The most beautiful day of your life is coming soon. On one hand, you are very happy and on the other hand, you are a little scared and curious about the day your baby, who you have been waiting for for months, will come into this world. You must have many questions in your mind like "How will it be?", "Will it hurt?", "What will happen?". It is very normal. So today, let's talk about this process that happens when you have a baby, or the Stages of Labor, in a very simple way, in a way that you can understand.
What are the Stages of Labor?
Simply put, labor is the entire process of your baby and placenta coming out of your vagina. Doctors divide the process into three main stages. This makes it easier for doctors and nurses to communicate clearly with you and with each other.
1. First stage: The onset of uterine contractions.
2. Second stage: Pushing the baby.
3. Third stage: Delivery of the placenta.
But remember one thing. Not everyone's birth is the same. You may not experience all of these stages. For example, if you have a planned or emergency cesarean section (C-section) , these stages may be different. So, don't panic because everything didn't go according to plan. Your doctor and medical team are there to do what's best for you and your baby.
Stage One: Labor and Contractions
This is the longest stage of labor. It begins with regular contractions that come at regular intervals . This stage ends when your cervix is fully dilated (10 centimeters). This stage can usually last between 12 and 19 hours for a first-time mother. It can be shorter if you have had a previous baby.
Doctors will tell you to time your pain. That is, measure the time from the start of one pain to the start of the next. It is important to do this accurately.
Remember, these pains, which come at regular intervals, are different from the "Braxton Hicks" (practice contractions) that sometimes occur during pregnancy. Real pains gradually intensify and come closer together over time.
There are two more parts to this first stage:
| Part of the stage | Description | Average time |
|---|---|---|
| Early Labor | The cervix opens to about 6 centimeters. The pain may be somewhat bearable. | 6 - 12 hours |
| Active Labor | The cervix is fully dilated to 10 centimeters. The pain is intense and comes on frequently. You may feel an urge to push. | 4 - 8 hours |
Your doctor may say that you can stay at home during early labor. But you should be prepared to go to the hospital. When active labor begins, it is definitely safer to stay in the hospital.
How to manage the pain in the first stage?
The following things will help you cope with this pain:
- Light walking.
- Doing light stretches.
- Practicing deep breathing.
- Shifting from position to position.
- Bathing in warm (but not too hot) water.
- Using a birthing ball .
- Having your husband, mother, sister, or a trusted person by your side is a great source of strength.
If the pain is unbearable, talk to your medical team about pain relief options.
Second Stage: Pushing and Birth
This stage begins when your cervix dilates to 10 centimeters and ends when your baby is born. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.
Here's what happens at this stage:
- Uterine contractions (pain) start coming every 2-5 minutes . Each contraction lasts about 60-90 seconds.
- You will need to push every time the pain comes. You can rest between contractions when there is no pain. Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to push.
- After a while, the baby's head will start to appear. This is called "crowning" .
- Then the doctor very carefully helps to remove the baby from the vagina.
- After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut.
Third Stage: Delivery of the Placenta
This is the shortest stage. It occurs between 5 and 30 minutes after the baby is born.
- After the baby is born, some light contractions start to come again. These are to help the placenta detach from the uterine wall.
- You may have to push a little more, or the doctor may press on your abdomen to help the placenta come out.
- After the placenta is delivered, if there is any tearing in the vagina or an episiotomy (a small incision made to make childbirth easier), the doctor will sew it back up.
The doctor will make sure that no part of the placenta is left inside the uterus, as this can cause complications later.
When should you go to the hospital?
This is a problem that many people have. It is important to go to the hospital at the right time.
| Opportunity | What to do |
|---|---|
| True Labor | If your contractions are coming regularly , about every 5 minutes, for an hour , call your doctor or the hospital labor room. |
| Water Breaks | Whether there is pain or not, if you feel that your water has broken (if a watery fluid comes out of your vagina), call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately . |
| If in doubt | Even if you're unsure whether this is real pain or false pain, it's best to call your doctor for advice. |
Warning signs that require immediate medical attention
If you experience any of the following symptoms, go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately or inform your doctor:
- Excessive vaginal bleeding.
- Chest pain.
- Severe dizziness or fainting.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Excessive swelling (edema) of the hands, feet, or face.
- Significant reduction in baby's fussiness.
Is there a fourth stage?
Some doctors consider the first two to three hours after the placenta comes out to be the fourth stage. This is a very special time. This is when you begin to bond with your new baby. Also, during this time, the medical team will carefully monitor your health, especially if you are experiencing excessive bleeding.
Childbirth is an unforgettable experience in a woman's life. There are many emotions that come to mind as you go through it. But remember, you are not alone. Your husband, family, and especially your medical team are there for you. So take heart. Everything will be fine.
Take-Home Message
- There are three main stages of labor: the onset of uterine contractions, the pushing of the baby, and the delivery of the placenta.
- To identify true labor, pay attention to the frequency, duration, and intensity of your pain.
- If the pain comes more frequently, like every 5 minutes, or if your water breaks, go to the hospital immediately.
- Every birth is unique. Don't worry if it doesn't go exactly as planned. Even if a cesarean section is needed, it's for your and your baby's safety.
- If you notice any warning signs, such as heavy bleeding or a decrease in the baby's movements, call your doctor or go to the hospital without hesitation.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න