Women older than 35 have a higher risk of giving birth to children with defects. However, for most women who want to postpone childbearing until they have completed their education and established themselves in a career, the risks are small compared with the benefits of waiting until they are ready. Stages of Childbirth First stage Dilation of cervix, followed by transition phase, when baby's head can start to pass though the cervix. Second stage Passage of the baby through the birth canal, or vagina, and delivery into the world. Medications containing narcotics affect the fetus as well.
Episiotomy is an incision made by the doctor along the perineum.
This is done to prevent vaginal tearing. Forceps are sometimes used, but not always. Cesarean Section is a procedure in which the infant is removed through an incision in the abdomen and uterus. This is a time of both physical and psychological adjustment for each family member and is likely to be a time of intensified emotional highs and lows. Such reactions may be partly due to the sudden emotional, physical, and hormonal changes following birth.