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The stages of labor
The stages of labor can be described in a general way. But the specifics differ for every woman.
- For some, labor will go faster than usual. For others, it might take longer.
- Some women find the pain bearable and do not want medication. Others want medication to manage the pain.
Your childbirth classes will be a big help in teaching you what to expect. It's also important to talk openly with your doctor, midwife or nurse practitioner about any concerns you have about experiencing labor.
Stage one: Usually the longest Stage one begins with the onset of labor and continues until your cervix is completely dilated to 10 centimeters.
Before going into labor, you may see a bloody, mucous-like substance called a "bloody show." This can happen a few weeks before you go into labor or when labor is just a few hours away.
At the beginning of labor, your water may break, caused by the rupture of your membranes, which releases the fluid from your uterus. Be sure to call your doctor when this happens.
At the beginning of this stage, your contractions will be mild to moderately strong, and they will last 30 to 45 seconds. You could experience a range of feelings — nausea, leg cramps, shakiness or irritability, to name a few.
As this stage progresses, the contractions become stronger, last longer and are closer together. You'll probably feel very tired, and it's likely that you will feel strong pressure in your lower back and vaginal area because of the baby's head. At this point, you may find it hard to resist the urge to push.
This is usually the longest part of labor, typically lasting 12 to 14 hours.
Stage two: Time to push At stage two, the longest part of labor is over, and the contractions are stronger than ever. Your doctor will tell you when to push as the baby moves down the birth canal head first.
The baby's head will become visible in your vaginal opening. This is called "crowning."
As the baby is born, you may feel stinging in the birth canal, and a lot of pressure. In most cases, the baby's head will come out face down, the shoulders will turn, and the rest of the body will follow.
This is the moment you have been waiting for. As one woman says, "The doctor asked me if I wanted to hold the baby... That is exactly what I wanted more than anything."
Stage three: Shortest Stage three is the birth of the placenta, which has been nourishing your baby throughout your pregnancy.
This is the shortest stage of labor, typically lasting 15 to 20 minutes. Your contractions to deliver the placenta will be much less painful. During this time, you may feel shaky and hungry.
If you had an episiotomy or a tear, it will be repaired once the placenta has been delivered. This can take five minutes or more, depending on the amount of repair required.
How can you tell you're in labor? Labor log worksheet (requires Adobe Reader) The labor companion's quick checklist (requires Adobe Reader) Labor bag and hospital checklist (requires Adobe Reader) Month 8: Planning labor and delivery Allina Pregnancy Care
Source: Health Online, Inc.
First published: 11/02/99
Last updated: 10/14/2007
Reviewed by: Michael Slama, MD, Allina Medical Clinic-Coon Rapids Women's Health
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