Post Delivery Issues
Even if they have to run additional tests on your baby, he’s probably healthy as can be. Many states require that certain tests are conducted on all newborns, so don’t be alarmed if your baby has to go through a whole battery of blood tests before you are both discharged. Sometimes your doctor may call in another doctor to get a second opinion on something, like examining the baby’s eyes for example.
More often than not the second doctor will say that there is no problem, and you should be pleased that your doctor has enough sense to bring someone else in for a peek. If there turns out to be any sort of test results which indicate problems then the medical staff should explain everything fully to you but if you don’t understand everything then certainly don’t be apprehensive about demanding clarification. You should leave the hospital with a complete understanding of your baby’s condition, and if you don’t understand then ask more questions until you do.
Sometimes labor results in a significant blood loss. You have probably already realized that due to the nature of what labor is all about there is inevitable blood loss involved. Sometimes, however, the bleeding is excessive or doesn’t stop quickly enough. This can be caused by any number of things, such as a placenta, which doesn’t detach properly. There are some instances where blood transfusions are necessary, but this is far from the norm. One woman tells of losing a lot of blood during labor but just under the amount required for a blood transfusion. Then, when she was helped to the toilet afterwards by the nurse she started to feel woozy, and promptly passed out while sitting on the toilet. Imagine her surprise when she came to and there she was, still on the toilet with a full staff of medical personnel surrounding her.
Your strength will be shot for a while. Even without significant blood loss, your body has just gone through a tremendously straining event. Don’t pick up that suitcase just yet, because you may be surprised at how weak you really are. Your strength will return slowly but surely, but be sure to give your body all the time it needs to return to normal.
You will undoubtedly be plagued at one time or another during your pregnancy by thoughts of all the things, which might go wrong during labor. Take a deep breath and remember that you are having your baby at the most medically advanced time in history. Most labors go smoothly and without major problems. In all likelihood you and your baby will be just fine.
