Every woman's labor story is different, and childbirth is an experience unlike any other. While movies and TV shows have tried to give the world a bit of an insight into what it is like to give birth, it is something that you never truly understand until you have been there yourself. Whether you are pregnant now, have already given birth, or it's in your plans, there are things you should know about the birthing process that may come as a surprise to most people. While we've been taught some things that are obvious that come from delivering a baby, there are still so many other unexpected things that can happen while giving birth that you should prepare for–just in case.
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As you count down the days to meeting your baby, you should know that when you're in the delivery room, the craziest things can occur. If it does, just know that even though it seems out of this world, it's perfectly normal. That's why we wanted to fill you in on the sometimes unexpected things that can happen during childbirth. If this does happen to you, have no fear, it will ALL be over before you know it! The best part is that after all of that, you will have the joy of holding your little baby in your arms. It might be difficult to go through these things at the moment, but in the end, the reward is so worthwhile.
You may get a case of the shakes.
During childbirth, it’s normal for a woman to shake or tremble. This is caused by your hormones as your body dilates completely. It is mostly intense in women who have a natural birth and can still continue after delivery, whether you’ve had a C-section or not.
You might poop yourself.
The most dreaded accident that can occur during childbirth is pooping. As you go through the contractions, you will feel a pressure on your rectum which is associated with the feeling of needing to poop. You may feel embarrassed if this happens to you, but you should know that it's totally normal and the doctors and nurses are probably used to it by now.
Peeing during labor is common.
Besides pooping, you'll want to pee! Peeing is also normal during the birthing process as the baby gets closer to its escape. I mean, you can't help all the fluids you're releasing. After all, you ARE pushing a human being out of your hoo-ha!
You may vomit.
This doesn't paint a pretty picture, but you might throw up while in labor. This is normal and indicates that your body is making room for the baby and can occur if you were eating during the beginning of your labor. It actually is helpful for your delivery as it can help your cervix dilate in order to get the baby out.
You may tear down under.
Vaginal tearing is a common occurrence in women who give natural births. This is expected if you're giving birth to a larger than normal baby and deliver it naturally. You are treated with stitches and it may leave you with discomfort and pain for some months.
The placenta may remain inside you.
In some cases, the baby is out but the placenta remains inside you. This could be due to not enough contractions during delivery. In this case, the placenta needs some intervention. The doctor will have to reach inside with a hand to remove it from the uterine wall.
Your baby may poop inside you.
That sounds gross, right? When your baby poops inside you it is considered your infant's first bowel movement. Usually it isn't an issue in the delivery room if this occurs, but it can pose as a risk if your baby inhales it into his or her system before doctors clean the baby up.
The umbilical cord may be messy.
Finally, your baby is out! Now the next step is your doctor will have to cut the cord and sometimes that experience may not be what you expect. You might get splattered with the umbilical cord blood as it is being cut, but don't freak out.
The baby may flip!
A breech birth happens when the infant flips over into a different position not suitable for a proper delivery. It can be scary and dangerous for the baby, and at this point the mom may need a C-section to avoid any further complications.
Bruising during delivery.
If you don't push and breathe the right way during your delivery, you can end up with black eyes and bruises on your face. Blood vessels can pop due to all the pushing during labor, which may cause the bruising. It can be easily treated by applying ice packs to the area and should be gone after a few days.
