Pregnancy Week 33

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Pregnancy Week 33: Time to Think About Delivery

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There are many delivery choices available to most women. You may want to have a natural delivery, and you may want to use an epidural or other form of pain relief during labor and delivery. Your doctor will talk with you during your final weeks of pregnancy so you can make an informed decision about whether you want to use an epidural or related pain relieving medication during labor and delivery.

Most of these procedures are safe and can help you deliver your baby without unnecessary pain and discomfort. Some women fear the use of a pain reliever during delivery will slow their delivery, but most studies suggest this is not always the case. In fact, the more relaxed you are during delivery, the more likely you are to have a successful delivery.

If you prefer alternatives to chemical pain relievers, you may try breathing techniques or hypnosis to help you relax during labor and delivery. Some women find they have easy deliveries using these techniques. Whichever choice you make be sure to investigate the pros and cons before you decide which method you prefer.

Cesarean Sections
You should also know that sometimes labor and delivery does not go the exact way you plan for them to. Some women prefer natural births but need cesarean sections. There are many reasons for this. While you contemplate delivery during pregnancy week 33 and the remainder of your pregnancy, you should learn about the risks and benefits of a cesarean section in case you need one.

Most of the time, a doctor will recommend a cesarean section if:

• You or your baby's life are in immediate danger.
• You suffer from pre-eclampsia or eclampsia.
• You experience a partial or full placental abruption.
• You have an active infection in the vagina that may spread to your baby if you deliver vaginally.
• You are not able to deliver vaginally because your baby lies in the transverse (sideways) position or your placenta completely covers your cervix.

There are some reasons you may also need an emergency cesarean section. This may result for example, if your baby shows signs of distress during labor, or if the umbilical cord drops into the vagina, a situation called "prolapse" which is life threatening and can prove fatal to your baby.

While there are risks involved with a C-section, it is important you understand what they are and how they work so you can protect your baby the best way possible during labor and delivery. Recovery from a C-section often takes a bit longer than recovery from a vaginal delivery. Your doctor will have to suture your abdomen, and you will likely remain in the hospital for three to four days rather than 24 to 48 hours after birth.

If you have a C-section, your abdomen will be quite sore and you may experience abdominal cramping and gas immediately following delivery. Your doctor may recommend you get up and move about to help promote faster healing.

Nursing your baby may prove more difficult following a cesarean birth. Fortunately there are many ways you can hold your baby to breastfeed without placing any additional weight on your abdomen. There is for example a "football" hold, where you can hold your baby like a football cradled in your arm to allow your baby to feed without any pressure directly falling on your abdomen. Keep in mind you will probably need someone to help you lift your baby for a short time after delivery until your incision starts to heal.

It is important you know a cesarean birth can be just as moving as a vaginal birth. Many mothers feel disappointed if they expected a vaginal birth and are forced to undergo a C-section. Remember however, as a pregnant parent and caring mother, you want to do what is best for your baby. Sometimes that may mean delivering by C-section instead of vaginally. You will still be able to bond with your baby, and you can still find ways to make your birthing experience memorable.

You can for example, have your partner film your delivery, and have the nurses bring your baby to you (provided your baby is healthy and not overly premature) right after delivery for a quick peak. You can spend extra time cuddling and enjoying your baby once you recover from the anesthetic used for a cesarean delivery. Any delivery is a good delivery when a healthy and happy baby enters the world.

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