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| Basic Labour Signs |
Your health care team will help you determine the best time and safest
method to deliver your baby. Every woman's labor is unique, even from one
pregnancy to the next. In some cases, labor is over in a matter of hours
— or less. In other cases, labor tests a mother's physical and emotional
stamina.
When everything goes smoothly, you can expect a sequence of
events in three natural stages. |
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| Stage 1: Early labor, active labor and transition |
Stage 1 occurs when the cervix opens (dilates) and thins out
(effaces) to allow the baby to move into the birth canal. This is the longest
stage of labor. It's actually divided into three phases of its own —
early labor, active labor and transition.
Early labor:
During early labor, your cervix will dilate from 0 centimeters to about
3 centimeters.
You may feel mild to moderately strong contractions during early labor.
They may last 30 to 60 seconds and come every five to 20 minutes.
You may notice a thick, stringy, blood-tinged discharge from your vagina
as the cervix begins to open. This is known as a bloody show. You may
also experience a backache, upset stomach and, possibly, diarrhea. Some
women report a sensation of warmth in the abdomen as labor begins.
How long it lasts: You may need to be patient. Early labor may last for
hours or even days, especially for first-time moms. It's often much shorter
for subsequent deliveries.
What you can do: Until your contractions pick up in frequency and intensity,
it's up to you. For many women, early labor isn't particularly uncomfortable.
The biggest problem may be anxiety as you anticipate active labor. Choose
comfortable activities that help distract you from the contractions. You
may feel like doing household chores, taking a walk or watching a movie
It may also help to:
- Take a shower or bath.
- Listen to relaxing music.
- Have a gentle massage.
- Try slow, deep breathing.
- Change positions.
- Drink water, juice or other clear liquids.
- Eat a light, healthy snack.
- Apply ice packs or heat to your lower back.
Active labor:
Now it's time for the real work to begin. During active labor, your cervix
will dilate to nearly 7 centimeters.
Your contractions will become stronger and progressively longer. They
may last 45 seconds to a minute or longer. They may be two to four minutes
apart, leaving you less time to rest. You may feel increasing pressure
in your back as well. If you haven't headed to your labor and delivery
facility yet, now's the time.
Your initial excitement may wane as your labor progresses and the pain
intensifies. Many women request pain medication during active labor. Don't
feel like you're giving up if you ask for relief. Your health care team
will help you make the best choice for you and your baby. Remember, you're
the only one who can judge your need for relief.
How long it lasts: On average, active labor lasts between three and eight
hours. For some women it's a lot shorter — especially those who've
had a previous vaginal delivery.
What you can do: Look to your labor coach and health care team for encouragement
and support. Try breathing and relaxation techniques to combat your growing
discomfort. Use what you learned in childbirth class or ask your health
care team for suggestions.
It may also help to:
- Rock in a rocking chair.
- Roll on a birthing ball.
- Take a warm shower.
- Change positions.
- Take a walk, stopping to breathe through contractions.
Transition:
The last phase of the first stage of labor — when your cervix dilates
from 7 centimeters to 10 centimeters — is called transition. It's
often the shortest but most difficult phase of labor.
During transition, your contractions will increase in strength and frequency.
You may have time for only a hurried breath between contractions. Your
contractions may reach peak intensity almost immediately and last up to
90 seconds. It may feel as though the contractions never completely disappear.
You may also feel plenty of pressure in your lower back and rectum. You
may feel hot and sweaty one minute, cold and chilled the next.
If you haven't opted for pain relief yet, you may do so now. Even as
the birth approaches, you still have safe options. At any point in labor,
trust your health care team to help you decide which methods of pain relief
are best.
How long it lasts: On average, transition lasts between 15 minutes and
three hours. It's more likely to be quick if you've already had a vaginal
delivery.
What you can do: Concentrate on getting through one contraction at a
time. You may not want anything to distract you at this point, such as
the radio, television or conversation in the room.
It may also help to:
- Change positions.
- Place a cool, damp cloth on your forehead.
- Have a massage between contractions.
If you feel the urge to push, try to hold back until you've been told
you're fully dilated. It may help to pant or blow. Pushing too soon may
cause your cervix to tear or swell, which can delay delivery or cause
troublesome bleeding.
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Stage 2: The birth of your baby It's time!
How long it lasts: It can take from a few minutes up to several hours
or more to push your baby into the world. It often takes longer for first-time
moms and women who've had an epidural.
What you can do: Push! You may be encouraged to push with each contraction
to speed the process. Or you might take it more slowly, letting nature
do the work until you feel the urge to push.
Many women choose to push while lying in a birthing bed. Squatting or
sitting works well for others. Some women prefer to get on their hands
and knees or kneel while a labor coach supports their upper body. Try
different positions until you find one that feels best.
When you push, don't hold tension in your face. Bear down and concentrate
on pushing where it counts.
At some point, you may be asked to push more gently — or not at
all. Slowing down gives your vaginal area time to stretch rather than
tear. To stay motivated, you may be able to feel the baby's head between
your legs or see it in a mirror.
After your baby's head is delivered, his or her airway will be cleared
and your health care provider will make sure the umbilical cord is free.
The rest of your baby's body will follow shortly. |
Stage 3: Delivery of the placenta
After your baby is born,
you'll feel a great sense of relief. You may want the baby to be placed
in your arms or on your abdomen as soon as possible. Cherish the moment.
But a lot is still happening. Your health care provider must deliver
the placenta and make sure your bleeding is under control.
How long it lasts: The placenta is typically delivered in about five
to 10 minutes. In some cases, it may take up to 30 minutes.
What you can do: Relax! By now your focus has shifted to your baby. You
may be oblivious to what's going on around you. You may even want to breast-feed
your baby.
You'll continue to have mild contractions. Your health care provider
may massage your lower abdomen to encourage your uterus to contract and
expel the placenta. You may be asked to push one more time to deliver
the placenta, which usually comes out with a small gush of blood.
Your health care provider will examine the placenta to make sure it's
intact. Any remaining fragments must be removed from the uterus to prevent
bleeding and infection. If you're interested, ask to see the placenta.
Your health care provider will also determine whether you need stitches
or other repair work. If you do, you'll receive an injection of local
anesthetic in the area to be stitched if it's not numb already. You may
also be given medication to encourage uterine contractions and minimize
bleeding. |
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