As your pregnancy progresses and you await the birth of your baby it is important to know what to expect. This guide explains what will happen in the three stages of labor.
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Three Stages Of Labor
Here is a step by step guide to each of the three stages of labor from the first signs until your baby is born.
The First Stage Of Labor
This is the longest stage of labor. It begins at the onset of labor when your contractions start and your cervix thins and begins to dialate (open).
This stage lasts until your cervix is 10cm dialated. It is made up of three phases. Each phase is very different and comes with its own challenges and guidelines.
Early Phase Of Labor
This phase begins when your contractions start and your cervix begins to dialate. It will last until your cervix is 3cm dialated. It will last approximately 8-12 hours.
It is perfectly fine to stay at home during this phase and to relax as much as possible.
What will happen:
Contractions begin – Your contractions will be fairly short and mild at first and will get progressively stronger and will last longer. They will be irregular at the beginning but become much more frequent as time goes on.
They can feel like menstrual cramps, a dull ache in your back, and a tightening in your pelvic area.
Take note of how your contractions are progressing.
If they are getting stronger, closer together, and lasting longer. Ask your birthing partner to time the contractions for you.
Your waters may break – This happens when the amniotic sac ruptures and you begin to lose amniotic fluid. This may happen in a big gush of fluid or a slow leaking over time.
Note the time that this happens. Also take note of the colour and odour of the amniotic fluid as your midwife will ask this. If the fluid is a greenish colour you must inform a health professional right away.
Try your best to relax during this phase. Use the bathroom as often as you can as its best to keep your bladder empty during labor.
Make sure you have regular fluids and small snacks. Do some light activities around the house if you wish to keep yourself occupied. Try not to overdo it though as you will need to conserve your energy.
If your labor begins during the night you could try getting a few hours of sleep as long as there is someone there with you.
Active Phase Of Labor
Active labor begins when your cervix has reached 3cm dialated. It usually lasts between 3 and 5 hours. Your contractions will be stronger now.
You probably won’t be able to move around during them now. This is the time you will start to think about pain relief if you choose to have it.
The onset of active labor is the time to start your using your breathing techniques and to go to the hospital.
What will happen:
Contractions are more frequent – Your contractions will be about 5 minutes apart and last for up to a minute. They will start to feel more painful.
Cervix opens more – Your cervix will dialate from 4cm to 7cm during this phase.
Fatigue and leg discomfort – You will start to feel tired and your legs may feel uncomfortable and heavy. You may also lose your appetite at this point.
You will be monitored by hospital staff – Health care professionals will monitor your blood pressure, your contractions, and your baby with a fetal monitor.
During this phase movement will become increasingly difficult but try to change position often. Drink plenty of fluids and continue to empty your bladder.
A warm bath may help with the pain. Ask your birthing partner to massage your lower back, and to help you with breathing techniques.
Try listening to music or reading a book to help distract you.
Transition Phase
The transition phase is the most intense phase but also the shortest. In this phase your contractions will become incredibly painful and much closer together. This phase lasts up to 2 hours and ends when you feel the need to push.
What will happen:
Your cervix will fully dialate – You will go from 8cm to 10cm dialated.
Contractions will intensify – Your contractions will last for up to 90 seconds. They will be between 30 seconds and 2 minutes apart.
You may have nausea – It is common to experience nausea, vomiting, gas, hot flashes, and chills during the transition phase.
As your labor intensifies so may your emotions. You may be feeling pretty fed up by now and may even have feelings of anger, this is perfectly normal.
Your birthing partner will help to reassure you and keep you calm. It is important to continue with your breathing techniques.
The Second Stage Of Labor
This stage begins when your cervix is 10cm dialated and lasts until the birth of your baby. Now you are fully dialated you will begin to push. This stage can last anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours.
What will happen:
You will feel the natural urge to push – You will now feel a strong urge to push, do this every time you feel the urge. Use all the energy you have to push and then rest between contractions.
You will feel pressure in the rectal area – You will feel strong pressure in your rectum and may accidentally have a small bowel movement or pass urine.
Your baby’s head will crown – At this point your baby’s head will be visible. During this time you will be asked not to push.
Your baby will now be born. After passing through the birth canal they will be coated in vernix, this is a substance that protects the skin in the womb. They may have a cone shaped head, puffy eyes and enlarged genitals.
The Third Stage Of Labor
This is the final stage of labor and is the shortest. In the third stage you will deliver the placenta. This stage can take up to 30 minutes.
After your baby is born you will begin to feel small contractions. This is a sign that that the placenta is separating from the uterus. Your midwife may apply some pressure to your uterus and pull on the umbilical cord.
After the placenta is delivered you may experience some shivering which is nothing to worry about and perfectly normal.
Now the last stage of labor is complete and you have made it through the three stages of labor you will be monitored by healthcare professionals and will be able to enjoy spending time with your new baby.
