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You made it! If you are reading this undoubtedly you are approaching or soon
will be approaching the final stages of pregnancy. You may be wondering what
exactly to expect during labor and delivery. There are two distinct phases of
labor - early or latent labor and active labor. Active Labor is subdivided into
three stages, which will be described in more detail below. There is no criteria
for exactly predicting the moment when labor will start. Some women can have all
the signs of impending delivery but hold out for several weeks, whereas others
will have no signs and go into active labor in a matter of hours.
Early or Latent Labor
During early labor, you will probably be relatively comfortable. It
is generally the longest part of the birthing process and may last anywhere from
one to three days. During this time you may experience contractions that are
mild or moderate, generally lasting anywhere from 30 to 45 seconds. These
contractions may also be irregular in nature, and may stop and re-start again.
During the early phase of labor most women will dilate to 3 cm. During
this phase of labor taking a warm shower may help you relax. Try to sleep if
possible to prepare for the active stage of labor.
If you are interested in speeding up the labor process, consider going for long
walks which might help move the baby further into your pelvis.
Most women will be able to talk and function relatively normal during this
phase. You can typically enjoy this part of labor in the comfort of your home.
Traditionally early labor is longer for first time mothers than it is for moms
who have given birth previously.
Active Labor
Active labor is characterized by three distinct phases:
Stage One - The cervix dilates and effaces
Stage Two - The baby is born
Stage Three - The placenta is delivered
First Stage During the first stage the cervix will dilate and efface or thin out, preparing
for birth. This stage typically commences when a woman is 3 to 4 cm dilated.
Women will dilate until 10 cm.
Uterine contractions during this phase of labor are generally more intense than
they are during early labor. They are also more frequent, occurring 2-3 minutes
apart and may last from 50-70 seconds.
During active labor the bag of water often breaks.
Most women will report significantly more discomfort or pain during the active
stage of labor. Your physician might offer you some form of pain relief,
including use of an epidural to help ease the pain you are feeling from uterine
contractions.
The first stage of active labor ends with the transition phase, where
contractions become increasingly intense as the baby moves into the birthing
canal. During this time you will be absorbed by contractions. You may feel
anxious and exhausted.
This is the time where you might start feeling the urge to push. You will be
dilated a full 10 cm at this point in time.
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Second Stage
The second stage of active labor is the actual birth of your baby, or the
process of pushing the baby out. This is usually preceded by a powerful urge to
push the baby out of the vagina. You may feel a great deal of pressure in the
pelvic region, in your vagina or in the back.
The pushing phase may be short or long. Most first time moms push for 2 to 3
hours, however some women may push for minutes before the baby passes through
the vagina.
Third Stage
The third stage of labor is the time during which the placenta detaches and
passes out of the body. Generally this occurs within 30 minutes after the second
stage of labor. Though not as exciting as the actual birth of your baby, the
passage of the placenta is a vital part of labor and delivery.
This process may require that you push a small amount to deliver the placenta.
However, many women are so involved with their baby and the process of birth
that they hardly even notice the delivery of the placenta.
The more prepared for labor you are the more comfortable you will be with the
birthing process. Childbirth education classes can help you prepare for the
actual process of labor.
