The Stages of Labor
If this is your first pregnancy, the idea of labor can be a little intimidating with all the stories and information you’ve probably heard. While labor is not exactly a breeze, knowing what to expect can take away some of the anxiety associated with it.
What are the stages of labor?
There are three stages of labor, each of them marked by different events. Let’s break them down:
First Stage
The first stage is marked by the start of labor and ends when you are fully dilated. For better understanding, the first stage is broken down further into:
- Early labor phase: During this phase, you have mild, irregular contractions that may lead to 1-5 cm dilation. This stage lasts longer and can vary from hours to days depending on the number of pregnancies. It’s usually long for first-time mothers and shorter for subsequent pregnancies.
- Active labor phase: During the active phase, you begin having stronger, more regular contractions that cause dilation of 5-7 cm. This phase can last anywhere from 4-6 hours and may be increasingly uncomfortable for the mothers.
- Transition phase: This is when you’re transitioning to the second stage of labor and begin having intense contractions. These cause rapid progress leading to 7-10 cm dilation.
How long does it last?
Early labor can last for hours to days, but it may be shorter for subsequent pregnancies. On the other hand, active labor may last for 4-6 hours.
What should I do during the first stage of labor?
Early labor isn’t too tiring for the mother, so you can walk around, have a snack, practice labor yoga, take a shower/bath, or just try your best to relax to prepare yourself for the upcoming active phase.
The active phase can be uncomfortable, so just try to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Try a warm soak, using a birthing ball, or ask your partner for massages between contractions.
Second stage: Pushing
The second stage of labor starts when you’re fully dilated and now need to push to deliver your baby! A midwife will assist you during this process and will ask you to push with each contraction to facilitate the descent of the baby.
This stage ends with the birth of your baby.
How does it last?
This stage can last from minutes to hours. It’s usually longer for first-time mothers.
What should I do during the second stage of labor?
There’s not much you can do during this stage other than push! Find a position most comfortable for you and then bear down with each contraction. Once the head is delivered, the rest of the body follows more easily.
Third stage: Delivery of the placenta
The third stage begins after the delivery of your baby and ends with the delivery of the placenta. You will continue to have mild contractions that will help detach the placenta from your uterus and eventually expel it.
Your midwife may ask you to push out the placenta. After that, they’ll examine it to ensure there are no remnants left inside.
How long does it last?
This stage usually lasts 30-60 minutes.
What should I do during the third stage of labor?
At this point, it is time to relax, recover and bond with your baby. If you are breastfeeding your baby, this is a great time to try initiating feeding your baby.
If you want to learn more about labor and birth, check out our classes or ask us at your next appointment!