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The Stages of Labor
Author: Stef Daniel
Aren’t you glad to know that labor comes in stages? (Some experts say 3 while others say 4.) The point is that once you begin real labor, your body will systematically and instinctively perform certain aspects of labor and delivery that help physicians know where you are in the labor process. The stages of labor are normally divided by the progress of the cervix once contractions begin.
The first stage of labor occurs at home and is what coerces you into going to the hospital. It starts with light but timely contractions that seem to remain constant. They begin a pattern or rhythm and will last until delivery. The contractions begin dilating your cervix. Many women may spend several days in early (or latent) labor with fairly predictable contractions that are thinning out and dilating the cervix. It is not unusual for you to have more discharge and even a bloody discharge, which can be your mucous plug becoming dislodged. This may occur the day of labor or several days or weeks before hand.
Once you being active labor, you will know. The contractions will get closer together and become more painful and strong. The biggest difference is that the labor pains will begin to come faster and faster, lasting for a minute or more each - as your cervix becomes completely dilated. When you are completely dilated at 10cm – you are ready for delivery and into the second stage of labor.
This first stage of labor can take a long time. On average, women spend 8-12 hours in the first stages of labor. Often, doctors will give women pitocin or other contracting medications in order to dilate the cervix more quickly. It is nice to have the freedom to walk around during this phase of labor. Some women may even benefit from taking a shower. Just make sure that you outline your wishes in your birthing plan.
Once you are completely dilated, you begin the second stage of labor. Many people consider this stage the pushing stage. Essentially, it means that your body is in position for delivery. The cervix is completely opened. Your doctor will normally check to make sure that they can feel your baby’s head. Then, you will begin pushing with the contractions. Contractions, although stronger, normally space out a little more which gives you some time to rest. During this stage of labor your baby will descend down the birth canal.
This second stage of labor can take hours or be quick. Most often women who have delivered vaginally before find that it moves quickly. If you have taken an epidural, the urge to push may be dulled and nurses or your partner may be responsible for coaching you to push. Within minutes or hours, your baby’s head will emerge and you will have completed this most trying stage of labor.
The third stage of labor is comprised of the delivery of the placenta and afterbirth. Your uterus will contract on its own as it relinquishes this from your body, normally within a few minutes of giving birth. These contractions after labor will last for several hours to a day or more and are facilitated by nursing. With each contraction, the uterus is emptying and slowly but surely beginning to shrink down to normal size. After a few days, they may feel comparable to menstrual cramps and you will notice them more just as you nurse.
In the end, you won’t remember the pain. You won’t remember how uncomfortable you were during labor, and you definitely wouldn’t trade a thing for the baby you now hold in your arms.
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