What Are The Main Stages Of Labour?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • The first stage is when the neck of the womb (cervix) opens to 10cm dilated.
  • The second stage is when the baby moves down through the vagina and is born.
  • The third stage is when the placenta (afterbirth) is delivered.

What are the 3 phases of Stage 1 labor?

Early Labor: The onset of labor until the cervix is dilated to 3-6 centimeters.

Active Labor Phase

: Continues from 3 cm until the cervix is dilated to 7 centimeters. Transition Phase – Continues from 7 cm until the cervix is fully dilated to 10 centimeters.

What are the 4 stages of labour?

  • First stage: Dilation of the cervix (mouth of the uterus)
  • Second stage: Delivery of the baby.
  • Third stage: Afterbirth where you push out the placenta.
  • Fourth stage: Recovery.

What is the first stage of labour?

During the 1st stage of labour,

contractions make your cervix gradually open (dilate)

. This is usually the longest stage of labour. At the start of labour, your cervix starts to soften so it can open. This is called the latent phase and you may feel irregular contractions.

What labor feels like?

Labor contractions usually cause discomfort or a

dull ache in

your back and lower abdomen, along with pressure in the pelvis. Contractions move in a wave-like motion from the top of the uterus to the bottom. Some women describe contractions as strong menstrual cramps.

What is the hardest part about giving birth?


Stage 2 of labour

: Transition

For many women, this is the toughest part of . Contractions are one on top of the other as your cervix dilates to 10 centimetres. You may feel you can no longer cope, or even start vomiting or trembling (especially in your legs).

How do you feel 24 hours before labor?

As the countdown to birth begins, some signs that labor is 24 to 48 hours away can include

low back pain, weight loss, diarrhea

— and of course, your water breaking.

What does 1 2 cm dilated?

The time between dilating to 1 cm and giving birth varies from woman to woman. One woman may go from having a closed cervix to giving birth in a matter of hours, while another is 1–2 cm dilated for days or weeks. … This means

that the cervix is completely closed initially, but it widens

to 10 cm as labor progresses.

How many cm dilated when water breaks?

The cervix must be 100 percent effaced and

10 centimeters dilated

before a vaginal delivery. The first stage of labor and birth occurs when you begin to feel regular contractions, which cause the cervix to open (dilate) and soften, shorten and thin (effacement). This allows the baby to move into the birth canal.

How many bones break during delivery?

There were

35 cases

of bone injuries giving an incidence of 1 per 1,000 live births. Clavicle was the commonest bone fractured (45.7%) followed by humerus (20%), femur (14.3%) and depressed skull fracture (11.4%) in the order of frequency.

How do Labour pains start?

There are several signs that labour might be starting, including:

contractions or tightenings

.

a “show”

, when the plug of mucus from your cervix (entrance to your womb, or uterus) comes away. backache.

How do you tell if you will be going into labor soon?

  • Strong, frequent contractions. …
  • Bloody show. …
  • Belly and lower back pain. …
  • Water breaking. …
  • Baby drops. …
  • Cervix begins to dilate. …
  • Cramps and increased back pain. …
  • Loose-feeling joints.

Can you accidentally give birth while pooping?


You can't control the poo

Pooping during labor sounds gross and embarrassing, and no new mom wants it to happen. But poop happens, and here's why: The muscles you use to push your baby out are the exact same ones you use to poop.

Is birth painful for the baby?

Doctors now know that

newly born babies probably feel pain

. But exactly how much they feel during labor and delivery is still debatable. “If you performed a medical procedure on a baby shortly after birth, she would certainly feel pain,” says Christopher E.

What does pushing a baby out feel like?


Very visible contractions

, with your uterus rising noticeably with each. An increase in bloody show. A tingling, stretching, burning or stinging sensation at the vagina as your baby's head emerges. A slippery wet feeling as your baby emerge.

Is it tough to deliver a baby?

Pushing is done

instinctively

and as hard as the mother feels necessary. If you have had an epidural, you will be numb from most pain experiences, but you will still feel pressure. You may or may not have the urge to push. Your muscle coordination will be a little more difficult to organize into effective pushing.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.