Congratulations, you're pregnant! Such an exciting time filled with baby showers, cute baby clothes shopping sprees, and endless internet searches about what is happening to your body. But there's one thing that many moms-to-be may not know about - the infamous "ring of fire" during childbirth.
Don't worry; we've got you covered. In this article, we will give you everything you need to know about surviving the ring of fire during childbirth so that you can prepare yourself for the potentially painful but beautiful journey ahead.
What is The Ring of Fire?
You might have heard a few horror stories from other mothers or have read blog posts talking about scary birth videos online describing ‘the ring of fire’. It conjures up images similar to Wham’s song “Ring my Bell ” where it indeed suggests something fiery hot like lava flowing out at a volcanic pace. Well, welcome to childbirth mythology 101 -- these rumors are true!
The term “ring of fire” refers to a sensation some women feel as their vaginal tissues stretch around their baby’s head during labor - ouch! This sensation feels similar to burning because when babies' heads come down into the pelvic area; moms start having extreme pressure and discomforts in areas they never thought possible while screaming things they never knew existed.
But do not be scared yet; most mothers forget this pain instantaneously after hearing her newborn cry for the first time.
When Does It Happen?
When don’t hormones ride shotgun with these little humans!? We’ve barely caught our breath from morning sickness (which by-the-way should be called-any-time-of-day-sickness). At approximately 10cm dilated marks cervical fullness which typically heralding imminent delivery - That’s when it happens ladies!
How Long Does The Ring Of Fire Last?
Imagine splitting open trying to fit a watermelon through that opening - this is something meaningful mamas. Every mother’s unique journey should have its celebration, but the ‘Ring of Fire’ for most women lasts only a few minutes -- making it undoubtedly worth the effort.
However, It is imperative to know your pain limit because there are no medals given on how far you could push yourselves as potential world champions (let alone induce temporary hearing loss among hospital staff!).
How Can You Survive The Ring Of Fire?
The good news? There are plenty of ways you can prepare yourself to handle the ring of fire and make it through childbirth comfortably, even with some humor-well-meaning behind!
Here's what we recommend:
1. Do Your Homework
Just like studying for an exam, take up birthing classes where parents learn from professionals how to deal with labor pains before going into labor or giving birth without aid at home (we’ll save the natural birth discussion for another day). Many extra resources contain exercises such as Kegels exercises or perineal massage which may help ease delivery by relaxing vaginal tissues.
2. Practice Visualization and Breathing Techniques
Shortness of breath knows nothing about demanding moments than during childbirth, so gear up seriously! Painless feeling under discomfort generated when visualizing matters in addition to nasal breathing contributes amazingly upon each individual rite passage.
3. Ask For Help
If you need additional help managing pain relief or guidance throughout labor talk options over with doctors available at hand – no choices are off limits!
Pain Management Options:
While it might seem nostalgic listening solely relying on various music playlists from lullabies humming tunes while delivering gave way hospice/epidurals/(other helpful tool(s) sitting somewhere in between), many moms still opt for these methods including deep relaxation.
Non-Medicated Pain Relief Methods
Natural remedies include anything coming close within-laws recommendations, which most likely ranging from whistling away labor pains to adequate hydration,(sidenote: do not forget the importance of frequent and regular toilet breaks!). Women use these comforting methods as they often provide a reassuring feeling or even help with relaxation. In addition, walking around aimlessly or trying different birthing positions could also distract you from the pain.
Medicated Pain Relief Options
Here are common options that women tend to prefer:
1. Nitrous Oxide (‘Laughing Gas’)
As the name suggests inhaling this substance can induce giggles - just be prepared no two people process body substances similarly! Although laughing gas has been safe for usage worldwide typically leaving less trace symptoms than opiates among mothers, there hasn’t been much research on how it affects newborn babies.
2. Epidural Anesthesia
Arguably one of the best inventions in history is epidural anesthesia- more commonly known by various contractions such as ‘Epi.’ The catheterization often recommended after contracts reach at least every five minutes while dilated up until 4cm (or requested earlier) where medication introduction results in numbing childbirth’s pain completely below wedged-in pelvises stuck children.
Who Can Help Me During The Ring Of Fire?
The ring of fire does sound scary-even potentially catastrophic- but stay focused here momma! And let us not forget your VIP Birthing Squad (if you have a choice) consisting of whoever makes you feel comfortable including co-parent/significant other/parent/sibling/friend/doula…
Having A Doula Has Its Advantages
Nowadays having a doula attends natural birth expectancies complete listening ear(s)/essential oils/pain-relief tools tailored coaching assignments easing heavy workload with medical practitioners (and getting decaf lattes at Starbucks) Finally having those self-esteem chats before baby arrives could alleviate stress!
What About An Episiotomy?
Don’t be taken aback when you hear this medical term being tossed around during your delivery process, an episiotomy refers to making a surgical incision along the muscle separating the vaginal and rectum passage to facilitate easier birth delivery. Surprisingly it’s not practiced routinely now, and requests are by mother's choice alone or labor time constraints - just so they can cut down on any possible changes favoring c-section procedures in future deliveries.
How Do You Care For The Area After Birth?
Healing bleeding lacerations after childbirth never sounds like mountain-climbing with literal sandpaper - but that all seems too easy compounding issues if we don't care enough! Immediate postpartum recovery as per professionals entails frequent sitz baths sufficient sanitary protection layers cleaning/drying & changing of sanitation pads appropriate antibiotics lower genital tract infections alongside preventing rupture altogether while supporting feminine recovery.
Conclusion
Childbirth is a major event for women; it is both high-risk yet incredibly life-affirming. It tests our body limits and takes resilience from mothers which continuously enriches them emotionally beyond their imagination. Although the ‘Ring of Fire’ part might seem terrifying at first glance do not neglect losing sight of emotional tranquility among potential pain distress triggered during crucial childbearing processes because even sunlight has its sunset moments- here comes your sunrise moment momma!