The Stages of Labor and Birth

Overview

• Preparation: As the due date approaches, the body starts preparing for childbirth.
• Contact: If you suspect labor, contact your healthcare provider's office or Labor and Delivery unit.

Stages of Labor

Stage 1: Early Labor

• Physical Changes:
  • Contractions without progress.
  • Cervix ripens, may efface, and dilate 1-2 cm.
  • Blood or mucus discharge possible.
• Feelings: Anxious, looking forward to the birth.
• Actions:
  • Start nesting, pack hospital bags.
  • Relax at home, watch a movie, walk, change positions.
  • Take a shower, drink fluids, eat lightly, empty bladder.

Stage 1: Active Labor

• Physical Changes:
  • Regular contractions, cervix dilates 2-4 cm, possibly up to 8 cm.
  • Membranes may break.
• Feelings: Excited, impatient, serious, starting to tire.
• Actions:
  • Use patterned breathing, hydrotherapy.
  • Continue to drink fluids, eat lightly, and empty the bladder.
  • Epidural anesthesia possible if desired.

Stage 1: Transition

• Physical Changes:
  • Intense contractions with little rest, cervix dilates 8-10 cm.
• Feelings: Focused, sensitive to touch, possible urge to push.
• Actions: Use patterned breathing.

Stage 2: Pushing

• Physical Changes:
  • Contractions may decrease in frequency.
  • Urge to push, possible burning sensation in perineum.
• Feelings: Renewed energy, tired, sweaty, ready for birth.
• Actions:
  • Use patterned breathing, ice chips, compresses.
  • Possible bowel movements.

Stage 3: Delivery of Placenta

• Physical Changes:
  • Delivery of placenta.
  • Contractions and after-pains, possible tearing.
• Feelings: May feel cold or chilled.
• Actions: Focus on baby.

Stage 4: Recovery

• Physical Changes:
  • Bleeding, lochia.
  • Possible soreness, after-pains.
• Feelings: Hungry, thirsty, elated, content, tired.
• Actions:
  • Breastfeed when comfortable, eat and drink.
  • Get help to get out of bed for the first time.
  • Apply ice on the perineum, call family and friends, have visitors.

Coping and Support

• Use familiar coping methods during labor.
• Review the Actions sections for coping ideas.

Questions

• Contact healthcare provider for any questions regarding the birth plan.
• Follow provider’s instructions when in labor.