Do You Know The 3 Stages Of Labour?

Pregnancy is the happiest phase for a couple. Mothers who are expecting their newborns get extra emotional and hormonal at the time nearing their due date, and this is a normal feeling.

According to gynaecologists, it takes nine full months to deliver a full-term baby. These nine months have its happy and sad times for the expectant mother and family. But when it comes to labour and delivery, it is the most painful.

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The stages of labour may occur in a matter of days, sometimes in a few hours, and for some lucky few within minutes. For most women who opt for natural birthing, the stages of labour is a terrible moment, but the joy of holding the newborn at the end of the process is priceless.

Caesarean deliveries are not that painful when compared to natural deliveries, since the process and stages of labour vary. In caesarean section, the pregnant woman is given anaesthesia, which is injected on the spinal cord. Anaesthesia numbs the lower part of the body. The baby is then surgically removed within 15 minutes.

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Expectant women who are clueless on the three stages of labour for normal delivery, should take a look at this article. The article advices one on what to expect around the signs and length of labour.

Signs Of labour: When there is an increased pressure in the uterus, a change of energy levels and a bloody mucus discharge, it is time for the baby to be delivered. It is also important to note down the timing of the contractions.

Labour and delivery can be divided into three stages:

First Stage Of Labour In Pregnancy

The first stage of labour incorporates the onset of labour through the complete dilation of the cervix. This first stage of labour and delivery can further be divided into three stages that are called early labour, active labour and transitional labour.

Early labour - This is the most painful phase in delivery. The period includes the thinning and dilation of the cervix. The cervix has to dilate at least 3-4 centimetres. This early labour stage can occur for weeks, days and even a few hours.

Active Labour - In this phase of labour, contractions and pain become stronger. The cervix is dilated to 10 centimetres.

Transitional Labour - In transitional labour, the contractions are much powerful and they occur within 2-3 minutes apart. The pain and contractions between each stage last up to 90 seconds each.

Second Stage Of Labour In Pregnancy
Delivery - This is one stage of labour that most mothers eagerly wait for. In this stage, the cervix is completely dilated and the baby is ready to come out of the womb. Women who are in this stage of labour should stay calm and relaxed, and bite into the pain (the lady may experience a slight burning and tingling feeling in her vagina when the baby's head begins to crown)

Third Stage Of Labour In Pregnancy
Delivery Of The Placenta - After delivery of the baby, the placenta has to be removed from the uterus as well. Some call this stage of labour as "the second baby". During this stage, the woman will face mild contractions. The placenta will separate itself from the uterine wall and move out from the vagina. It is then surgically cut and removed.