Placerville Pregnancy Counseling Services -- Labor

Labor


Labor
Stages and Phases of Labor A woman's labor and birth has been divided into three stages. The first stage being mainly preparation, the second ending in the birth of your baby and the third finishing with the delivery of the placenta.
First Stage Prodomal Phase Early Phase Active Phase Transitional Phase Second Stage Third Stage First Stage Prodomal Labor Phase What is Happening The cervix begins to soften, thin and open as the baby settles into the pelvis. This phase can last from a few hours to a few days. (20)
What Helps Don't worry about whether or not this is really labor. For the vast majority, labor will eventually make itself clear. Take care of yourself: Eat, drink plenty of fluids, rest and do things that you enjoy.(20) Early Labor Phase What is Happening During the Early Phase of labor, also called the Latent Phase, short and infrequent but regular contractions of the uterus occur. They can happen over the course of a few hours or a few days. They cause the cervix to open further. While each woman's experience of labor will vary, a typical one might start out with contractions coming every 10 minutes, lasting 30 seconds each, and gradually increasing to every five minutes, lasting 40 to 60 seconds each.(19) The Early Phase ends when your cervix is approximately 3 to 5 centimeters dilated and your progress begins to accelerate. What Helps Take time to settle down and work with the labor. Be sure to take care of yourself. When you can no longer stand the contractions, begin using the relaxation and breathing strategies that you have learned. Active Labor Phase What is Happening The baby moves lower into the pelvis, as the cervix dilates and effaces and your contractions become more frequent, longer and stronger. In most cases, the frequency of your contractions eventually increases to every two to three minutes, although some women may never have contractions more often than five minutes. This phase can last up to 6 or more hours, although it can be a lot shorter, especially if you've previously had a vaginal delivery.(19) What Helps Develop a rhythm with your labor. Do something active during the contractions, such as use a breathing pattern, movement or sound. Change positions frequently. (20) Transitional Labor Phase What is Happening The cervix dilates the last few centimeters, (from 8 centimeters to 10), and contractions are even more intense.
	This phase can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. This is the time when you will need lots of encouragement. You may feel nauseated or even vomit as you continue to the second stage. What Helps Focus on one contraction at a time so that you do not become overwhelmed. Continue with breathing and rhythmic movement. Those around you should give their undivided attention and encouragement.
First Stage \| Second Stage \| Third Stage
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