the assistant supports the perineum to prevent rupture.
The effort phase usually lasts from a few minutes to a couple of hours, in first-time mothers even longer. If necessary, labor is accelerated by means of a suction cup.
In Finland, most women still give birth in the traditional semi-sitting position, but alternative positions and aids are also increasingly used. The obstetrician is usually the best person to choose the best strain position.
Different ways of working
There are two ways to make an effort when a baby is born, and spontaneous efforts take place naturally and at the mother’s will, while in a guided effort, the Hospital Staff assists in the delivery. Now, then, we will talk about these two ways in more detail.
Spontaneous effort
Spontaneous or physiological exertion is that the mother feels the need to exert, due to her natural instinct. According to experts, it is better that the effort takes place naturally in childbirth, that is, that it is self-directed by the mother.
They say this does not transform the process of childbirth or its duration. In addition, studies show that this can reduce the need to use instruments in childbirth. It is also beneficial for the pelvic floor and minimizes the risk of damage to the perineum.
Effort Wizard
The guided effort takes place in such a way that the hospital staff controls the delivery process. In other words, this means that they tell the mother to make an effort based on the contractions.
The decision on directed effort is usually made when the mother does not feel the need to make an effort in her body. This may be because he has been given epidural anesthesia.
What can be the disadvantages of guided effort?
- It increases the risk of damage to the structure of a woman’s pelvic floor.
- It increases stress and maternal exhaustion.
- The risk is greater that the perineum will tear and that an incision will have to be made in it.
- The fetus may have an abnormal heart rhythm.
- It can cause a woman to lose her ability to hold urine.
- The risk of having to use forceps or suction cups is greater, and so is the risk of caesarean section.
- Of course, it also means that the mother cannot give birth naturally, which is a disadvantage for many.
How to try during childbirth?
While it is natural for a woman to feel the need to make an effort, it is important that the effort is adapted to the level of contractions. When these two forces combine, the baby is able to descend quickly. The instinct for effort in a woman is caused by the baby’s head applying pressure towards the pelvic floor.
For the effort to take place well, the woman must apply force by narrowing the abdominal wall while pushing down. Whenever possible, it is important to combine efforts with contractions.
Breathing is very important here, as a mother can be much stronger if she learns to control her breathing.
So here are the most important guidelines for the effort in childbirth:
- Effort should be combined with contraction.
- The woman should contract her stomach as she pushes down.
- Breathing should be controlled. Breathing is important because by controlling it, a woman is able to be stronger.
What is the best way to make an effort?
Some experts believe that the traditional way of striving during childbirth should be re-evaluated. They emphasize that the most important thing is that the mother’s body tells her when and how to make an effort.
These experts agree that a guided effort can be very beneficial, but they don’t think it should be undertaken just to implement a traditional routine.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is best to allow a woman to make an effort spontaneously. The organization is also warned that mothers should not be allowed to hold their breath for longer periods of effort.
This process also depends on the mother and whether she notices the signs of childbirth correctly.
In summary, we add that the most recommended effort during childbirth is spontaneous, that is, one that is not forced. It is important to wait for contractions so that the mother can regain her strength.
When you go for prenatal checkups, you can ask your doctor in more detail about the effort phase and any other periods of labor.
