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Stages of Labor |
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Once true labor contractions begin, you’ve entered the first stage of labor. While there is great variation in each woman’s experience, labor and delivery progress through three stages.
During stage one, your cervix dilates and effaces, preparing for the passage of the baby. By the end of this stage, the cervix is 100% effaced and 10 cm dilated so that the baby can pass into the birth canal (vagina).
This stage is divided into two phases. In phase one, called early labor or the latent phase, the cervix is dilated from 0 to 3 cm. You may have mild to moderate contractions every 5 to 20 minutes. You may be uncomfortable, with a backache, feeling of fullness, or menstrual-like pain.
Phase one is the longest section of labor. It may last from hours to days for first-time moms. Women who have already had a baby average eight hours in this phase.
Once your cervix is 3 or 4 cm dilated, you move into phase two, called active labor. The contractions are stronger and occur more often. It is important to time your contractions. Most doctors ask you to come to the hospital when contractions last more than 60 seconds, occur five minutes apart, and persist for at least one hour.
Toward the end of this phase, your cervix dilates from 7 to 10 cm. These last few centimeters of cervical opening, sometimes called transition, occur fairly quickly, but can be quite difficult. Contractions are stronger and more frequent, putting pressure on your lower back and rectum.
You may feel anxious, exhausted, and irritable. You may feel the urge to push, but your doctor may ask you to wait. Pushing too soon may cause your cervix to tear or swell.
Stage one is the longest stage of labor and delivery. You may request pain medication during this time. You should discuss the options and your preferences for pain control during your pregnancy. Some women also use relaxation techniques to ease discomfort.
Stage two can take a few minutes or a few hours. It tends to take longer for first-time moms and women who have epidurals for pain control. During this stage you will push; at times your doctor may ask you to stop pushing. First, the baby will crown. This means that the widest part of the baby’s head appears in the vaginal opening.
As the head is pushed through, the vagina and perineum are stretched, which may cause a burning sensation. Once the head is out, the baby’s mouth and nose may be suctioned with a syringe to clear out mucus. Shortly after, the rest of the baby’s body is delivered and you may hear your baby’s first cry. The umbilical cord, which connects the baby to the placenta, is clamped and cut.
Stage three usually takes only a few minutes, but can last up to half an hour. You may continue to have mild contractions. Your doctor or midwife may massage your lower abdomen to help push the placenta out, and you may need to push one more time. The placenta comes out with a small burst of blood.
While you are resting and greeting your baby, your doctor will examine your vagina. If there was tearing or you had an episiotomy, stitches may be put in. You may also be given medications to encourage uterine contractions and minimize bleeding.
You and your baby will be closely monitored while you are in the hospital. Now that you’ve made it through the delivery, take advantage of this time to get some rest, ask any questions, and prepare yourself for the next big challenge — motherhood.
Stage one: early and active labor
During stage one, your cervix dilates and effaces, preparing for the passage of the baby. By the end of this stage, the cervix is 100% effaced and 10 cm dilated so that the baby can pass into the birth canal (vagina).
This stage is divided into two phases. In phase one, called early labor or the latent phase, the cervix is dilated from 0 to 3 cm. You may have mild to moderate contractions every 5 to 20 minutes. You may be uncomfortable, with a backache, feeling of fullness, or menstrual-like pain.
Phase one is the longest section of labor. It may last from hours to days for first-time moms. Women who have already had a baby average eight hours in this phase.
Once your cervix is 3 or 4 cm dilated, you move into phase two, called active labor. The contractions are stronger and occur more often. It is important to time your contractions. Most doctors ask you to come to the hospital when contractions last more than 60 seconds, occur five minutes apart, and persist for at least one hour.
Toward the end of this phase, your cervix dilates from 7 to 10 cm. These last few centimeters of cervical opening, sometimes called transition, occur fairly quickly, but can be quite difficult. Contractions are stronger and more frequent, putting pressure on your lower back and rectum.
You may feel anxious, exhausted, and irritable. You may feel the urge to push, but your doctor may ask you to wait. Pushing too soon may cause your cervix to tear or swell.
Stage one is the longest stage of labor and delivery. You may request pain medication during this time. You should discuss the options and your preferences for pain control during your pregnancy. Some women also use relaxation techniques to ease discomfort.
Stage two: your baby’s birth
Stage two can take a few minutes or a few hours. It tends to take longer for first-time moms and women who have epidurals for pain control. During this stage you will push; at times your doctor may ask you to stop pushing. First, the baby will crown. This means that the widest part of the baby’s head appears in the vaginal opening.
As the head is pushed through, the vagina and perineum are stretched, which may cause a burning sensation. Once the head is out, the baby’s mouth and nose may be suctioned with a syringe to clear out mucus. Shortly after, the rest of the baby’s body is delivered and you may hear your baby’s first cry. The umbilical cord, which connects the baby to the placenta, is clamped and cut.
Stage three: delivery of the placenta
Stage three usually takes only a few minutes, but can last up to half an hour. You may continue to have mild contractions. Your doctor or midwife may massage your lower abdomen to help push the placenta out, and you may need to push one more time. The placenta comes out with a small burst of blood.
While you are resting and greeting your baby, your doctor will examine your vagina. If there was tearing or you had an episiotomy, stitches may be put in. You may also be given medications to encourage uterine contractions and minimize bleeding.
Postpartum care
You and your baby will be closely monitored while you are in the hospital. Now that you’ve made it through the delivery, take advantage of this time to get some rest, ask any questions, and prepare yourself for the next big challenge — motherhood.
