Labor in all stages

Pregnancy and birth are an amazing experience!

Labor happens in four stages

• First stage: Dilation of the cervix

• Second stage: Delivery of the baby.

• Third stage: After birth, pushing out the placenta.

• Fourth stage: Recovery.

During the first stage of labor, the cervix begins to thin and dilate (open) due to the hormones that are released during labor. For a vaginal delivery, the cervix must be fully dilated (about 10 centimeters) for the baby to pass through.

The first stage of labor begins from the time the contractions start until the time the cervix is fully dilated.

During the early stages of labor, the cervix opens to about 3 centimeters (1 inch). As the cervix begins to open, the slightly bloody discharge called “ bloody show” may come out of the vagina. This is the mucus plug that blocks the cervical opening during Pregnancy

The fetal membranes often rupture in the early phase of labor and the amniotic fluid leaks or gushes out. This is called “water breaking” and is painless. If your water breaks or if you experience significant vaginal bleeding you need to contact your doctor.

After the cervix dilates to around 3 centimeters (1 inch), the active stage of labor begins. Contractions become stronger, and more painful, and occur every 2-3 minutes, without much time to relax in between contractions. And you may experience pressure in your lower back. By the end of the transitional phase, a birth canal will have formed. This is the passage of the open womb, cervix, and vagina for the baby to pass through.

Delivery - the second stage of labor begins when the cervix is fully dilated to 10 centimeters and ends with the delivery of the baby. This stage may last between 20 minutes to 2 hours. It may take longer for first-time mothers and for those who have an epidural.

Your doctor may ask you to push to help the baby move through the birth canal. With each contraction and push, the baby moves farther down into the pelvis, through the birth canal. After the baby's head is delivered, the shoulders and the rest of the baby's body will follow.

Afterbirth The third stage of labor begins after the baby is born and ends with pushing out the placenta through the vagina. After birth the contractions begin again, helping the placenta to separate from the wall of the uterus. The uterus will continue to contract after the delivery of the placenta to help it return to its normal size. The placenta is examined to ensure that it is intact.

If stitches are required because of a tear or an episiotomy, your doctor will be able to numb you or perform local anesthesia.

Recovery begins during the first 2-3 hours after delivery. During this time, the uterus contracts pushing out anything left inside. You can experience difficulty urinating, weakness or dizziness, headaches or chills, and even slight back discomfort if you received the epidural block. You can also start breastfeeding as needed. Keeping skin-to-skin contact with the baby is the best way to help the baby learn to breastfeed and keep them warm and calm.