Childbirth

Understanding and managing the stages of labour

Labor is divided into three stages aptly named 1st , 2nd and 3rd stage.

1st stage is when the baby moves down through the pelvis and the cervix dilates.

2nd stage is sometimes known as the expulsive stage, when the baby moves from inside to outside of the body.

3rd stage involves the delivery of the placenta and membranes.

Second and third stages are very easy to identify because the events are very obvious. It can be a little more tricky to identify when you are in first stage. The most obvious sign is the contractions which show that the cervix is starting to thin and become wider. This is known as dilation.

Some women experience practice contractions or 'false labor' days before or even weeks before the actual labor begins. This is often referred to as false labour because the contractions aren't actually dilating the cervix but the uterus is preparing the body for labor. This is also more appropriately known as 'pre-labour' because it is your body preparing you for active labor.

Pre-labour- Your body's preparation

In the weeks leading up to the birth of your baby, you will begin to notice some subtle changes in your body. These are all signs that labor is close.

Engagement

This is when the head or other presenting part of the baby starts to move down into the pelvis. Before this happens you will be able to feel the head floating above the brim of the pelvis. After this you can no longer feel it. Some people will say the baby has dropped when the baby becomes engaged. Often you will notice that the baby is not as high in your abdomen as it was before. The process of the baby becoming engaged in the pelvis is known as lightening and can sometimes feel a bit crampy and achy for a few hours while the ligaments in the pelvis adjust to the new situation.

Usually first time mothers notice that once the baby becomes engaged that it stays engaged, mothers who have had children before often find that the baby moves in and out of the pelvis, often not settling until the labour itself.

Increased vaginal secretions

An increase in mucous secretion is normal so long as there is no irritation. This is a result of the dramatic changes in hormone levels as your body prepares for labor. If you notice an itchy, burning or yucky smell then you could have an infection which will need to be treated.

The baby stops moving so much

This can be a sign that labour will soon begin. It is common for baby's to become very quiet a few days before the birth and they can sometimes fall asleep during labor. As with everything else, I recommend trusting your intuition and if you are concerned ask your chosen health care provider.

Mucous plug or a bloody show

This is a brownish or pinkish secretion of mucus. It shouldn't be a lot of blood.

Persistent backache

If this is a sign that labour is starting if may feel somewhat like period pain and will not be relived by lying down, in fact lying down can make it feel worse for some women. Of course backache can also be caused by carrying around a huge belly, if this is it, try doing some yoga stretches, take a warm bath and get plenty of rest.

Braxton hicks contractions- otherwise know as false labour pains

This feels like a tightening sensation across the abdomen and happens from about week 20 onwards. This is the uterus getting itself stronger in preparation for labour. They can become stronger as labour becomes more eminent.

Softening of the cervix

This is also known as ripening of the cervix and begins in late pregnancy. It becomes softer, feels spongy and thins out in preparation for the birth.

 

more:

- 1st stage
- 2nd stage
- 3rd stage
- Common Medical Interventions Of Childbirth
- Routine post-natal care for your baby