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Stages Of Labour Pain: How To Deal With Them?

Most women think of labour the way it is shown in movies. The pregnant woman's water breaks suddenly and then she goes into full fledged labour and within a matter of minutes (read hours) the baby is born. In real life, this is far from the truth. There are actually four stages of labour pain that you have to go through before you can give birth. And active labour pain is only a part of the process. This basically means that you are not in excruciating pain for all the stages of labour pain during pregnancy.

It is best to know about the different stages of labour beforehand so that you do not have any misconceptions. More importantly, you have to know when to go the hospital when you are having labour pain. The early stages of your labour pain may start one or two days before you give birth. It is best to ride out this stage of labour pains during pregnancy at home. Besides, if you go to the hospital too soon, you might be sent back.

WAYS TO INDUCE LABOUR NATURALLY

Most first-time mothers do not have a clear conception of labour pain and thus end up getting nervous and taking the wrong choices. For example, did you know that sometimes, your water might not break until the last stage of labour? And if you are opting for an epidural, you have to do so within a given time frame during your labour pain.

So here is a detailed study of the four stages of labour pain and tips on how to deal with them.

Stage 1: Pre-labour

Stage 1: Pre-labour

This early stage of labour pain is usually described as pre labour or latent labour. You will feel weak contractions that last for 30 seconds to 2 minutes but they disappear after that.

Regular Contractions

Regular Contractions

Unlike the false contractions that you have been feeling in the past few weeks, this time the contractions will come back after regular intervals.

Gap Between Contractions

Gap Between Contractions

The gap between contractions can be anything between 10 to 30 minutes. The contractions will keep getting stronger as time passes by.

Dilation

Dilation

Many women start dilating during the early stage of labour. However, if this is your first baby, the chances are that you will still take time to dilate. Sometimes, you may not realise you are in labour until much later.

What To Do?

What To Do?

It is best to stay at home and time your contractions during this stage. If you go the hospital, they may or may not send you back. You can usually stay at home until your contractions are five minutes apart unless your water breaks.

Stage 2: Active Labour

Stage 2: Active Labour

Active labour is the time when you will have no doubt that you are in labour. Your contractions will be strong and regular. The duration of your contractions will also increase. This is the time you need to head out for the hospital.

Dilation

Dilation

Usually, you will be dilated to 3 or 4 cms when you are in active labour. In some cases, women have cervix dilated up to 6 cms when they hit active labour.

Pain Management

Pain Management

The medical personnel will show you a chart of faces that is called the pain metre. They will ask you to rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10 based on facial expressions like grimace, groan and tears. Deep breathing can provide some relief during this time. Try to rest in between the contractions while you still can.

Epidural

Epidural

You can opt to have an epidural given to you during this time. Once you are dilated more than 6 cms, there will be no time to give you an epidural. So think hard and take a call on the epidural now.

Stage 3: Transitional Phase

Stage 3: Transitional Phase

This is one of the most difficult stages of labour. In this stage, you will be dilating from 8 to 10 cms. If you have opted for epidural, then you may not feel the pain badly but otherwise, the pain is excruciating and contractions come every two minutes.

Pain Management

Pain Management

You can ask for cold towels, back rubs and pretty much anything that you think will comfort you. You will now be shifted to the labour OT if there is one. You cannot exercise or sit on the bouncing balls during this stage of labour. Keep breathing evenly and save your strength for the final push.

Last Stage Of Labour: The Pushing Stage

Last Stage Of Labour: The Pushing Stage

Once you have dilated up to 10 cms, you have to push your baby out. Sometimes, the contractions stop for a while and then start again. Your baby has to come down from the cervix to your vagina in this stage.

Pain Management

Pain Management

During this time, you epidural will be taken away because you need to push with all the strength you have. If you have taken prenatal yoga classes, you may be ready to do the pushing. You will deliver your baby in this stage and all this pain will end, so take cheer from that fact.

Episiotomy

Episiotomy

Most women need an episiotomy or surgical cut around their vagina to prevent a tissue tear while the baby's head is coming out. This is given routinely and does not hurt as badly as you are probably thinking. The cut will be stitched up and heal in a few weeks.

Post Labour

Post Labour

After your baby is born, you will also be delivering the placenta that was attached to your baby all these months. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes and does not really bother you. You are too busy watching your baby, your little piece of miracle taking his or her first look around the world.

Story first published: Friday, April 4, 2014, 17:55 [IST]
Read more about: pregnancy