Experience Child Birth with Different Stages of Labor

Giving birth is no doubt one of the most amazing and unique experiences in life. There are no two deliveries which are alike. Thus you can never guess how your delivery is going to be. Even the child birth consultant and experts cannot tell you how your child birth is going to be. They can only guide you about the different stages involved in the process and what is it that you can expect out of it.

There are three stages of child birth:

• First Stage: It involves the onset of labour and continues until the cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm.
• Second Stage: It starts from the time the cervix is fully dilated to 10cm and lasts till the delivery of the baby.
• Third Stage: It is the shortest and ends with the delivery of the placenta.

 

The First Stage: This stage of labor is the longest and can be divided into three different stages:

• Early Labor Phase: This phase starts with the onset of labor and continues till the cervix is dilated to 3cm
• Active phase of labor: It continues till the cervix is dilated to 7 cm.
• Transition phase: It continues till the cervix is dilated to 10 cm.

 

Early Phase of Labor: During this phase the most important thing that you need to do is to relax. You need not rush to the hospital or to the birth center. It is advisable that you spend the early labor phase at home. If it is during the day that you experience the early labor phase then ensure that you do some simple routines in the house. Ensure that you drink lots of water and take some small snacks. Also keep track of the times when contractions take place.

If this takes place at night then try to get some sleep. If you are not able to sleep then do something that will distract you like cleaning the closet, making sack lunch for the next day or packing bags.

There are certain things you can expect during this phase:

• The duration of the first phase is around 8-12 hours
• Your cervix will first efface and then dilate to 3 cm.
• You will experience contractions which will last for approximately 30-45 seconds. It will take place between every 5-30 minutes.
• In the beginning the contractions are mild and irregular. But gradually it becomes stronger and closer.
• The contractions may feel like tightening or pressure in the pelvic area, menstrual cramp or aching in the back of your lower body part.
• You will also experience that the water will break. This takes place in the first phase and can happen anytime.

 

Keep monitoring the contractions and simultaneously observe the following:

• It becomes closer together
• Lasts longer
• Grows more intense
• Follows a regular pattern

 

As and when you feel that the water has broken, keep a note of the following points:

• Time of the rupture
• Odor of fluid
• Colour of fluid

 

Active Labor Phase: This is time that you need to go to the birth center or the hospital. Start trying all the relaxation exercises. Drink lots of water and urinate periodically.

Expect in this stage:

• Duration that it lasts for is 3-5 hours
• You will experience your cervix dilating from 4cm to7 cm
• Contractions will become frequent with 3 – 5 min rest in between and it will last for around 45-60 seconds
• Contractions will be longer and stronger.

 

The Transition Phase: This is the toughest but also the shortest phase.

• It will last for around 30min to 2 hours
• The cervix will dilate from 8cm to 10cm
• The contraction will last for as long as 60 to 90 seconds and will take place in every 30 second to 2min.
• You may experience gas, vomiting, nausea, chills and hot flashes

 

The Second Stage:

This stage includes the pushing and the delivery of the baby. The process involved in this stage is as mentioned below:

• The entire process may last from 20 minutes to 2 hours
• The contractions in this stage will last anywhere between 45 to 90 seconds and there will be 3min to 5min break in between.
• You will feel a strong urge to push
• You will feel the pressure at the rectum
• You may have a urination accident or a slight bowel
• You will eventually see your baby’s head
• You will feel a stinging and a burning sensation

 

When you are asked to push:

• Get into the perfect pushing position
• You will feel the urge to push. Push when it happens
• Relax your anal area and pelvic floor
• To regain your strength rest between contractions

 

The Third Stage:

This is the last and the final stage. This stage includes the delivery of the placenta and lasts for not more than 5 to 30 minutes.
After the delivery of the baby you will face small contractions again. This implies that the placenta is about to be delivered. To apply pressure to your uterus massage may be applied and slowly the umbilical cord may be pulled. After the delivery of the placenta you may feel a slight shiver and shaking.

This will be the last stage and now your uterus will begin to contract again. You will be under the supervision of your health care experts who will make sure that the bleeding is not extreme.

Now all that you need to do is relax and enjoy the arrival of your newborn.