The Three Stages of Labour

There are three stages of labour you will soon experience, after which you will return home with the baby you have been nurturing and loving for nine months. Your labour may be short or long but in either case it will be over soon, and your baby will be here. Congratulations on the start of a very wonderful journey with your newborn.

First Stage

Early stage of labour. Also known as pre labour or the latent period. During this stage your uterus starts to contract and your cervix begins to thin and opens to three centimeters. At this point there is generally no rush. Contractions are not that intense yet, and are still up to approximately twenty minutes apart.¹ Try to relax and conserve energy for what is coming. Lie down and nap if you can, or read a book. A warm bath may make you feel more comfortable. As long as you’re not feeling nauseous snack on carbohydrate rich food that is easily digested, like pasta and potatoes, and foods that can help settle your stomach if needed, like toast or gelatin. Every labour has its own pace so it is hard to pinpoint when you should go to the hospital, but trust your instincts. If you would feel more comfortable there go there. Speak to your doctor or midwife, and they can help advise and reassure you.

Active labour. When your contractions become intense and are less than five minutes apart² your breathing and relaxation techniques can help to lessen any pain, and calm any anxiety you may be feeling. A shower or massage can help relax you, and juice can provide energy. Remember, you're free to request pain relief at any point during labour and delivery. However if your labour is moving too quickly or is too far advanced there may not be enough time to administer the medication, and for it to take effect.

Transitional phase. Contractions may last as long as one to one-and-a-half minutes and occur every two to three minutes.³ Your cervix will be dilated from eight to ten centimeters.⁴ Try to relax between contractions as much as you can and take it one contraction at a time. You are almost done, and your baby will be in your arms soon

Second Stage

In this stage your baby will be born. Your cervix is fully dilated and your baby is moving down your birth canal, getting closer with each contraction and push. There is no set timing for this phase, as it differs for every woman and baby. You may want to use gravity to make things easier, by standing or squatting. If you are low on energy you may chose to lie on your left side, as that side provides more room for your baby. Listen to your body and push when it, and your doctor or midwife, tells you to. Crowning, when your baby’s head stretches the opening of your vagina, means your baby is almost ready to make his entrance. At this point you may be advised to pant, rather than push, for a gentler birth.⁵

Third Stage

In this stage you deliver the placenta and the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. You will be given your baby immediately, so that he can breastfeed. Hold your new baby close. You may feel very emotional, euphoric or utterly drained. You may be unable to take your eyes away from your newborn, or you may want to close your eyes and sleep. Both reactions are normal and are not reflective of maternal instinct. Instead they are the result of the type of labour you have had – long or short, easy or difficult. If rest is what you need give in to it. You have plenty of time to spend with your beautiful baby; your whole lives in fact!