Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for medical concerns regarding your child.
Preparing for Labour: What to Expect and How to Prepare
A study by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics found that 75% of women go into labour within 2 weeks of their due date, with 50% giving birth within 1 week.
What You Need to Know
- The average length of labour is 12-14 hours for first-time mothers, with a temperature range of 36.5-37.5 degrees Celsius.
- According to the WHO, a foetal heart rate of 110-160 beats per minute is considered normal during labour.
- The Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommends that women gain 10-12 kg during pregnancy, with a weight gain of 0.5-1 kg per week in the third trimester.
- Labour typically progresses at a rate of 1 cm per hour in the active phase, with a total dilation of 10 cm.
- The IAP suggests that women should drink at least 2 litres of water per day during the last month of pregnancy to stay hydrated.
- A study found that women who attended 4-6 antenatal classes had a 30% lower risk of interventions during labour.
The Indian Context: What Research Actually Says
Consuming warm milk with ghee and turmeric
Region: North India | Verdict: Recommended in moderation
Reduces labour pain and inflammation
Eating dates during the last month of pregnancy
Region: South India | Verdict: Supported by some studies
Helps ripen the cervix and reduce labour time
Applying warm compresses to the lower back
Region: East India | Verdict: Recommended
Relieves back pain during labour
Practicing yoga and breathing exercises
Region: All India | Verdict: Highly recommended
Reduces stress and anxiety during labour
Common Myths — Busted
Truth: Labour can start with mild contractions or back pain, with 40% of women experiencing back labour.
Truth: The IAP recommends delayed pushing for 1-2 hours after full dilation, unless there are complications or the baby is in distress.
Truth: Studies show that epidural anaesthesia increases the risk of Caesarean section by 10-15%, but it is still a safe option for pain management.
When to See Your Paediatrician
- Fetal heart rate above 160 beats per minute
- Maternal temperature above 38 degrees Celsius
- Rupture of membranes with no labour progression
- Severe vaginal bleeding
Parents Also Ask
What are the signs of labour pain?
Labour pain typically starts with mild contractions 30-40 minutes apart, progressing to stronger contractions 5-10 minutes apart, with a duration of 30-70 seconds.
How long does labour last for first-time mothers?
The average length of labour for first-time mothers is 12-14 hours, with some labours lasting up to 24 hours.
What is the normal foetal heart rate during labour?
A normal foetal heart rate during labour is between 110-160 beats per minute, with an average of 130-140 beats per minute.
Key Takeaways
- The average length of labour is 12-14 hours for first-time mothers, with a temperature range of 36.5-37.5 degrees Celsius.
- According to the WHO, a foetal heart rate of 110-160 beats per minute is considered normal during labour.
- The Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommends that women gain 10-12 kg during pregnancy, with a weight gain of 0.5-1 kg per week in the third trimester.
- Labour typically progresses at a rate of 1 cm per hour in the active phase, with a total dilation of 10 cm.
Track your baby’s health milestones on the ourlio app.
