Basics of Labor and Delivery
This is a basic summary of the stages of labor. For the most part, labor progresses in a predictable pattern.
1st Stage: Early labor
In early labor, contractions might start out slowly, maybe just one or two per hour. They'll gradually become more frequent and stronger during this phase. Your cervix will dilate to about three centimeters.
What you may feel: For many people, the contractions feel like cramps in the lower back or abdomen. They'll last about 30 to 45 seconds each. They may not be uncomfortable, but you'll know it's early labor because the contractions will just keep coming (unlike Braxton Hicks contractions,which go away). You might also lose your mucus plug and/or have bloody show, which means the cervix is changing to prepare for delivery. Your water might also break.
How long it lasts: This stage is usually the longest, lasting around eight to 10 hours for many women and could even last days for a first-timer.
Tips to get through it: Moving, stretching or soaking in the tub can help you stay comfortable while your contractions increase. As nervous and excited as you might be at this point, try to relax and rest if you can. Sleep if possible and make sure to eat and drink to maintain energy.
1st Stage: Active Labor
During active labor, your contractions will increase in frequency-they'll last about 45 to 60 seconds each with about three to five minutes rest in between.Your cervix will start to dilate more rapidly during active labor, from about three centimeters to seven.
What you may feel: These contractions will feel more intense. They may become so intense that you'll likely no longer be able to relax or do things around the house. Handling contractions will take all of your attention & focus.
How long it lasts: Active labor can last about three to five hours or even much longer for a first-timer.
Tips to get through it: When labor becomes active, it is important to call your midwife. You'll be more uncomfortable at this stage, so try changing positions or focus on deep breathing during your contractions. Take a shower or bath to ease the discomfort, add lavender oil for relaxation.
1st Stage: Transition
In transition, your cervix dilates from eight centimeters all the way to 10 centimeters. It is the most intense phase, with strong contractions coming quickly, but it is also one of the shortest phases. This is a place where you are pushed to your limits.
What you may feel: Many women feel a strong pressure in their lower back and rectal areas which can help you push when it comes time. Contractions can last 60 to 90 seconds with only 30 seconds to two minutes in between-they may even overlap. During transition, some people get hot flashes or chills, feel nauseous and may even throw up.
How long it lasts: Though the transition stage of labor is often the most intense, it's also usually the shortest, lasting anywhere from a few minutes to a couple hours. When it comes and you think “I can't do this" remember-this too shall pass!
Tips to get through it: If you can still move around easily during transition, changing positions may help move things along. You can switch from side to side, move to all fours, squat, do lunges, or walk around.Basics of Labor and Delivery
2nd Stage: Pushing
Transition ends when your cervix is completely dilated and your body is ready to push. Many women like this change because you can actually DO something about the pressure you're feeling. Often you will feel a distinct, undeniable urge to push and the midwife will usually check to make sure there is no cervix blocking the way. You'll push with each contraction, and during the last few pushes, your baby will crown (their head will become visible) and emerge from the birth canal.(Yay!)
What you may feel: During this stage, your contractions may move further apart, giving you a chance to rest between each one. The urge to push might feel a lot like needing to have a bowel movement. Women often pass stool while they are pushing as the baby's head squeezes everything out. Once the head starts to emerge you may also feel the infamous “ring of fire," a burning or stinging sensation as your perineum stretches.
How long it lasts: Pushing may only take a few contractions , or it may take two hours or more for a first-timer.
Tips to get through it: It is important to wait to push until you have an overwhelming urge to bear down. In this way you're working with your body and conserving your energy. Breathe deeply and use the breath as your power to move your baby down. Changing positions can help open the pelvis, such as hands & knees, squatting, or the birth stool. If you are tired you can lay on your side with your leg lifted.
If you wish, you can watch your baby emerge using a mirror or reach down and feel the head. This is a good way to pace yourself and avoid tearing. It will feel like a big release & relief when the head is born. Sometimes it takes one more contraction before the shoulders and body emerge. Once your baby is born we will wait for you to reach for your baby to take them to your chest, or if you prefer we can lay them on your chest so you can enjoy the moment and begin to bond.
3rd Stage: Placenta
The third stage of labor begins after your baby is born and is complete once you deliver the placenta, or afterbirth. You'll have a few contractions as the placenta separates from the uterine wall, and your midwife will help guide it out by the cord as you push.
What you may feel: Some women hardly notice the sensation of delivering the placenta, like a warm squish, while others find it painful. You might shiver or shake after it's delivered, which is a common response to hormonal changes. Oftentimes there is bleeding with the placenta, your midwife will monitor this & may rub your uterus to stop the flow. Once everything is stable she will check your perineum for any tears.
How long it lasts: This stage usually only lasts about five to 30 minutes. Sometimes it goes longer, in which case we can use herbs to help it along.
Tips to get through it: Relax. At this point, you may be holding your baby, so try to keep your focus on them. Getting the baby on the breast helps create contractions which release the placenta and minimize bleeding.
Enjoy something to eat or drink to boost your energy.