Stages of Labor

You've waited nine months for this moment. Labor! Although every woman's experience of childbirth is different, labor usually is described as occurring in three stages. The first stage is one of preparation; contractions dilate, or open, the cervix. Delivery and birth of your baby occurs during the second stage. The placenta is delivered during the third stage. It has been said that education is the best preparation for childbirth. What can you expect during each stage?

The First Stage: Labor

During the first stage, contractions begin and strengthen, dilating the cervix in preparation for birth. The first stage occurs in three phases.

The first phase, early labor, is the longest and least intense phase. Contractions begin. First they are light and occur 20 minutes or more apart, gradually they become closer. Each contraction lasts 30-45 seconds and may range from regular to irregular in pattern. During early labor, the contractions dilate the cervix to 3 centimeters.

Common signs of early labor are backache (continuous or with each contraction), menstrual like cramps, indigestion, diarrhea, and a blood-tinged mucous discharge. The amniotic membrane may rupture (or your physician may rupture it later). During early labor, women typically feel a range of emotions, from excitement, to fear, relief, and anticipation. The best thing that you can do during this phase is to relax. If it is the middle of the night, try to sleep. If it is daytime, go about your usual routine. Take a light walk. Prepare the nursery.

Make and freeze a dinner or two (like baked ziti or a casserole) for postpartum dining. If you are hungry, eat only light snacks (such as toast, fruit juice, or broth). If you are planning on giving birth in a hospital, you will probably go to the hospital at the end of this phase or at the beginning of the next.

The second phase of labor is active labor. This phase usually lasts 2 to 3 1/2 hours. Contractions become stronger, longer, and more frequent (3 to 4 minutes apart and last 40-60 seconds). The pattern of contractions may be regular or irregular. During this phase, the cervix dilates to 7 centimeters. With active labor comes more uncomfortable contractions, increasing backache, and fatigue. Emotionally, you may feel restless and find it more difficult to relax. Alternatively, you may experience more focused concentration.

What can you do to make active labor easier? Walk around, if possible. Once your contractions become too strong to talk through, begin your breathing exercises. Try to relax between contractions. It may become more difficult to relax, but it is also more important as your energy begins to deplete. If you feel that you need pain relief, don't be afraid to discuss it with your doctor.

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