Meet the Experts

Dr. Anna Suarez Davis

Obstetrician and Gynecologist with Baptist Health South Florida

Videos

Pregnancy & Birth: Labor Induction

Dr. Anna Suarez Davis, Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Baptist Hospital of Miami, says in medically indicated inductions, the earliest point in pregnancy that someone can be induced is 23 or 24 weeks. "An elective induction is a different story; it is not medically indicated and should not occur before 39 weeks and that even only if the cervix is prepared is favorable and ready to receive the contractions," she says.

Reasons For A C-Section

Labor dystocia is a common reason for doing a C-Section. Dr. Anna Suarez Davis, Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Baptist Hospital of Miami, explains it happens when the labor does not progress the way that doctors expect. According to her, another reason is abnormal or indeterminate fetal heart rate tracing. "Sometimes the heart rate is a little off or different than what we expect," she says.

Preparing For Labor & Delivery

There are some recommendations for pregnant women. Dr. Anna Suarez Davis, Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Baptist Hospital of Miami, says exercise is a huge benefit, because it helps them to keep their posture and strength it. Another tip is to minimize weight gain; no more than 25 to 35 pound weight gain is the recommended amount. Having a doula is an option to have some support during delivery. "Doula is a labor support person, they are not medical professionals, they don't have training, but they are wonderful support systems for our patients," says Suarez.

The 5-1-1 Rule: Giving Birth

Dr. Anna Suarez Davis, Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Baptist Hospital of Miami, explains the signs that would indicate the baby is ready to be born: The 5-1-1 rule (contractions every five minutes lasting one minute for one hour), if you break your bag of water, vaginal bleeding and if the baby is not moving. Another sign is having irregular contractions, some women will have looser stools or a little bit of nausea.

Braxton Hicks Contractions: Approaching Labor|Health Insiders

Dr. Anna Suarez Davis, Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Baptist Hospital of Miami, explains the term "the baby dropped" is when the baby is engaged in the pelvis, the head is low enough in the pelvis it can cause a little bit more discomfort for mom. "But it doesn't necessarily mean that labor is upon them, it really can happen a few weeks before labor occurs and it can happen certainly just during labor," she says. According to her, Braxton Hicks contractions are a way of the body and the uterus practicing and getting ready for her labor and they are typically irregular.

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