The Stages of Labor
By: abelfischerTotal Views: 286, Word Count: 584,
Labour is divided into three stages. This article explains the various stages of labour that you is experienced at childbirth in detail. The experience of labour however, differs from woman to woman and from pregnancy to pregnancy.
Stage one of Labour
During the first stage of labour a woman can experience a show or water breaking or contractions. A show is the release of the mucous plug that seals the cervix during the pregnancy. Water breaking is referred to the discharge of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby. Contractions will help to dilate and efface your cervix so that it's able to stretch enough for your baby to pass through during delivery. Labour contractions are regular and become more intense with time, unlike Braxton hicks contractions. During this stage your cervix dilates from one to ten centimeters and this is the longest stage. This stage can be further divided into three phases:
- The early phase - At this phase the cervix will dilate between 1 - 4 cm and the contractions will be mild and will last for about 40-50 seconds and will occur every 10 minutes or so. At this point it is best to remain calm and relaxed rather than rushing to the hospital.
- The active phase - At this phase you will be 4 cm dilated and your contractions will be quicker and more intense. It will occur every 3 - 4 minutes and will last for about a minute or more. At this phase, practice some breathing exercises that you had learnt earlier in the pregnancy and try changing positions. You could take a warm water bath or go for a walk. Once you feel it’s time then go to the hospital.
- The transition phase - At this phase, the cervix makes its final dilation (8 cm to 10 cm) and the contractions will be more frequent and intense. You may experience nausea and dizziness during this phase.
Stage two of Labour
During the second stage you will begin to push your baby out and bring him or her to the world. Breathing in between contractions and changing positions will be helpful and effective. Squatting, kneeling, standing or lying down on your left side will help your pelvis to open up and let your baby to pass through.
When the baby’s head reaches the opening of the birth canal (when it begins to crown) your doctor will guide the baby out and ask you to stop pushing.
This stage can take about 10 minutes or an hour or two depending on whether this is your first or subsequent pregnancy.
Stage three of Labour
This is the last stage of labour. During this stage the placenta and membranes are delivered. Many hospitals may offer a hormonal injection to initiate this stage of labour, but it is entirely up to you to choose to have it or not. Discuss this option with your doctor in your birth plan.
Once the placenta is out, you will continue to have mild contractions in order to stop the bleeding. This stage can last between 5 minutes to an hour, however at this point you will be able to cuddle your baby and hence it will all seem worthwhile.
After the third stage of labour is over, you will feel extremely exhausted and you will need to rest.
About the Author
Abel Fischer is a practicing gynecologist in Dassel, Germany and regularly contributes to women’s health issues and forums.
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