Dr Thalia Isaacs Northern suburbs gynaecologist and obstetrics

For all women

Supporting you through all seasons of life

Delivery Options

Normal vaginal birth

Normal vaginal birth is one of the birthing options I will explain to you during our antenatal consultations.

How do I know I am in labour?

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You may start leaking watery liquid from your vagina. This may be fluid from the bag of water around the baby. If this happens, you should contact the hospital as you will be asked to come in for a check-up of your baby’s wellbeing. If it is confirmed that you are leaking water from around the baby, then you will be offered an induction of labour within 24 hours depending on your preference.

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You may lose mucus plug mixed with some blood from your vagina. This is called show

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Period like cramps

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Your tummy may have regular painful tightening’s

What are the stages of labour?

Labour is divided into three stages. The first stage of labour involves opening of the cervix from a closed cervix to 10 cm dilatation. At this stage, the baby’s head would have descended in the lower vagina and the woman is ready to push. The second stage of labour includes maternal pushing efforts to deliver the baby. Delivery of the baby marks the end of the second stage. The third stage includes delivery of the afterbirths, that is the placenta and the membranes.

What are the options for pain relief that I can use in labour?

There are various different pain relief options that you can use during labour.

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You have the option of using nitrous gas which you can use during your labour. It does not have any aftereffects on either you or your baby. It takes the edge of the pains and you have to use it continuously during the labour.

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Morphine injection is an effective injection. It significantly reduces the pain but does not take it away completely. If it is given too close to the birth of the baby, it can cause transient respiratory depression in the newborn. It can also cause some side effects in the mother including altered perception, nausea and respiratory depression.

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Epidural is an injection that goes in the lower back. It numbs the pain and takes it away completely. This is given by an anaesthetist and is associated with some very rare but serious complications. It may sometimes lower the blood pressure and affect baby’s heartbeat pattern. Your baby’s heartbeat will be continuously monitored if you have an epidural.

Reviews

“My gynaecologist, Dr Thalia Isaacs was amazing. The nursing staff was very helpful as well. Thank you, Melomed Bellville.”

Reviews

“The nursing staff was phenomenal. They made me feel comfortable and checked in throughout my stay. The doctors through the treatment kept me informed and always had the best interest of their patients at heart. Special thanks to Doctor Thalia Isaacs and Doctor Leboho and all the sisters who assisted in ward C in the surgical unit. Absolutely stunning staff as well as the porters.”