Pregnancy and childbirth

Pregnancy and childbirth, also known as the prenatal period and labor respectively, are both processes that occur during human reproduction. Pregnancy is typically calculated from a woman’s last menstrual cycle to her expected due date (usually 40 weeks), while childbirth marks the beginning of an infant’s life outside the womb.

During pregnancy, a female body undergoes many changes in order to sustain fetal development. These include physical changes such as weight gain and hormonal fluctuations which can cause a variety of symptoms including nausea, fatigue, food cravings or aversion, breast tenderness/enlargement etc. In addition to physiological alterations within the mother-to-be’s body there may be various psychological effects; ranging from excitement and anticipation for impending parenthood through to anxiety over labour pain or financial strain on resources if multiple children are involved.

The process of labour usually begins with uterine contractions – these become stronger over time until eventually resulting in expulsion of fetus into its new environment – commonly referred to as “birth” or “delivery”. The duration between first contraction up till delivery usually lasts anywhere between 6-24 hours depending upon factors like primiparity (first birth) vs multigravidity (second/third+ births). Delivery itself occurs either vaginally when baby passes through pelvic canal after being pushed out by mother via muscular contractions alone – known as spontaneous vaginal delivery(SVD); OR it could involve usage tools like forceps & vacuum extractors under guidance & supervision by doctor present at scene — termed Instrumental Vaginal Delivery(IVD). When any sort of medical intervention becomes necessary then Cesarean section is performed wherein incision made across abdomen along with uterus allows removal & placement baby directly onto external world [1]. Post this point onwards special care needs taken since newborn requires support develop skills such immunity system response against germs . This help provided pediatrician nurses who look health status provide vaccination advise parents about proper hygiene diet intake ensure smooth transition early childhood[2]

After successful completion entire birthing procedure one factor remains constant need hold embrace bond child giving them sense security comfort nurturing atmosphere ushers growth social emotional well being family whole.[3] Nevertheless no matter type chosen each will experience unique journey accompanied joy stress fear excitement uncertainty level ultimately rewarding aspect lives mothers fathers welcome little ones home!

References: 1.) https://www.verywellfamily.com/types-of-childbirth 2.) http://pediatricservicesmncpaedsclinics 3.) http://parentinghealthybabies