A Quick Guide to Help You Understand Labor

Stages of Labor A quick guide to help you understand labor. Early Labor Early labor is when your cervix starts to dilate and efface. You will feel irregular contractions that aren’t really strong. As your cervix is opening, you may notice a “bloody show.” That is the mucus plug that blocks your cervical opening. It is making it’s way out. During early labor is when the cervix will dilate from 0 to, about, 6 cm. Early Labor can last hours or even days. It’s different with each mom, and even each pregnancy. In early labor, rest is a great idea. Taking a nap, relaxing, taking a shower or bath, finishing up some last minute things around the house, and walking are all excellent things to do during early labor. If your water breaks, (for some women it does) you will have to call your provider right away. Active Labor Active labor is when the real work starts. During active labor your contractions will become much more regular, stronger, and closer together. It is common to feel nauseous, and even vomit, or have diarrhea. This is the body ridding itself of anything that could inhibit the baby making his way out. Your water will typically break during active labor, if it hasn’t already. Some women’s doesn’t break until the last minute. That’s ok! Once active labor starts you should be on your way to the location you are delivering. Your provider should be notified right away that active labor has begun. Active labor usually lasts several hours. During active labor is when you will want to change positions, use a birth ball, get massages or counter pressure during contractions, or whatever you feel you need to get through the contractions. You will want to communicate with your partner or doula what is working and what is not, before transition hits. Transition Transition is technically a part active labor, but it’s a little bit different, so I like to cover it. Transition is the last part of labor before you will begin pushing to deliver your baby. Contractions will be very painful, will last 60-90 seconds, and be back to back. This is when your cervix is finishing dilation up to 10cm. It is important to really listen to your body during transition. Transition is typically really fast, less than an hour, but the hardest to get through. Remember that very soon, you will get to hold your beautiful baby. Some women go inwards during transition and do not like to be touched, and may not be able to speak. This is natural. A woman begins to focus on what she is doing, and can’t handle any outside stimulation. It will be very important for the partner and doula to watch for this part of labor, as we will want to keep outside stimulation to a minimum. During the end of transition you will start to feel pressure on your rectum, and in your lower back. It will feel like you need to push. You will need to notify your provider immediately. This means that baby is coming. Delivery of Baby At this stage, you will be pushing your baby out. This can take a few minutes to a few hours. Pushing is very difficult, and can be exhausting. Try your best to push like you are having a bowel movement (you probably will – that’s normal). If you hold tension in your face and throughout the rest of your body, you will exhaust yourself very quickly, and the pushing won’t be effective. Get into a position you feel comfortable pushing, hands and knees, squatting, whatever you feel is best. Listen to your body. Once your baby’s head is delivered, the rest of the baby’s body will follow. His or her airway will be cleared, if necessary. Refer to your birth plan for your wishes for after baby is born. Delivery of Placenta The delivery of the placenta comes soon after baby is born. Focus on your baby during this final stage of labor. Your body will continue to have mild contractions. They will be close together, but less painful. You may have to push to deliver the placenta. Once the placenta is delivered, your provider will examine the placenta to ensure that it is intact. If any remains, they will remove them to avoid infection. You may ask to see the placenta, if you wish. You will also receive stitches, if needed, at this point.

Amanda Grabeman Dayton’s Birth Doula, LLC (937) 503-6570 www.daytonsbirthdoula.com [email protected]