Each labour is unique, and the person’s weight, lifestyle, pregnancy history, age, and other factors may influence the labour experience. Obstetrical science divided labour into three stages. Subtle pregnancy symptoms start intensifying as active labour approaches. After cervical dilation, the baby descends, and delivery happens. The last stage is the delivery of the placenta or afterbirth.
Stage 1: Onset of Labour
The first stage of labour is the longest and least intense phase. The uterine contractions dilate the cervix, and effacement occurs when the cervix softens and thins for the baby to descend. The first stage is divided into two phases: the latent or early phase and the active or transition phase. Maternal, Placental, and foetal signs trigger the first stage of labour. The onset of labour begins with the rupture of the amniotic membrane.The first stage starts with mothers experiencing menstrual cramps, backache, a warmth in the abdomen, and a bloody show. Pregnancy pain doesn't have to intensify over time. You will feel both strong and mild contractions one at a time.
In the early phase, the cervix dilates about 4 centimetres. The contraction lasts about 30 to 60 seconds with 5 to 20-minute breaks, and this continues for 8 1/2 hours for first-time mothers.
The cervix dilates about 6 cm when the active phase begins. Contractions may last between 45 and 75 seconds, with intervals of 2 to 4 minutes.
What Can You Do
- Relax your nerves and brain
- Try distracting activities like watching something relaxing, eating a light snack or walking
- Make yourself comfortable
- Massage lightly to soothe the pain
- Urinate frequently, as bladder tension may disrupt the labour process
- Avoid lying flat as it may increase the backache
- Use a birthing ball to reduce strain
Stage 2: Birth of the Baby
At the second stage, the cervix is fully dilated to about 10 cm, resulting in the birth of the baby. This stage can be intense as the baby moves through the birth canal and is delivered. This phase is very brief and lasts around 2 to 3 hours. The contraction may last between 50 and 120 seconds with a 2 to 4-minute gap.If the amniotic membrane did not rupture before, it might rupture now, and you will feel extreme physical discomfort, backache, leg pain, fatigue, and increased bloody show. The mental stress, anxiety, and restlessness will be at their peak.
Doctors will examine the cervical dilation and advise you to push. The foetal head descends into the pelvis and vagina. Pushing helps the uterine contractions to release the baby. The anus, perineum, and other tissues will bulge and may tear due to the baby's release. You might feel you are split open as the baby stretches the birth canal. When the baby’s head fully emerges into view, it is referred to as crowning. Contraction will release the baby’s head, which now faces the mother's backbone. The baby changes its position to one thigh, and the subsequent contraction releases the shoulder and the rest of the body.
What You Can Do
- Listen to your doctor's advice and push when you feel the urge
- See which position gives you the comfort- semi-upright, squatting, side lying, or on hands and knees
- Try to control your emotions and pain by imagining or visualising your baby descending down
- With each push, remind yourself you are almost there
Stage 3: Delivery of the Placenta
The birth of the baby is just one part of it. After the release of the baby, the next contraction comes to detach the placenta from the uterine wall. Your uterus squeezes to release the placenta, which has been providing support for your baby for all these months. Synthetic hormone injection may be used to trigger contraction. Some doctors also pull the umbilical cord for faster expulsion, which may increase the risk of bleeding (postpartum haemorrhage).This stage is very short-term and causes pain and cramping after the sedation loses its power. When the placenta separates from the uterus, you may feel the gush of blood, and the uterus’s fundus rises. After the expulsion, contraction continues to prevent bleeding and to restore normalcy.
What You Can Do
- When doctors suggest, push the abdomen to expel placenta
- Hold yourself when doctors treat an episiotomy or tears
- Rest well and try to soak in the motherhood feeling
- Hunger may overtake you, so try to eat a light snack or soup
The labour pain is influenced by how you feel and think. If you are naturally nervous about the labour, any small contraction may feel like an intense pain. That is why visualising happy and healthy labour will make a huge difference. After delivery, you will be busy nursing and caring for the baby. Get ready to enjoy all the attention and care for a little longer.
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FAQs on Three Stages of Childbirth: Comprehensive Guide for First-Time Moms
- What are the three 3 P's of labour?
The 3 P’s of labour are: Power: The strength of the uterine contraction and pushing effort Passenger: Size of baby, and baby’s position Passage: Size, shape, and adequacy of the mother’s pelvis and birth canal - What are the 3 R's of childbirth?
The 3 R's of childbirth are reaction, rhythm, and ritual, which help women cope well during childbirth. Following these 3 Rs can help the mother alleviate pain and mental load during labour.
