As the most beautiful day of your life approaches, it's normal to feel a little scared and curious along with the joy you feel. "How will the pain feel when the baby is born?", "How long will it take?", "What do I need to do?" You probably have a lot of questions in your mind. That's why today we will talk about the things that happen during childbirth, that is, the stages of labor . When you have a good understanding of these things, you will have a lot of strength to face that moment.
What is labor?
Simply put, labor is the process by which your body naturally prepares for your baby to come into the world. Your uterus begins to contract. This is what we call 'labor' or 'contractions'. For a first-time mother, this entire process can usually take between 12 and 24 hours. However, subsequent deliveries can be much quicker.
Remember, not everyone's experience is the same. Some people have babies quickly, some take a little longer. That's very normal.
Childbirth occurs in three main stages. Let's now look at each of them separately.
First stage: the time of cervical dilation
This is the longest stage of labor. It can sometimes take up to 20 hours. This stage starts when your cervix begins to dilate and continues until it is fully dilated to 10 centimeters. This is how the baby comes out. This first stage is divided into three smaller stages.
| Phase | What happens and how it feels | Things you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Latent Phase | The cervix dilates to 0-6 centimeters. Contractions come every 15-20 minutes at first, gradually decreasing to every 5 minutes. The pain is tolerable. A pink discharge may be present. | Stay home. Walk slowly. Change positions frequently. Do breathing exercises. Take a warm bath (ask your doctor if your water breaks). Drink fluids. Prepare the things you need to take to the hospital. |
| Active Phase | The cervix is dilating to 6-8 centimeters. The contractions are now intense. They come about every 3 minutes and last about 45 seconds. Back pain may increase. Vaginal bleeding (bloody show) may increase. The amniotic membrane may also break. | This is when you usually go to the hospital. Change positions. Kneeling and keeping your hands on the floor can help relieve back pain. Walk until you are pain-free. Urinate frequently. Continue breathing exercises. |
| Transition Phase | The cervix is fully dilated to 8-10 centimeters. This is the most painful, but also the shortest part (about 15 minutes - an hour). The contractions come every 2-3 minutes and last about a minute. You feel a strong urge to push. | Don't push until your doctor tells you to. Pushing too early can cause your cervix to swell and tear, delaying labor. Pay attention to each pain. Remember, every pain brings you closer to your baby. |
What happens when you go to the hospital?
When you go to the hospital during the active phase, your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature will be checked. A monitor will be placed on your abdomen to measure your baby's heartbeat and uterine contractions. A doctor or nurse will check your cervix to see how open it is. If needed, an intravenous (IV) line may be placed in your arm to give you medicine or fluids.
Stage Two: It's time for the baby to come into this world!
This second stage begins when your cervix is fully dilated to 10 centimeters. This stage lasts until the baby is born. This can take 2 hours or a little longer.
The contractions you feel now are a little different. They come every 2-5 minutes and last about 60-90 seconds. You will feel the urge to push hard . Now is your turn. When the doctor or nurse tells you to push, take a breath and push hard. Rest as much as possible between contractions.
Little tips to help with thattamana
- Try different positions: Sometimes it's easier to lie on your side, with one leg raised, or with your knees crossed than to lie on your back.
- Use your breath: Take a deep breath before you stretch, and exhale when you're done.
- Push with your whole body: Lean forward as far as possible and push using your whole body.
At this stage, if necessary, pain medication may be given and a small incision (episiotomy) may be made to slightly enlarge the opening of the vagina. This incision may be necessary if the baby needs to be delivered quickly or to prevent the vaginal walls from tearing badly.
The point at which the baby's head descends through the pelvis is called a 'station', with numbers. When the baby's head enters the pelvis and is exactly in the middle, it is called a 'zero station'. This allows you to measure the progress of your labor.
As soon as your baby is born, the doctor will hold the baby's head slightly down and use a small bulb syringe to suction out any secretions from the baby's mouth and nose. The baby will then be placed on your stomach and the umbilical cord will be cut shortly after. This will be the most beautiful moment of your life!
Stage Three: Placenta Delivery
This stage begins after the baby is born. This is when the placenta, which was attached to the uterine wall, detaches and comes out through the vagina. This is also called the 'afterbirth'.
Don't worry, this is the shortest and least painful stage of labor. It only takes a few minutes to about 20 minutes.
You will still feel a little cramping, but it will not be as intense as before. After this placenta comes out, if you had an episiotomy or a small tear, it will be stitched up at this stage.
Take-Home Message
- Childbirth is a natural process. Your body is well prepared for it.
- There are three specific stages of labor. Being aware of them will help you stay mentally strong.
- During the early stages of the first stage (Latent Phase), stay at home and relax as much as possible.
- When the pain comes, don't panic, do breathing exercises, and get help from your birth partner.
- Follow the instructions given by the doctor and nursing staff exactly. Be patient, especially when asked to urinate.
- Remember that every little bit brings you closer to your baby. That will be a great source of strength for you.
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