The Experience of Giving Birth in the UK: A Personal Account
Overcoming Unexpected Delays
Initially scheduled for an induction at 39 weeks, my plans were thwarted when numerous pregnant women flooded the emergency department, overwhelming the hospital’s capacity. Consequently, my induction had to be delayed until 2 pm on the 39th week and 5th day, only two days before my due date. While the reason behind the delay remains unknown to me, it is evident that the National Health Service (NHS) prioritizes patients based on need, rather than want.
Efficiency and Preparation
On the scheduled day for my second induction, I received an early morning call from the hospital urging me to proceed immediately for the labor induction process. Hastily, I gathered my delivery package and headed promptly to the hospital. Upon arrival, I underwent fetal monitoring, ensuring the baby’s well-being, followed by an internal examination and administration of medication to soften the cervix. Typically, if no signs of labor are observed within the first 30 minutes after the medication, artificial rupture of membranes may be performed after 24 hours. Nevertheless, many women experience labor within this time frame. I was assigned an independent distribution room offering various amenities, including a bed, dining table, single sofa, sink, locker, yoga ball, and TV, where I patiently awaited the baby’s signal.
Challenges and Support During Labor
Approximately 11 hours after medication usage, an internal examination revealed a mere 4 centimeters of progress. However, demonstrating tremendous expertise and judgment, the midwife deemed it appropriate to transition me into the delivery room. Another midwife accomplished the delivery task effortlessly, ensuring all essential preparations were completed, including blood drawing and guiding me on the application of laughing gas and effective breathing techniques for delivery. As the birth approached, the presence of two midwives was ensured to offer comprehensive care and support.
High and Low-Risk Categorization for Mothers
Expectant mothers in the UK are categorized as either high or low-risk. Those seeking pain relief fall into the high-risk group, while low-risk individuals opt for water births. Moreover, the entirety of prenatal care through birth is available free of charge within the UK’s healthcare system. In case of emergencies requiring a cesarean section, the procedure is also covered. However, should a pregnant woman voluntarily choose a cesarean section, private hospital care is available for a fee.
Navigating through Labor Challenges
Due to my baby’s abnormal fetal position, each contraction presented difficulties in assuming the recommended birthing positions. Ultimately, I could not endure the discomfort any longer and opted to change my lying position. Throughout this process, the midwife remained remarkably composed, consistently emphasizing the importance of listening to my body. Despite peculiar circumstances, including contractions reaching an advanced stage while the amniotic fluid remained intact, the midwife expertly and safely performed an artificial rupture of membranes. Subsequent contractions intensified, prompting the overwhelming desire to push, leading to the joyous moment of bringing my baby into the world. Having someone present who could guide me through coordinated breathing and exertion ensured minimal complications and blood loss—indeed, I consider myself fortunate to have encountered such an exceptional midwife. In contrast, my experiences with the midwife during my first pregnancy were less notable.
Easing into Postpartum Comfort
Following childbirth in the UK, the mother’s preference for skin-to-skin contact with the baby is confirmed by the midwife. If agreed upon, the baby is promptly placed on the mother’s chest post-birth—an intimate and heartwarming experience. Additionally, the provision of hot drinks and buttered toast for both the mother and father is a delightful aspect of the birthing process. The simple pleasure of indulging in reasonably priced baked toast alongside milk has its own unique charm. While awaiting paperwork completion, mothers are even offered the opportunity to take a bath, a personal choice that can significantly enhance postpartum comfort by relieving residual blood stains.
Comparing Birth Experiences
This natural birth experience in the UK unfolded smoothly, empowering me to walk unassisted to the maternity center after completion. Notably, during my previous childbirth, I had to rely on a wheelchair due to the administration of an IV drip.
Midwives as Key Caregivers
Midwives assume primary responsibility for natural births in the UK. In cases where the labor process is excessively protracted, necessitating the use of vacuum suction or birth clamps, a doctor might be called upon to assist. However, once the birth is concluded, the doctor’s involvement ceases, and the midwife expertly handles any required suturing. Reflecting back on my two birth experiences, I have come to value the essential role midwives play in caring for pregnant and postpartum women. Their supportive approach creates an environment akin to being at home, while aptly reserving valuable medical resources for pregnant and postpartum women in dire need. For those intrigued by the work of midwives, I highly recommend watching the informative video titled “The Incredible Daily Life Of A Midwife.”
