delivery What’s a doula, and why might I want one? A doula can be your emotional and physical cheerleader throughout your pregnancy, labor, delivery and even in baby’s early days. Typically, you’ll meet your doula a few months before your due date so you can form a relationship, discuss any questions or fears, and develop a birth plan. It’s important to know that doulas aren’t medical practitioners, so they don’t substitute for a doctor or certified midwife. But they can help you understand labor and delivery and stay by your side to support you during it. A doula is trained in labor relaxation methods and can help you communicate with the doctors and nurses. Studies have shown that using a doula lowers the overall c-section rate by 50 percent and the length of labor by 25 percent. Those moms are also less likely to use pain meds. A doula doesn’t take over for your partner; she helps and encourages you both. A doula should be someone you feel comfortable with— after all, she’ll be with you throughout some monumental moments, and you’re going to want to be confident asking her questions. She should be certified by a reputable organization and come highly recommended, so try asking around. Or search for one at AmericanPregnancy.org.
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Do I need a birth plan? A birth plan is just that—a game plan for baby’s arrival. It’s not a necessity, but it’s a smart way to make clear your desires about issues like pain meds, people involved, episiotomies, cord cutting and anything else you expect to happen a certain way during labor and delivery. How it works: First, talk over your wishes with your doc, making sure he agrees and that they fit within hospital restrictions. Then, write them down (try not to make it a huge, multipage plan—use clear, distinct shorthand, or print out the birth plan checklist at TheBump.com). Then see to it that you, your doctor and the hospital staff each have a copy. What are some reasons I may need a c-section? A c-section occurs in 32 percent of all deliveries in the US. In a c-section, mom is given anesthesia and the baby is delivered through an incision in her abdominal and uterine walls. Your doctor might say you need a c-section if you have a high-risk pregnancy or if your or baby’s health could be jeopardized by a vaginal delivery. Some reasons include placenta previa (the placenta covers the cervix), uterine rupture (a tear in the uterus), baby is breech, fetal distress, preeclampsia and being pregnant with multiples.
My doctor said I have a tilted uterus. What does that mean? A tilted uterus is exactly what it sounds like— it’s when your uterus leans more toward the front (anterior) or the back (posterior) of your body. Don’t worry, though. A tilted uterus is not a cause for concern, and it’s actually quite common. You don’t need to fix it, and it shouldn’t affect your ability to conceive or to deliver a perfectly healthy baby. Hooray!
The Bump experts: Shoshana Bennett, PhD, DrShosh.com; and Ashley S. Roman , MD, OB-GYN and clinical assistant professor at New York University School of Medicine
100s of answers at TheBump.com/q&a thebump.com