A new guest is about to arrive in your life, right? During this time, many things come to mind. It is normal to have many emotions like happiness, a little fear, and curiosity. As a mother, you have many questions about this journey. So today, let's talk about what really happens when you have a baby and what are the stages of this so-called childbirth. Being aware of these things will be a great strength for you.
The three main stages of childbirth
Simply put, the entire process of your baby and placenta coming out of your uterus through your vagina is called labor. It can be divided into three main stages.
| Opportunity | What simply happens |
|---|---|
| Case 1 | Contractions begin and the cervix fully opens. |
| Case 2 | Pushing and delivering the baby. |
| Case 3 | Placenta delivery. |
Although doctors call this a "normal birth," not everyone's experience is the same. You may have experienced this several times, and the baby may eventually be delivered by cesarean section (C-section). Or you may not experience these pains at all because you had a planned C-section. So remember, every birth is unique.
First stage: The onset of pain
This is the longest and most painful stage of labor. It begins with regular contractions and ends when your cervix is fully dilated (about 10 centimeters) and effaced (thinned out).
This period can usually last between 12 and 19 hours. However, if you have given birth before, this period may be much shorter.
This first opportunity is also divided into two parts.
1. Early Labor
This is when the cervix gradually opens until it is about 6 centimeters. This can usually last between 6 and 12 hours. This pain is not very severe. You can stay home during this time, but you should be prepared to go to the hospital.
2. Active Labor
This is when the cervix is 6 to 10 centimeters dilated, meaning it is fully open. The pain is getting worse and worse, and you may start to feel like you are pushing the baby. This can last between 4 and 8 hours. You should definitely stay in the hospital at this time.
How can I make this first time easier?
Although the pain is difficult to bear, there are some things you can do to manage this time:
- Walk slowly, moving from position to position.
- Do light exercises and stretching.
- Do deep breathing exercises.
- Take a bath with lukewarm water (but not hot water).
- It's a great strength to have someone like your partner, mother, or close friend by your side.
- If the pain is unbearable, ask your medical team about painkillers.
When the first labor pains come, if you can, sleep and rest. This will help you conserve energy. But as the pain increases, it will be a little harder to sleep.
Second chance: The birth of a baby
This stage begins when your cervix is 10 centimeters dilated. It ends when your baby is born. This can take anywhere from half an hour to several hours.
At this point, here are the things that happen:
- The pain comes every 2-5 minutes and lasts about 60-90 seconds.
- You have to push the baby every time the pain comes. You can rest between contractions when there is no pain.
- The doctor or the medical team will tell you when to push.
- The baby's head begins to appear through the vagina.
- Finally, with the help of the doctor, you deliver the baby. Then the umbilical cord is cut.
Third stage: Placental abruption
This stage begins after the baby is born and ends when the placenta is delivered. This is the shortest stage. It usually doesn't last more than 30 minutes.
The pain will start again within 5-30 minutes after the baby is born. This pain is caused by the placenta helping to separate from the uterine wall. You may have to push a little. Or the doctor may press on your abdomen to help push the placenta out.
After the placenta is delivered, the doctor will check to make sure it is completely out. This is because any small part that remains inside can cause complications. If you have had an episiotomy or a tear in your vagina, it will also be stitched up at this time.
How do you know if the pain has really started?
It's easy for someone experiencing this for the first time to confuse real labor pains with just Braxton Hicks contractions. There is a clear pattern to real labor pains, and they gradually increase over time.
| Characteristic | What you want to see |
|---|---|
| Frequency | How often does the pain come and go? Write it down in a book or on an app on your phone. If it's real pain, the time between episodes will gradually decrease. |
| Duration | How long does a pain last? Measure it in seconds. The duration of the pain increases over time. |
| Intensity of pain | Is the pain getting worse and worse? If the pain doesn't ease when you walk or change positions, it could be true labor pains. |
When should I go to the hospital?
It is usually best to stay in the hospital when you start 'active labor'.
Very important: If your pain is coming every 5 minutes for an hour straight, call your doctor or the hospital labor room. Also, if your water breaks, tell your doctor or the hospital immediately, whether you are in pain or not.
| If you have these symptoms, go to the hospital immediately! | |
|---|---|
| - Chest pain | - Excessive vaginal bleeding |
| - Severe dizziness or loss of consciousness | - Significant reduction in baby's fussiness |
| - Severe nausea and vomiting | - Difficulty breathing |
| - Swelling of the legs, arms, or face (edema) | |
What happens when you go to the hospital?
When you go to the hospital, you will be admitted to the labor and delivery unit.
1. You will be given a hospital gown to wear.
2. A nurse will check your pulse, blood pressure, and temperature.
3. Two straps are placed around your abdomen and connected to a machine. One measures uterine contractions (pain), and the other measures the baby's heartbeat.
4. A doctor or nurse will check how far your cervix has opened.
5. A saline needle (IV line) may be placed in a vein in the arm to provide necessary fluids and medications.
Take-Home Message
- Childbirth is a natural process consisting of three main stages.
- Every birth is different. Don't compare your experience to others' experiences.
- Be aware of the characteristics of true labor pain (interval, duration, intensity).
- If you have any doubts or concerns about something, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor or the hospital.
- Remember, you are not alone. Your medical team is there to support you and care for you throughout this journey.
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