(Note: The content has been edited for grammatical correctness, journalistic style, and professional tone.)
I originally scheduled an induction at 39 weeks, but when I got to the hospital, too many pregnant women came to the emergency department that day and the hospital was overwhelmed, so my induction was delayed until 2 pm on 39 a week + 5 days, which was just two days before my due date. Although I don’t know what it means? But we can only accept that the NHS is for patients who need it, not patients who want it.
On the day of my second induction, the hospital called me in the morning and asked if I could go there straight away to induce labour. I took the delivery package and immediately rushed to the hospital. After entering the ward, I first monitored the baby’s heartbeat. Once everything was normal, I first had an internal examination. Then I inserted medicine to soften the cervix. the first 30 minutes after the medication is inserted. , if there are no signs of labor after taking the medicine for 24 hours, the water will be artificially broken However, many pregnant women can give birth within 24 hours. independent distribution room. The delivery room has a bed, dining table, single sofa, sink, locker, yoga ball and TV. After taking the medicine, you can wait for the baby’s signal.
The effect of the medicine took effect 11 hours after using the medicine, and the result of the internal examination was only 4 centimeters… But the midwife felt it was right to go into the delivery room. another midwife delivered the baby, and the transfer and all the preparations were completed (blood draw, Teach me how to use laughing gas and how to focus on breathing and giving force.) When the birth is about to actually begin, there will be two midwives on site to deliver the baby.
Mothers who give birth in the UK will be divided into high or low risk groups. Mothers who want pain relief will be in the high risk group, while water births are in the low risk group. In the UK, of care prenatal to birth, Everything is free If there is an emergency and a caesarean section is needed, it is free If a pregnant woman personally chooses to have a caesarean section, she can go to a private hospital for a fee.
Because of the baby’s abnormal fetal position, each contraction made it impossible for me to sit or stand in the position required by the midwife. Later, I could not bear it anymore and I changed my lying position. give birth and you can discuss them with the midwife. My midwife was very calm and basically A Zen master, no matter how my reaction is not according to her expectations, she can say calmly “You need to do this, listen to your body”. I really need to listen carefully to how my body is telling my mother what to do. , it was very strange that the contractions had reached the point where I could give birth, but the amniotic fluid was still not breaking. water was broken artificially. After the water broke, the pain of the contractions made me want to push out, and then the baby was born! The man who was with the birth said he was the first to see the head, and then I saw it all baby Everything ended too quickly I felt the process of giving birth naturally inexplicably. It felt so great! Breathing and effort must be coordinated to avoid excessive wounds and excessive blood loss. I can only say that I have been very lucky to meet the right one. good midwife The midwife for my first pregnancy didn’t have much of a function…
Before birth, the midwife will confirm again if the mother wants skin to skin If she agrees, the baby is placed directly on the mother after birth The great thing is that hot drinks and buttered toast after give birth in the UK. is provided to the mother and father. After the birth, I think the cheap baked toast + milk marinate is especially delicious. Before waiting for the paperwork to be completed, the mother can also take a bath. Taking a bath is a personal choice. Personally, I think it will be more comfortable to wash off the blood stains.
This natural birth went smoothly. I walked to the maternity center alone after giving birth. The last time I gave birth, I was pushed in a wheelchair after receiving an IV drip.
In the UK, natural births are mainly delivered by midwives. If the labor process is too long and it is necessary to use vacuum suction or birth clamps to assist a natural birth, a doctor will. However, the doctor will leave after the birth of the birth. The midwife will stitch up the wound I When I was pregnant with my first child, I was also worried about the maternity care provided by the NHS in the UK Why were there only two ultrasounds Why weren’t the babies After two birth experiences, I felt that it is very useful for midwives to help care for pregnant and postpartum women. It makes people feel at home, but you don’t need professional doctors to care for depressed women. risking pregnant/partum women, which is a waste of medical resources The video about the work of midwives, The Incredible Daily Life Of A Midwife, is very good, for those who are interested You can take a look, I hope it will be useful for mothers who are preparing to give birth in the UK.
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