THE STAGES OF LABOUR
Written by Caroline Meyer
There are three distinct stages of labour. The first main stage is when the cervix is opening and the baby starts to move down the birth canal. The second stage is when the baby is actually born. The third stage is delivery of the placenta. Let’s look at the stages in more detail.
Stage 1
This stage starts with the softening of the cervix, which then starts to open. This stage ends when the cervix is dilated to around 10cm. The first stage of labour can go on for days as it starts with the cervix softening and thinning which can happen many hours before the actual birth. There may be no symptoms that you can feel at all in the early stages. You might notice a mucus discharge which contains some blood at the beginning (this is known as a “show”). You may start experiencing lower back pain or a feeling similar to menstrual cramps. You may experience loose bowel movements as well. You will also be likely to feel your waters break (membranes rupture) and feel fluid leaking from the vagina. The fluid should be tinged with pink or be clear. Fluid that is bloody or greenish in colour indicates a problem and you should contact your doctor immediately. You may also feel nauseous during this stage. There will be some pain and discomfort but contractions are likely to be irregular and not in a definite pattern at the start. During this time you should eat to build up your fuel reserves, take a warm bath or shower and relax as much as possible. Try and empty the bowels if you can as well. You do not need to go to the hospital at this point unless there seems to be something wrong.
You will start feeling more restless and the pain will start to become more intense during the latter part of this stage. The pain will start coming in waves which become stronger and then subside after reaching a peak. These waves of pain / contractions will start to get closer together over time. When contractions are at around 5 minutes between each wave, this is when you need to head to the hospital. If you stay further away, you might want to head in sooner though. If you are concerned at any point you should phone your doctor or midwife and relay your concerns. Stay home as far as possible as women labour better at home in the early stages according to research.
Stage 2
This stage starts when the cervix is fully dilated. This is when baby is being born. The contractions at this point in time will be stronger and last for longer. The break between the waves will also be a lot shorter (one to two minutes). You will feel an increased pressure in your lower regions as well as an urge to push. You may feel shaky, experience cramping, nausea and vomiting during this time. You are also likely to experience a burning and stretching feeling in the vagina during normal birth. Try and relax as much as you can between the contractions. Your body will behave in instinctive ways and it is good to let the process happen. Change your position if you feel the need, including walking and standing. Drink fluids and rest as much as possible. You can suck on chips of ice or wipe your face with a cool cloth if you feel hot during this time.
The latter part of this stage is the actual birth of the baby. You can look at waterbird as an alternative to birthing in a bed as many hospitals now offer this service as well. You will feel an overwhelming urge to push during this stage as well as added pressure and a feeling as if you need to have a bowel movement. You are likely to feel stretching in the vagina and even a burning sensation. You can also feel the baby moving down the canal. During this phase, try and breathe deeply and relax whenever possible and push when your body urges you to do so.
Stage 3
In this stage, the baby has been born and you may not even take much notice of this 3rd stage. This is when the membranes and placenta are delivered. There will be a feeling of fullness in the vagina and there will be some extra contractions to expel the placenta, although these are not as likely to be as painful as those during the birth. Starting to breastfeed immediately after birth will also help expel the placenta faster.
After all three stages are complete, you will be taken through to recovery and then to a ward to start enjoying life as a new mom. If you feel concerned at any point during pregnancy, childbirth and recovery, make sure you speak to a registered professional who should be able to allay fears or check out any problems you may be experiencing.