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Labour is different for every mom. It varies greatly from woman to woman and even from one pregnancy to another. Some moms-to-be breeze through it in just a few hours, while others face a longer, more challenging process that puts their strength and endurance to the test physically and emotionally.
The unpredictability of labour is part of what makes it such a unique experience. No matter how much you plan or prepare, there’s always an element of the unknown. However, educating yourself and knowing what typically happens during each stage can give you peace of mind and help you feel more prepared for the big moment.
Labour is the process through which your body expels your baby and the placenta from your uterus. You’ll know you’re in labour when you start having regular contractions. These contractions help to open the cervix and push your baby down the birth canal for delivery.
As you near the end of your pregnancy, you might feel a sensation called lightening. This happens when your baby starts to move down lower into your pelvis in preparation for birth. You might notice that it’s easier to breathe because your baby isn’t pressing as much on your lungs anymore.
However, you might also feel more pressure on your bladder, making you need to pee more often. This is a normal sign that your body is getting ready for labour, but it doesn’t mean it will start immediately.
Feeling a surge of energy and a strong urge to clean and organise your home known as Nesting instincts often happens shortly before labour starts and is believed to be your body’s way of preparing for your baby’s arrival. It’s a natural and common phenomenon among pregnant women.
Contractions are the rhythmic tightening and relaxing of the uterus muscles during labour. Strong and regular contractions at intervals of less than 10 minutes usually indicate that labour has begun.
These contractions may feel like intense menstrual cramps and often start in the lower back and move to the front of the abdomen.
A small amount of blood-tinged mucus discharge, often called the bloody show, indicates that the cervix, the opening to the uterus, is starting to dilate (open up) and efface (thin out) as the body prepares for labour.
This discharge is often pink or reddish and may occur in the days or hours leading up to active labour. However, if you experience bright red or heavy bleeding, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider immediately.
During pregnancy, your baby develops and grows in a fluid-filled sac called the amniotic sac, or “bag of waters,” inside your uterus. When this water breaks, you might experience a sudden rush of fluid, which can feel like a lot of water gushing out, or it could be more subtle, like a slow trickle. Both are normal ways for the water to break, indicating that labour is likely starting soon.
Feeling pain in your belly and lower back that doesn’t go away when you change positions is a sign of labour. This type of pain often differs from the occasional discomfort you may have experienced during pregnancy. It can feel like intense cramping or pressure in your abdomen and lower back, and it tends to be constant and doesn’t ease up with movement.
Labour is a process that unfolds in three stages. The first stage begins with the onset of regular contractions; during this stage, the baby gradually descends into the pelvis while the cervix begins to efface (thin) and dilate (open) in preparation for childbirth.
Every woman’s labour experience is unique in terms of how it progresses and how long it lasts. However, regardless of these differences, each stage of labour typically features certain universal milestones for all women.
The first stage of labour is the longest phase, especially for first-time moms, lasting between 12 to 19 hours. It may be shorter for women with previous children, around 14 hours. The first stage of labour concludes when the cervix reaches full dilation, which is 10 centimetres.
This stage is further divided into three parts: early labour, active labour, and transition. Early labour is the beginning stage when contractions start, but they’re usually mild and spaced out. Your cervix begins to open up and thin out to get ready for childbirth.
Early labour lasts 6 to 12 hours for most first-time moms, so it’s a good time to rest and relax. Active labour typically lasts around 4 to 8 hours and starts when your cervix dilates to about 6 centimetres. This is when the contractions become stronger, lasting about 45 seconds and occurring as close as every 3 minutes.
You may feel pressure in your lower back, experience leg cramps, and have the urge to push as your baby descends further down the birth canal. Your cervix will continue to dilate until it reaches 10 centimetres, and if your water hasn’t broken yet, it may happen during this stage.
It’s important to stay hydrated, use breathing techniques, and find comfortable positions to cope with the increasing intensity of contractions.
During the transition phase of labour, which can be the toughest and most painful part, lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, contractions intensify and come closer together, lasting between 60 to 90 seconds each. You may feel a strong urge to bear down and push, experiencing significant pressure in your lower back and rectum as your baby moves further down the birth canal. Communicating any urge to push with your healthcare provider is essential, as it may indicate that you’re ready to begin the pushing stage of labour.
