If pregnancy is a journey, then labor is the end of it. During pregnancy, a woman goes through a lot of anxiety regarding labor and childbirth. Every pregnancy is unique and different from the other, but before you reach your labor stage, you should read each and every information regarding that; which can help you calm down your anxiety and have a successful delivery. Knowing the stages of labor, you will get an insight to what you need to get prepared; mentally and physically.
Different stages of labor can be divided into three stages, though every woman has her own experience of delivery. Labor duration also depends on whether it is your first delivery or second, as people experiencing first delivery have been seen experiencing labor last for 17 hours or more, whereas people having second or third delivery only experience a labor which last for 8 hours or less.
Stage one: Labor
The first stage of labor starts when you experience regular contractions and your cervix begin to dilate and ends when feel the urge to push out the baby. Breaking of the amniotic sac takes place in the first stage of pregnancy but in 10% women it takes place at home before first stage of labor, In that case you should immediately contact your doctor. The first stage of labor itself is further divided into three stages:
Early labor
In this phase you experience mild contractions and your cervix dilate about 3 cms. You experience contractions after every three to 20 minutes and may last upto a minute. They may similar to menstrual cramps but milder than that. There could be a possibility of headache or diarrhea at this stage. This is called to be the most unpredictable stage as it may start days before real labor. It is better to relax at home during this stage unless you or your baby requires extra medical care. Many women experience discomfort at this age while some may not even realize it before actual labor.
Active labor
Active labor starts when your contractions become stronger and your cervix dilates more than 4 cms. During this stage you experience frequent and stronger contractions that may come at an interval of two to three minutes and may last upto 45 to 60 minutes. Your membranes will start to rupture if they haven’t. Minute after minute they will become more intense and you will have to make extra effort to ease off the discomfort. In active stage you will find it difficult to move or walk and would not be able to hide your pain from people around you. You will experience change in breathing, facial expression and doing activities. At this stage your cervix starts to dilate a cm an hour.
Transition
You may find this stage the most challenging as your cervix will dilate completely upto 10 cms and your contractions will appear every 30 to 90 seconds and may last upto 60 to 90 seconds. You will find it very difficult to bear the intense pain and may feel that it is just not happening. When you get this feeling it means you are about to deliver the baby. Some women have been seen experiencing nausea and vomiting during this stage. During the transition phase you will be so tired that you may feel sleepy or drowsy between contractions. You may experience different moods at this time as you feel cold, irritated and shaky. You will feel a lot of pressure and pain in your rectal area and get an urge to push. This stage usually lasts for 10 to 60 minutes and at the end of this stage you are ready to deliver.
Stage 2: Birth
At this stage your contractions will seem to shorten and you will get more time to relax between the intervals. Instantly you may feel a lot of strength and desire to push and it may be uncontrollable now. during this stage the contractions are felt every two to three minutes and may last upto 50 to 90 seconds. You would feel enormous back and rectal pressure and a little of burning sensation at your rectal area because of the baby’s head beginning to be visible. This stage will last for a few minutes.
Stage 3: Afterbirth
After the baby is born you would feel a great sign and relief, though feeling of mild contractions would be there as the placenta detached itself from the uterus and comes out. This is also known as afterbirth and it may last for five to 20 minutes.
