Going into labour and giving birth is something many moms dread, part of it can be not knowing much about laboour. It is always best to go into labour knowing exactly what to expect and when, here are the basics of what to expect during the 3 Stages of Labour.
3 Stages of Labour
Stage 1: Early Labour
The early stage of labour begins when the cervix begins to soften and open up, this stage is complete when the cervix has opened to about 10 cms. It is the longest stage of labour and take hours to a few days. You may feel nothing for quite a long time, then you will feel some pain and discomfort. There is no pattern and contractions are irregular.
Contractions will then start to become regular with shorter intervals in between. Contractions will become longer and build in intensity. You will need to know how you will cope with pain during labour.
Very often early labour begins with Braxton Hicks contractions that progress into labour.
In Early Labour you may have:
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- Lower back pain
- Period like pain that comes and goes
- Loose bowels movements
- Blood-stained mucous discharge known as blood show
- Water breaking
- An urge to vomit
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Stage 2: Active Labour
This stage is from when the cervix is dilated to 10 cms until the baby is born.
In Active Labour you may have:
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- Longer and stronger contractions with an interval of 1 to 2 minutes in between
- The urge to push
- Increased pressure on your bottom
- Stretching and burning feelings in your vagina
- Shaky, cramps, nauseas and vomiting
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The pushing phase can last up to 2 hours.
Stage 3 – Delivering the placenta
This stage is from when your baby has been born until after the placenta has been delivered.
Read also: 6 Powerful Affirmations For A Peaceful Birth
What was your experience of labour like? Share in the comments below!
Thank you! I’m due end Jan so loving all the labour and birth blogs!
I had a c-section but will share with friends.
Will also try to have normal birth with next one if possible after c-section.
Marisca oh yes it is possible to have a normal birth after a c-section, just find the right midwife and gyni to oversee everything. Have you seen this birth story on our website by Naomi that had her 4th Vbac (vaginal birth after c-section)?
I had a shot delivery birth but a very long stitching as the baby had tir me from inside it was so painful
Reading this so interesting i cant say what my experiance was like of labor as i was a c-section mommy.