The second stage of labour is when you’ll be actively pushing to deliver your baby. This stage typically begins when your cervix is fully dilated, allowing your baby to move down the birth canal. It can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on various factors such as your circumstances and whether it’s your first or subsequent delivery. During this stage:
Once your baby is born, you’ll experience a rush of emotions and relief, marking the end of the second stage of labour.
The third stage of labour is the final stage, which begins immediately after the birth of your baby and ends with the delivery of the placenta. This stage typically lasts anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour. During this stage:
Traditionally, labour has been divided into three stages. However, some healthcare providers also refer to a fourth stage, known as the postpartum stage or the “recovery stage.” This stage begins after the delivery of the placenta and continues for the next few hours or days as your body adjusts to the changes that occurred during pregnancy and childbirth. During this stage:
The first stage of labour is the longest phase, especially for first-time moms, lasting between 12 to 19 hours. It may be shorter for women with previous children, around 14 hours. The first stage of labour concludes when the cervix reaches full dilation, which is 10 centimetres.
This stage is further divided into three parts: early labour, active labour, and transition. Early labour is the beginning stage when contractions start, but they’re usually mild and spaced out. Your cervix begins to open up and thin out to get ready for childbirth.
Early labour lasts 6 to 12 hours for most first-time moms, so it’s a good time to rest and relax. Active labour typically lasts around 4 to 8 hours and starts when your cervix dilates to about 6 centimetres. This is when the contractions become stronger, lasting about 45 seconds and occurring as close as every 3 minutes.
You may feel pressure in your lower back, experience leg cramps, and have the urge to push as your baby descends further down the birth canal. Your cervix will continue to dilate until it reaches 10 centimetres, and if your water hasn’t broken yet, it may happen during this stage.
It’s important to stay hydrated, use breathing techniques, and find comfortable positions to cope with the increasing intensity of contractions.
During the transition phase of labour, which can be the toughest and most painful part, lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, contractions intensify and come closer together, lasting between 60 to 90 seconds each. You may feel a strong urge to bear down and push, experiencing significant pressure in your lower back and rectum as your baby moves further down the birth canal. Communicating any urge to push with your healthcare provider is essential, as it may indicate that you’re ready to begin the pushing stage of labour.
The second stage of labour is when you’ll be actively pushing to deliver your baby. This stage typically begins when your cervix is fully dilated, allowing your baby to move down the birth canal. It can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on various factors such as your circumstances and whether it’s your first or subsequent delivery. During this stage:
The third stage of labour is the final stage, which begins immediately after the birth of your baby and ends with the delivery of the placenta. This stage typically lasts anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour. During this stage:
Traditionally, labour has been divided into three stages. However, some healthcare providers also refer to a fourth stage, known as the postpartum stage or the “recovery stage.” This stage begins after the delivery of the placenta and continues for the next few hours or days as your body adjusts to the changes that occurred during pregnancy and childbirth. During this stage:
During labour, pain management techniques aim to help women cope with the discomfort of contractions and childbirth. These techniques can include both medical and non-medical approaches.
These pain management techniques and strategies are used to alleviate discomfort without medication. These methods focus on natural approaches to help cope with labour pains and promote relaxation.
This technique can help you manage pain and stay calm during labour. By controlling your breath, you can relax your body and focus your mind, making contractions more bearable. Deep, rhythmic breathing, with slow inhales through the nose and gentle exhales through the mouth, can relieve the intensity of labour.
During labour, changing positions and staying active can help ease discomfort and make labour progress more smoothly. You can try different positions like rocking in a chair, sitting in a tailor sit position, using a birthing ball, walking, or swaying. Your healthcare provider can assist you in finding positions that are safe for you and your baby.
During labour, gentle touch can be very comforting and helpful in managing discomfort. You may find relief from tension through massages or light stroking. A warm bath or shower with jets can ease pain and tension. However, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking a tub bath during labour to make sure it’s safe for you and your baby. Your provider can offer guidance on incorporating touch-based techniques into your labour experience for maximum comfort.
This technique can help you manage discomfort and stay calm. Progressive relaxation is the process of relaxing different muscle groups one at a time. By practising this method, you can release tension in your body, promoting a sense of calmness and comfort during labour. This technique can help manage pain and maintain relaxation throughout the birthing process.
During labour, you can use hot or cold therapy to help ease discomfort in different ways. Warmth, like a warm towel or compress, can relax tense muscles and increase blood flow, relieving sore areas. On the other hand, cold therapy, such as an ice pack, can numb painful spots and reduce inflammation, providing temporary relief.
During labour, meditation or focused thinking can help you manage discomfort by directing your attention to a specific object or task to help distract your mind from the intensity of contractions.
This technique can help you manage pain and stay calm during labour. By controlling your breath, you can relax your body and focus your mind, making contractions more bearable. Deep, rhythmic breathing, with slow inhales through the nose and gentle exhales through the mouth, can relieve the intensity of labour.
During labour, changing positions and staying active can help ease discomfort and make labour progress more smoothly. You can try different positions like rocking in a chair, sitting in a tailor sit position, using a birthing ball, walking, or swaying. Your healthcare provider can assist you in finding positions that are safe for you and your baby.
During labour, gentle touch can be very comforting and helpful in managing discomfort. You may find relief from tension through massages or light stroking. A warm bath or shower with jets can ease pain and tension. However, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking a tub bath during labour to make sure it’s safe for you and your baby. Your provider can offer guidance on incorporating touch-based techniques into your labour experience for maximum comfort.
This technique can help you manage discomfort and stay calm. Progressive relaxation is the process of relaxing different muscle groups one at a time. By practising this method, you can release tension in your body, promoting a sense of calmness and comfort during labour. This technique can help manage pain and maintain relaxation throughout the birthing process.
During labour, you can use hot or cold therapy to help ease discomfort in different ways. Warmth, like a warm towel or compress, can relax tense muscles and increase blood flow, relieving sore areas. On the other hand, cold therapy, such as an ice pack, can numb painful spots and reduce inflammation, providing temporary relief.
During labour, meditation or focused thinking can help you manage discomfort by directing your attention to a specific object or task to help distract your mind from the intensity of contractions.
This involves the use of medications to alleviate discomfort and pain. These medications can provide effective pain relief during labour, allowing you to remain more comfortable and better cope with contractions.
Analgesics are medications used to relieve pain during labour. They can be administered orally, through an injection, or intravenously. Common types include opioids like morphine and fentanyl. While they help manage pain, they may cause side effects like drowsiness and nausea. It’s important to discuss their use with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.
This type of anaesthesia is used during vaginal deliveries to numb the vaginal area. It’s injected near the pudendal nerve, which controls sensation in the lower part of the vagina and perineum. This numbs the area completely, providing pain relief during childbirth while allowing you to remain active and push your baby through the birth canal.
This is a type of anaesthesia that’s injected directly into the perineal area, which is the area between your vagina and rectum. This medication numbs the area, for repair of any tears or episiotomies that may occur during childbirth.
This is a pain relief method used during labour and delivery. It involves placing a catheter in the lower back to deliver numbing medications, resulting in decreased sensation in the lower body. This method can be adjusted as needed and is used for both vaginal and caesarean deliveries.
Potential risks include low blood pressure and postpartum headache, but precautions can minimise these risks. Your healthcare provider will discuss these risks and alternatives to help you make an informed decision about pain management during childbirth.
Similar to an epidural, spinal anaesthesia involves injecting medication directly into the spinal fluid to quickly numb the lower half of the body. It is often used for caesarean deliveries or when rapid pain relief is needed.
This induces a state of unconsciousness, making you completely unaware and unable to feel pain during childbirth. General anaesthesia is typically reserved for emergency caesarean deliveries or when regional anaesthesia techniques are not feasible or safe.
Analgesics are medications used to relieve pain during labour. They can be administered orally, through an injection, or intravenously. Common types include opioids like morphine and fentanyl. While they help manage pain, they may cause side effects like drowsiness and nausea. It’s important to discuss their use with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.
This type of anaesthesia is used during vaginal deliveries to numb the vaginal area. It’s injected near the pudendal nerve, which controls sensation in the lower part of the vagina and perineum. This numbs the area completely, providing pain relief during childbirth while allowing you to remain active and push your baby through the birth canal.
This is a type of anaesthesia that’s injected directly into the perineal area, which is the area between your vagina and rectum. This medication numbs the area, for repair of any tears or episiotomies that may occur during childbirth.
This is a pain relief method used during labour and delivery. It involves placing a catheter in the lower back to deliver numbing medications, resulting in decreased sensation in the lower body. This method can be adjusted as needed and is used for both vaginal and caesarean deliveries.
Potential risks include low blood pressure and postpartum headache, but precautions can minimise these risks. Your healthcare provider will discuss these risks and alternatives to help you make an informed decision about pain management during childbirth.
Similar to an epidural, spinal anaesthesia involves injecting medication directly into the spinal fluid to quickly numb the lower half of the body. It is often used for caesarean deliveries or when rapid pain relief is needed.
This induces a state of unconsciousness, making you completely unaware and unable to feel pain during childbirth. General anaesthesia is typically reserved for emergency caesarean deliveries or when regional anaesthesia techniques are not feasible or safe.
Inducing labour is when medical interventions are used to start contractions and kickstart the birthing process artificially. Healthcare providers may recommend this for various reasons, like if a woman is past her due date, concerns about the baby or mother’s health, or if certain complications arise during pregnancy. Some reasons why your healthcare provider might choose to induce labour include
Methods for inducing labour include giving medications like oxytocin or prostaglandins to help the cervix ripen and encourage contractions. Other techniques may involve breaking the amniotic sac or using mechanical methods to open the cervix.
It’s crucial to discuss with your healthcare provider about why labor induction is being considered and carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits.
Vaginal delivery and caesarean section (C-section) are the two main types of delivery during childbirth. In vaginal birth, your baby naturally passes through the birth canal or with the assistance of medical interventions such as forceps or vacuum extraction.
On the other hand, a C-section involves a surgical procedure where an incision is made in your abdomen, and the baby is delivered in an operating room.
While vaginal delivery is the most common type, a C-section may be necessary for various reasons:
In many cases, the decision to have a C-section is made during labour and not predetermined. Your healthcare provider will assess the situation and recommend the safest delivery method for you and your baby.
Sore breasts: Sore breasts are common after childbirth, especially as your milk comes in. You may experience swelling, hardness, and discomfort in your breasts for several days.
Additionally, your nipples may feel tender and sore. This discomfort is typically temporary and can be relieved with warm compresses, proper positioning during breastfeeding, and nipple creams or ointments.
Discomfort at the site of the episiotomy: If an episiotomy (a surgical incision made by your doctor in the perineum, which is the area between the vagina and the anus) was performed or if the area tore naturally during birth, stitches may be required to close the wound.
As a result, walking or sitting may be uncomfortable, and you may experience pain, particularly when coughing or sneezing, during the healing process.
Vaginal discharge: After childbirth, you can expect to experience vaginal discharge, known as lochia. Initially, it will be heavier and redder than a regular period, but over time it will decrease in amount and change in colour to white or yellow. This discharge typically stops entirely within two months after delivery as your body heals.
Pains: After childbirth, you may continue to experience contractions as your uterus contracts back to its normal size. These contractions can occur for a few days following delivery and are often felt more strongly while breastfeeding your baby.
Urinary or bowel incontinence: During childbirth, especially after a prolonged labour, the muscles in the pelvic floor may become stretched or weakened, leading to difficulties in controlling bladder and bowel movements. This can result in leaking urine when laughing or sneezing, or difficulty in controlling bowel movements, leading to accidental bowel leakage.
These issues are common postpartum and may improve with time as the pelvic floor muscles regain strength. However, pelvic floor exercises, known as Kegels, can help strengthen these muscles and improve bladder and bowel control.
Hot or cold flashes: You may experience sudden sensations of heat or coldness after childbirth. These fluctuations in body temperature are often due to hormonal changes and shifts in blood flow as your body adjusts postpartum. One moment you may feel warm and start sweating; the next you may feel chilly and reach for a blanket to cover yourself.
Constipation: After giving birth, you may experience constipation due to haemorrhoids, episiotomies, and sore muscles, which can make bowel movements painful. This discomfort can lead to difficulty passing stools for a few days postpartum.
It’s important to stay hydrated, eat fibre-rich foods, and engage in gentle physical activity to help alleviate constipation discomfort and promote regular bowel movements.
Haemorrhoids: Haemorrhoids are swollen varicose veins in the anal area that are common after pregnancy and delivery. These swollen veins can cause discomfort, itching, and sometimes bleeding, particularly during bowel movements. Haemorrhoids are often a result of increased pressure on the rectal veins during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as hormonal changes.
Having light snacks may be acceptable if you’re being induced or in the hospital during early labour. However, many women experience nausea and vomiting during labour, putting them at risk for aspiration, a serious complication. Therefore, it’s advised to avoid eating during active labour.
Labour pain can vary for each person, but generally, the intensity of labour pain can be influenced by various factors such as the position of the babies, their size, and the mother’s health.
While carrying twins can potentially result in more intense contractions and discomfort due to the added pressure and space constraints in the uterus, it’s not universally true that labour pain is always more severe with twins. Each pregnancy and labour experience is unique.
During labour, it’s crucial to monitor your contractions closely. Your healthcare provider will rely on information about their duration, frequency, and intensity to assess your progress. To track contractions, you’ll need to record each one, noting when it starts and ends and the time between contractions.
This data can be recorded using a pen, paper, a smartphone app, a timer, or a clock. While measuring the intensity of contractions is challenging, a common way to know it’s time to head off is when you cannot walk, talk, or laugh, as this can indicate their strength.
Moving around, whether it’s walking around the room, doing gentle movements while sitting or lying down, or changing positions, can potentially help speed up dilation during labour. This movement increases blood flow to the cervix, which may encourage dilation.
Additionally, the pressure from the baby’s weight on the cervix can also aid in dilation. Some people may also find swaying or dancing to soothing music helpful.
Full term pregnancy typically lasts around 40 weeks, which is equivalent to approximately 280 days from the first day of the last menstrual period until delivery. Babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy are considered preterm or premature.
Extremely preterm infants are born between 23 and 28 weeks, moderately preterm infants are born between 29 and 33 weeks, and late preterm infants are born between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation.
Having light snacks may be acceptable if you’re being induced or in the hospital during early labour. However, many women experience nausea and vomiting during labour, putting them at risk for aspiration, a serious complication. Therefore, it’s advised to avoid eating during active labour.
Labour pain can vary for each person, but generally, the intensity of labour pain can be influenced by various factors such as the position of the babies, their size, and the mother’s health.
While carrying twins can potentially result in more intense contractions and discomfort due to the added pressure and space constraints in the uterus, it’s not universally true that labour pain is always more severe with twins. Each pregnancy and labour experience is unique.
During labour, it’s crucial to monitor your contractions closely. Your healthcare provider will rely on information about their duration, frequency, and intensity to assess your progress. To track contractions, you’ll need to record each one, noting when it starts and ends and the time between contractions.
This data can be recorded using a pen, paper, a smartphone app, a timer, or a clock. While measuring the intensity of contractions is challenging, a common way to know it’s time to head off is when you cannot walk, talk, or laugh, as this can indicate their strength.
Moving around, whether it’s walking around the room, doing gentle movements while sitting or lying down, or changing positions, can potentially help speed up dilation during labour. This movement increases blood flow to the cervix, which may encourage dilation. Additionally, the pressure from the baby’s weight on the cervix can also aid in dilation. Some people may also find swaying or dancing to soothing music helpful.
Full term pregnancy typically lasts around 40 weeks, which is equivalent to approximately 280 days from the first day of the last menstrual period until delivery. Babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy are considered preterm or premature.
Extremely preterm infants are born between 23 and 28 weeks, moderately preterm infants are born between 29 and 33 weeks, and late preterm infants are born between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation.
1. Cleveland Clinic. Labour and delivery.
2. John Hopkins Medicine: Labor
3. Madison Women’s Health. Giving Birth: Labor & Delivery Tips for First-Time Moms.
4. March Of Dimes. Contractions and signs of labour.
5. March Of Dimes. Stages of labour.
6. Office on Women’s Health. Labour and birth.
7. WebMD. Normal labour and Delivery Process.
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