The moment you’ve been waiting for is right around the corner. You’ve spent the last nine months watching your body grow as your little one grows inside you. While the joys of pregnancy are many, there have also been challenges, including fatigue, weight gain, and loss of balance and coordination. At this point, you’re ready to welcome your baby into the world. The last step before holding her in your arms is labor.

Every mom-to-be goes through labor differently. For some, it passes quickly with very little pain and zero complications. For others, the event can last hours, and be physically and emotionally draining. Despite the inconsistency, there are three well-defined stages of labor that nearly all women experience. Below, we’ll introduce you to these stages and describe what to expect.

Stage 1: Early, Active, And Making The Transition

This first stage can be further categorized into three sub-stages. Early labor begins with your cervix dilating and effacing in order to give your baby enough room to move into the birth canal. Contractions begin, but are usually mild. They can last between thirty seconds and one minute with five to twenty minutes separating them. This first sub-stage usually lasts for seven or eight hours, but can persist for days.

During active labor, your cervix will continue to dilate (up to ten centimeters). Contractions are stronger and last nearly one minute. They are also more frequent, coming every few minutes. Active labor usually lasts up to eight hours. However, for some women, it can last much longer.

The transition stage is accompanied by strong contractions that can last up to two minutes. The contractions come more frequently than ever with only a minute separating them. Some women find the pain severe enough to request an epidural. This sub-stage will last nearly one hour and sets the stage for giving birth.

Stage 2: Giving Birth To Your Baby

This is the stage during which you’ll finally give birth to your little one. The contractions will be shorter and less frequent. You’ll likely feel intense pressure in your back and rectum. Even though you’ll feel the urge to push, you should wait for your doctor to tell you when the time is appropriate.

At some point, your doctor may encourage you to push in time with your contractions. Avoid rushing because doing so can tear the vaginal tissues. Eventually, your baby’s head will crown. Your doctor will clear her air passageway and ensure the umbilical cord is out of the way. The birthing stage can last up to two hours.

Stage 3: Delivery Of The Placenta

Once your baby has been delivered, you’ll have an opportunity to hold her. However, your placenta has yet to be delivered. This stage usually takes between ten minutes and half an hour. Your contractions will continue, though they’ll be mild. After the placenta has been pushed out, your doctor will inspect it to ensure it is unbroken. If any remnants remain in your uterus, they must be removed to prevent infection.

The Final Step: Taking Your Baby Home

You’ve made it through the experience of childbirth. You’ll likely feel exhausted – both mentally and physically – from the ordeal. The last step is to be discharged from the hospital so you can take your newborn home. Prior to being released, your doctor will make sure that any necessary stitches or repair work have been completed. He or she may also prescribe medications to help reduce bleeding.

Going through labor is a rewarding experience for most pregnant women. It’s something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. The downside is that there is often a significant level of discomfort and pain, especially for new moms. But the pain will be all but forgotten the moment you hold your new baby.

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Category: Parenting
Keywords: labor, giving birth, stages of labor, delivering a baby, new moms, pregnancy