The following is a brief description of some of the more common things that partners or support people may see and / or hear at the birth. It is designed to help prepare you for a little of the 'unknown'.
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What you may see in the woman
Sheer physical exertion while pushing and panting (written all over her face).
Very red flushed face (many people say a woman in labour looks very beautiful and flushed, as if she has just experienced an orgasm, although she probably doesn’t feel that way).
Bowel movements (and odours).
The vagina and perineum bulging just before the baby’s head crowns.
Blood, mucous from her vagina.
Vomiting or dry retching.
Panic, pain and or sheer determination cross her face, interspersed with sleep and relaxation or exhaustion.
Episiotomy if one is necessary.
Ventouse or forceps if necessary.
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What you may see as your baby is being born
A small patch of scalp, and possibly hair.
Slow, or fast, emergence of the baby’s head.
Blue-purple colouration of the baby’s scalp and body.
Creamy substance (vernix) covering some areas or all of the baby’s body.
The baby’s face looking motionless or showing expression before their body is born.
One of the baby’s hands being seen with the birth of the baby’s head (thumb sucker!)
Cord being loosened from around the baby’s neck or being eased over their head and shoulders or being clamped and cut.
Amniotic fluid, blood and sometimes meconium on or around the baby.
Mucous draining from the baby’s nose or mouth.
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