The various stages of childbirth

No one can tell you how you live your delivery or how long it will last. However, we can describe the different stages of labor so that they are more familiar to you, the first signs of labor at the birth of baby. These descriptions are accompanied by tips to help you live better every step.

What are the different stages of childbirth?

There are three main stages in the progress of labor:

During the first stage of labor, the contractions will gradually lead to the obliteration of the cervix.

The second stage of labor is to push to expel the baby.

The third stage of labor leads to the placenta.

What's going on there in the first stage of labor?

This step focuses on the cervix, clogged with mucus during pregnancy to protect your baby from infection. The cervix forms the base, firm and resistant, your uterus. During the first stage of pregnancy, it will open to let the baby. At the end of this stage, the cervix is fully dilated and measured 10 cm in diameter.



Initially, the cervix begins to soften and shorten. To give you an idea of the transformations it undergoes, touch the tip of your nose and enjoy it with firmness and strength. Then touch your lips, soft and elastic. Your neck, initially as firm as the tip of your nose, will become as soft and elastic as your lips.

If this is your first baby, these changes in the cervix may begin within hours or days before the start of labor. The first sign of opening of the cervix is the release of mucus plug, which looks like gelatin and can be stained with blood.

If this is not your first child, the passage of mucus plug can indicate the onset of labor.

The pre-work

The cervix opens and expands to 3 to 4 cm in diameter. The onset of contractions may go unnoticed because they are very soft at first. They look a bit like pain of rules, like a dull pain in lower back. Some women do not realize they are working when their cervix is already dilated several centimeters.

Most women, however, noticed that the contractions are more painful and occur more regularly. These two factors distinguish them from false contractions, irregular and painless.

Each woman gives birth at their own pace. However, to give you a benchmark, the first contractions are often separated by more than 5 minutes and last only 30 to 40 seconds. Mom can talk and continue regular activities during these contractions.

In some cases, the work seems to start, then stops. In others, it continues to move to the active phase of labor.

The active phase of childbirth

The active phase begins when the cervix is dilated 3-4 cm and ends when it is 10 cm. Contractions last longer and are more frequent.

They are also more powerful. These contractions increase gradually, reaching a peak of intensity, after which they disappear. Their intensity can not speak and you will probably need breathing exercises to help and relaxation techniques to stay calm. Fortunately, the epidural relieves the pain considerably.

At this point, the contractions occur every 3 or 4 minutes and last 60 to 90 seconds. They are very strong. Between contractions, the uterus relaxes. These contractions of the active phase are much more effective and cervix opens much faster. However, several hours may elapse before it is fully dilated.

After work, between 8 cm dilation and complete dilation, contractions are often less frequent, but stronger. They also last longer. Sometimes they overlap, with the first contraction that reached its peak, starts to fade, and then starts to increase before disappearing completely. It is often at this stage that occurs the rupture of the amniotic sac.

How women experience this time of delivery varies enormously. Some feel overwhelmed, trapped in the work, unable to ask for things other than a dry tone. Others are very irritable, want to cry or feel very vulnerable, trembling and damn evil. That said, you may not notice something similar!

If you have chosen to give birth naturally, without anesthesia, it is now that things are the hardest for you. You will be tempted to change his mind, even to require an epidural when you had hoped to do without.

Courage! You're almost there. With a little help, you will take this step. Fortunately, the latter part of the work often ends with a "pause" when the contractions stop and where your baby and you can relax.

Some tips for living the first stage of labor

Listen to your body and try different positions if you want to move.

Take showers or hot baths, which made use of the birthing pool for pain if your pregnancy has one and if your midwife permits.

You can also request the establishment of epidural anesthesia.

If labor slows, review our tips to speed up labor.

What happens during the second stage of labor?

During this step, you push your baby to the exit and, finally, or meet for the first time.

You feel the pressure of the baby's head between your legs. With each contraction, you have two or three very strong urges to push. Listen to your body and push when these urges occur. Baby grew a little with each thrust, but fell a little at the end of the contraction.

Do not despair. As baby advance a little further each time, so good. When the baby's head is engaged far enough in your pond, you probably feel like a warm sensation and stinging. This will be a sign that your vagina begins to stretch around the baby's head.

Your midwife should tell you that she sees the baby's head, which does not disappear between contractions. During the following two or three contractions, the midwife will undoubtedly ask you to stop pushing, to breathe more slowly or to blow gently or to "the little dog's breathing," shortness of breath. This will allow the birth to be smooth and you will avoid having a tear or episiotomy.

If you have ever had a baby, this second step can be done quickly, within 5 to 10 minutes. If this is your first baby, it can take up to half an hour.

Some tips for the second stage of labor

Do not block your breath as you push.

If you are very tired, or if you have had an epidural and want to lie down, do it on the side. Ask your partner to support the top leg to relieve pressure on the lower back and open the pelvis.

If you have an epidural and not feel any urge to push, listen to your midwife. She will tell you what to do and when.

What happens during the third stage of labor?

The third stage begins after the baby is born. Contractions resume, with a lower intensity, in order to detach the placenta from the wall of your uterus. You may have the urge to push again. At the end, the placenta and membranes forming the amniotic sac, fall to the bottom of your uterus and is pushed through your vagina.

Many maternity units have a habit of making an injection ocytocyne to Mom at the end of the second stage. This is intended to bring out the placenta more quickly, without you needing to push. This is what is called a directed delivery.

The midwife will examine the placenta and membranes to ensure that everything is out. She also palpate your abdomen to check that your uterus is going to shrink very hard to stop the bleeding caused by the detachment of the placenta.

Some women ask to see the placenta. After all, it was he who formed the vital link with the baby throughout pregnancy.

Some tips for the third stage

Hold your baby against your brand new skin. If you plan to breastfeed, offer your breast to your baby as soon as possible. By breastfeeding, it will stimulate your hormone production, which will also facilitate separation of the placenta.

Once back in your room, enjoy a light snack and drink, or rest for the young dad the good news!

Again, the reactions at this stage vary widely, ranging from excitement to this baby "brand new", to complete exhaustion.