Your baby spends its nine months in the womb encased in a membrane. This membrane is created from the same cells that created the embryo. The cells that attach to the uterine wall make up this membrane called the placenta. Inside the placenta is the amniotic fluid encasing the baby and provides a watery cushion for the baby to move around in while in the womb. A mucous plug seals off the opening to the uterus.

When the baby is ready to be born, the mucous plug is released. This is called the bloody show. In lieu of the release of the mucous plug, the membrane may rupture and amniotic fluid escapes. This is known as the mothers water breaking. Typically, when one or both of these incidents occur, your baby is ready to be born. Labor usually begins soon after one or both of these occurrences.

What Your Baby Leaves Behind
When your baby is born the placenta and umbilical cord are left behind. This is called afterbirth. What many mothers do not know is that after they have successfully delivered their baby they will also have to deliver the placenta. This delivery usually occurs within 15 minutes of the babys birth.

Uterine contractions will continue pushing the placenta toward the vaginal opening. The mother may be required to push a few times to expel the placenta. Your doctor will dispose of the remaining umbilical cord connected to the placenta and the placenta. Some parents opt to keep their babys placenta. Some cultures are even known to make a special meal out of the placenta and choose to eat it. Nonetheless, the placenta is also rich in stem cells that may be used for cell regeneration for the terminally ill. Once the placenta is delivered, your medical professional will draw blood from the placenta and/or umbilicus for storage or donation for these medical treatments.

It seems like every website has some information on pregnancy and infant care these days. While the Internet is an incredibly valuable resource for information you will want to double check all information you receive about your baby with your doctor. It is better to be safe than sorry. You will hear a lot of conflicting information about the best way to take care of your baby. A combination of common sense and your doctors advice is the best way to wade through all of the information.

Know the Stages of Labor
The most angst filled time of your pregnancy will be when labor begins. Knowing what to expect will lessen the anxiety you are bound to feel during this time. The first phase of labor is called early labor. Symptoms of this phase may include contractions. These contractions may only last a few seconds and are anywhere from five to twenty minutes apart. Other symptoms may include cramps, backache, and the release of the mucous plug from your vagina.

The second phase of labor is considered active labor. This phase of labor usually goes faster than the first. Your contractions will come harder and will be closer together. They will also last longer-between 40 and 60 seconds. Additionally, your cervix will begin to dilate. Full dilation is at ten centimeters. Your cervix will dilate to approximately seven centimeters during phase two of your labor.

The third phase of labor is called advanced, or transitional labor. This phase of labor is characterized by contractions. Contractions during this phase of labor last approximately 60 to 90 seconds and are two to three minutes apart. Your cervix may quickly become fully dilated. You will also feel a lot of pressure on your rectum. This will give you the urge to push. You should not push until you are told to do so. The next phase will be delivery. You may feel totally exhausted, but rest assured you are able to push your baby out.

It may seem overwhelming to think of all of the things you may need to purchase for your babys arrival. As overwhelming as it may seem there are vital things that your baby will need. It is a good idea to make a list of all of the things that you will need and begin collecting them. Ask your local clinic for references to organization that assist lower income parents with getting necessary items for the babys arrival. You may also want to check with friends and family for donated or borrowed items.

Get Ready to Bring Your Baby Home
Be smart as you shop for clothing for your baby. Newborn sizes rarely last very long. Your baby will grow very quickly. It may be a good idea to start with a few three-month sizes. Be sure the clothes are not too big. Too big clothing may pose a fire hazard for newborns. Some clothing items are necessities. You will want to purchase an outfit for your baby to wear home from the hospital. A few side snap tee shirts and some socks are just a few of the items you should purchase for your newborn.

You will need some equipment for your new baby as well. A stroller will assist you in keeping your baby mobile. Newborns typically do well in strollers that allow them to lay flat. When your baby is a few months older and can hold up his or her head without assistance, a sitting stroller is a good idea. Strollers of this type allow babies to look at their surroundings and intake the stimulation of their environment. A car seat is also a necessity. An infant car seat is a necessity for babies under twenty pounds. You should install the car seat prior to leaving the hospital with your baby. Many hospitals will not allow the baby to leave the hospital without a car seat.

Your babys comfort is important. A crib will allow for the most comfort when your baby is sleeping. You may also be able to borrow a crib. Be sure that the crib meets government safety regulations. Most new cribs meet these safety regulations, but older cribs may not. It is also a good idea to procure a baby carrier. This might include a Moses basket for mobility or a chest harness for hands-free mobility of your baby.

You may be fully aware of the three stages of labor and what happens in each. However, you will need tips for getting through this most crucial time in your pregnancy. After nine months of waiting and anticipating, labor feels like the most intense time of your pregnancy. It is important to stay as relaxed as possible during labor though relaxation may be the furthest from your mind.

Tips for Getting Through Labor
Conduct yourself as usual during the first phase of labor. Take a bath if your water has not broken. Do some of your favorite things like listening to music or watching television or a movie. Taking a walk may ease some your stress and will keep labor moving along. Time your contractions so you can know when you have moved into the second stage of labor. It is a good idea to drink a lot of water during this time and continually empty your bladder. This, too, will keep labor moving.

Once you move into the second phase of labor it is now a good time to institute what you have learned in birthing classes. The contractions will come harder and stronger. It is important to breathe and visualize calm. Relaxation is just as important through this phase though it may be difficult. You should definitely be in the hospital for your active phase of labor. This phase goes quickly and you will be ready to deliver sooner than you think.

The last phase of labor can be the most difficult. The contractions are the most painful. You may have opted for anesthesia during the second phase and still may be feeling its effects. Be sure not to push until you are told to do so. In the mean time breathe and pant as you learned in childbirth classes. Also continue to visualize a calm place, as well as someone or something you love and cherish.

Many expectant mothers are not prepared for the many changes that affect them. First time mothers may experience all of the complications associated with pregnancy. From raging hormones to physical maladies, pregnant women must take care of themselves. Regular exercise and plenty of rest are important to your well being and your babys.

Staying Healthy While Pregnant
Many expectant mothers experience nausea. It really is just a part of the process. Often described as morning sickness, nausea can really occur at any time of the day. Nausea usually subsides during your second trimester. The best way to stave off morning sickness is to eat frequent small meals. Carry snacks with you to keep nausea away. Fruit, such as bananas, and nuts, such as almonds are great for staving off nausea.

It is important to relax during your pregnancy. Unfortunately this is not always easy as your hormones rage out of control throughout your pregnancy. Be sure to breathe deeply when you feel overwhelmed or angry. Meditation is also a great way to relax. Now is the time to learn one or more of the various techniques to assist you with relaxation. Whenever possible take the time to put your feet up and close your eyes.

Exercise is great for expectant mothers. Walking and swimming are great low impact exercises. Yoga combines stretching with meditation for a relaxed workout. Exercise will make your delivery easier as well as provide you with more restful nights. Pregnancy makes good rest difficult. Exercise will assist in increasing your energy and provide better sleep at night. It is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby.