There are 3 stages of labor, from the time the contractions begin, until you are getting to know your new arrival.
We have explained them in more detail below.
Stage One This is the longest stage of labor, lasting up to 16 hours for women bearing their first born.
For subsequent births, this stage is often shorter, ranging 6-7 hours.
During the first stage of labor, you will begin experiencing light contractions that may be up to 20 minutes apart.
Throughout the contractions, your uterus is effacing.
Stage one doesn't end until the uterus is 100% effaced.
There are 3 phases to Stage One labor.
Stage two can last up to 2 hours.
You may feel like you are having a bowel movement, but it is very important not to push until you are instructed to do so.
Pushing before the right time can cause swelling in the uterus.
Crowning occurs when the widest part of the baby's head appears, just a few more pushes and your baby will be here! Immediately afterwards, fluid and mucus are removed from baby's nose and mouth with a syringe and he will take his first breath.
Also, during this time, the doctors, or the father will cut the umbilical cord.
Once all this is complete, you can finally meet the little joy that you have worked so hard for.
Stage Three Stage three is the shortest and likely the easiest stage of labor.
Once the baby is born, you will need to deliver the placenta.
Your contractions may have stopped already, but they will resume so that you can complete the birth.
After this, you are all done! You will now be monitored for contractions and to make sure there is no excessive bleeding.
The only thing you have to do now is get to know your new son or daughter.
We have explained them in more detail below.
Stage One This is the longest stage of labor, lasting up to 16 hours for women bearing their first born.
For subsequent births, this stage is often shorter, ranging 6-7 hours.
During the first stage of labor, you will begin experiencing light contractions that may be up to 20 minutes apart.
Throughout the contractions, your uterus is effacing.
Stage one doesn't end until the uterus is 100% effaced.
There are 3 phases to Stage One labor.
- Early Phase During the early phase, you will experience irregular contractions as you dilate from 0-4 centimeters.
The pain experienced in this phase is comparable to that of menstrual cramps.
Most women spend this stage of labor at home.
The Early Phase can last as long as 8 hours.
- Active PhaseThe active phase begins as your contractions become longer, stronger, and closer together.
Remember, you need to measure your contractions when calling the doctor.
He or she will want to know how long each contraction lasts, the intensity, and how far apart they are.
If you will be using an epidural, it is administered during the Active Phase of labor.
- Transition PhaseAlthough it is the shortest phase of labor, it is definitely the most difficult.
You will experience intense pain as your cervix dilates from 7 to 10 centimeters wide.
There may also be a lot of pressure as the baby moves down into the birth canal.
The good news is, it's baby time!
Stage two can last up to 2 hours.
You may feel like you are having a bowel movement, but it is very important not to push until you are instructed to do so.
Pushing before the right time can cause swelling in the uterus.
Crowning occurs when the widest part of the baby's head appears, just a few more pushes and your baby will be here! Immediately afterwards, fluid and mucus are removed from baby's nose and mouth with a syringe and he will take his first breath.
Also, during this time, the doctors, or the father will cut the umbilical cord.
Once all this is complete, you can finally meet the little joy that you have worked so hard for.
Stage Three Stage three is the shortest and likely the easiest stage of labor.
Once the baby is born, you will need to deliver the placenta.
Your contractions may have stopped already, but they will resume so that you can complete the birth.
After this, you are all done! You will now be monitored for contractions and to make sure there is no excessive bleeding.
The only thing you have to do now is get to know your new son or daughter.
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