Giving Birth – Vaginal Birth
Different stages of Labour
There are three main stages of labour. The labour can vary from women to women depending on factors such as:
- whether it is your first pregnancy
- the size and position of your baby in the womb
The following is only a general description of the stages in giving birth, it is not intended as a detailed medical description. Please Consult your doctor or medical professional if you want to know more or have any specific questions about giving birth.
First Stage of Labour
- Your body prepares itself for giving birth by changing the balance of hormones in your body before labour starts to make your cervix shorter and softer.
- You will also have what is commonly called a “show”. A “show” is when the mucus plug that acts as a seal to your cervix falls out as your cervix changes shape. This can happen a few hours before labour starts or a few days before labour.
- You to start having contractions, which is when muscles in your womb tense and relax as your cervix stretches and opens (known as dilates). Over time the contractions become more regular and stronger. The length of time between contractions will vary for each women.
- Waters breaking is when the bag with the fluid that holds the baby breaks as your cervix gets wider. You should consult your doctor or midwife for advice on what to do next.
- The first stage continues until your cervix is fully dilated, which is approximately 10cm, and the time will vary, for some this can last between seven to eleven hours!
* First Stage Transition – this is the part of the labour between the First and Second Stages when women may feel discouraged and physically tired after several hours of giving birth.
Some women feel an irresistible urge to push during this stage even if the cervix is not fully dilated. This is the time when the expectant mum needs the support as the birth is not far away.
Second Stage of Labour – giving birth to your baby
- You will feel the need to push as the baby’s head gets lower. Some find sitting upright, kneeling or squatting the most comfortable position.
- You will still have less frequent but longer contractions which help with pushing the baby.
- “crowning” is when the baby is ready to be born, and is used to describe when the baby’s head has moved down the pelvis to the entrance of the vagina.
- The delivery of the baby which is normally head first, followed by the shoulders and the rest of the body can take anything from 30mins to 1 or 2 hours.
Third Stage of Labour – between giving birth and the placenta being expelled
- The third stage is when the placenta is expelled from your body after the baby has been delivered. This can happen naturally or by active medical management by your midwife or doctor which can reduce the risk of bleeding.
- Your midwife or Doctor can provide more information on the options you have.
You should consult your Doctor or midwife if you want any more specific information or you want to discuss what are your options for each stage of giving birth. |
