The stages of Childbirth

Stage 1: Labor

The process of labor has three distinct phases which includes early labor, active labor and the transition. Each of these phase has a different feelings.

Early labor. Labor usually begins with mild contractions ten minutes or more apart. At first you may wonder if this is the real thing, especially since contractions may come and go. You've gotten used to having some contractions before labor, it know to be the warm up contractions or the Braxton-Hicks. These early labor contractions are the process of thinning the cervix, the muscle that holds the uterus closed. This process may take time especially for the first time mother.

You may want to call your OB during early labor, but most situations it's wise to stay home until contractions are well established. The most important thing mother can do during early labor is to rest. Calm your mind, relax and try to get some sleep. Eat lightly and remember to intake some fluids. Save you energy by now for the hard work ahead.

Active labor: When contractions require your full attention and are coming every three (3) to five (5) minutes, you are probably in active labor. These contractions dilate your cervix, opening the baby door. It is important to continue to use your relaxation techniques so that tension does not interfere with the process of opening up.

Transition: Toward the end of the first stage, you enter transition, the most intense part of the labor. Contractions come quickly, with little time in between to rest and recover. Mother often become irritable and panicky at this stage and need a lot of reassurance from their husbands and birth attendants. This may be a point when you feel it's time for pain reliever, but actually worst will soon to be over. It takes twenty (20) to thirty (30) minutes for epidural anesthesia to take effect, and by then you may be ready to push your baby out, which is a much easier sensation to handle.

Stage 2: Pushing and Delivery

Pushing is hard work, but very satisfying. This is the second stage of childbirth, the one that will bring your baby out into the world for you to see. Being upright helps, as does the squatting position. Your birth attendant will help you know when push and when to ease up to avoid tearing of the skin and muscle surrounds the birth canal also know as the perineum.

Stage 3: Delivery of Placenta

Once your baby is born, you may be so pre-occupied with holding her and admiring her that you will pay little attention to these stage of chilbirth, the delivery of the placenta. It takes a few more contractions for the placenta to separate from the uterime wall and be expelled, but these contractions are mild compared to what you've just experience in the delivery. Putting your baby to your breast will help your uterus contract, and prevent hemorrhaging.