Stages of Labor

Conceiving a baby is one of the most awaited moments for women, who are desperate to enter motherhood stage. Nevertheless, the wish of becoming a mother is not fulfilled with pregnancy. After conception is confirmed, the first priorities are safe maternity and trouble-free childbirth. For every expecting woman, labor is a testing time for emotional and physical strength. Even a mother of a kid still gets concerned with labor pain and other symptoms. So, what happens in each stages of labor? Scroll down to know about labor stages, notable signs and duration of each stage.

Stages of Labor and Delivery

Labor itself is a natural process that comes on its own. But, in case of delay, there are natural ways to induce labor naturally. For first-time mothers, the length of labor lasts for 12-24 hours. This duration is shorter in the following childbirth cases. In majority of medical data, there are three stages of labor. But, you may also come across fourth labor stage in some reports. The consequences that accompany the stages of labor differ from one woman to another. Following are the three stages of labor, applicable for vaginal childbirth (not for C-section):

First Stage: Dilatation
The first stage is longer than the remaining two stages of labor and begins with the opening (dilation) of the cervix. It may last for a few hours in some expecting mothers; while for others, the first stage completes within 20 hours. The end of first stage is marked by compete dilation of the cervix i.e. 10 cm. In short, first stage ends with a dilated and thinned cervix, thus allowing the fetus to pass through the birth canal. Based on the body changes and contraction frequencies, the first stage is further divided into:

• Early Labor - This stage is defined by cervix dilation, about 0-3 cm. In the early stages of labor, mild to moderate contractions are experienced, each lasting for 30-60 seconds, occurring after every 5-20 minutes. With the opening of cervix, a thick, blood tinged fluid may be released (bloody show) from the vagina.
• Active Labor - Lasting for about 8 hours, active labor stage is characterized with progressively longer, intense and more frequent contractions. This is the time that an expecting mother requires doctor's help. Along with stronger contractions, women who are going through this phase feel increased pressure in the back.

Second Stage: Expulsion
One of the most crucial stages of labor is the second one, in which birth of the baby takes place. Second stage starts when the cervix is fully dilated and effaced. According to the comfort level of the woman, the doctor suggests different positions, such as pushing in birthing bed, squatting position, kneeling position and so on. The health care team will encourage the expecting mother to push the baby, with each contractions. The length of second stage may last for a few minutes to some hours.

Third Stage: Placental Delivery
In natural childbirth, the third labor stage begins just after childbirth,and is ended with separation of the placenta. This stage takes about 5-15 minutes for normal delivery cases. After birth, the doctor tries out ways to clear air passage of the baby. Ensuring that the umbilical cord is free, the doctor proceeds with necessary steps for birth of placenta. In most cases, the placenta is released after massaging the lower abdomen. If required, pushing is intimidated for expelling placenta. Finally, the uterus is cleaned to avoid risk of bleeding and infections.

An expecting mother can ask her concerned gynecologist for stages of labor chart. In the chart, the successive stages along with the manifested signs are highlighted in simple terms. In order to ensure a healthy childbirth, it is imperative for all expecting parents to learn the three stages of labor thoroughly. With prior knowledge, they will be able identify the signs of progressing labor and appropriate time to go to the hospital for a safe delivery.