Labor is your body’s way of preparing to deliver the baby. During this time, the cervix will be going through changes to make room for the baby to pass through. These are known as dilation and effacement. dilation is the process of the cervix opening and becoming larger. Effacement is the thinning out of the cervix. The time this takes varies among women and even between pregnancies in the same woman. Regardless of the time, you will go through all three stages of labor.
The First Stage of Labor:
The first stage actually has three separate phases: the latent, active and transition phases. During the latent phase, you will begin to experience mild contractions. These are slightly to moderately painful and will often start in the back and radiate forward. You should keep track of your contractions, how frequently they come and how long they last.
You may want to rest or even nap during the early latent phase. This will help you conserve your energy for later in labor, when you will need your strength. Take a walk outside if the weather is nice. This can help move labor along. Most women remain at home during much of the latent phase. A warm shower, breathing and relaxation techniques can be effective for managing pain during this phase of labor.
The active phase is generally when your cervix dilates from four to seven centimeters. Most women go to the hospital during this phase of labor, if they stayed home for the latent phase. During this phase, your cervix will dilate faster and the contractions will become stronger and closer together. You will need to focus more on your breathing and relaxation during this phase of labor. Soothing music and massage can also help to manage the pain. Keep in mind that your baby is getting into position for birth during this time.
Transition is when your cervix moves from seven to ten centimeters and becomes completely dilated and effaced. The baby is pressing down and toward the end of transition, you will feel the need to push. When you are completely dilated, your doctor or midwife will tell you it’s time to push. Many women feel anxious during this time. Some will say things like, “I don’t want to have a baby anymore,” or “I want to go home”. This is totally normal. I had these feelings with my first birth. Your coach will need to be extra supportive and help you focus during this time.
The Second Stage of Labor:
The second stage is when your baby is born. A variety of positions can be used to help the baby move through the birth canal and into the world. Often, you will have more choices in positioning with a midwife than with a doctor. I had a birthing chair in my labor room with my first daughter. The nurse told me “Only the midwives use this. The doctors would never sit on the floor to catch the baby.” Remember to breathe deeply and concentrate on relaxing between contractions to conserve your energy during this stage.
The Third Stage of Labor:
During the final stage, the placenta is delivered. Contractions will continue, but will be less intense. I barely noticed this with each of my three births because I was so caught up with the sight of my new baby. You may experience some bleeding and will feel tired and elated at the same time. Once the placenta is delivered, your provider will inspect it to be sure it is intact and no pieces remain in your uterus. The nurse will massage your uterus to help shrink it.