The 3 Stages of Labor

Summary

The script outlines the three stages of labor: the first stage where the cervix softens and dilates, with contractions becoming stronger and more frequent; the second stage when the baby is born through pushing, with crowning marking the final moments; and the third stage, involving the delivery of the placenta. It describes key events such as the water breaking, cervical changes, and the provider’s guidance during delivery. Contractions and pushing play a crucial role throughout, culminating in the birth and the afterbirth process, ultimately marking the completion of childbirth.

Takeaways

• 😀 The first stage of labor includes early and active phases, where the body prepares for birth.
• 😀 Early labor can last from hours to days, especially for first-time moms.
• 😀 The cervix softens, thins out (effaces), and opens (dilates) to allow the baby to pass through.
• 😀 The water often breaks during the first stage, signaling the start of active labor.
• 😀 Contractions during early labor are strong, lasting 30-70 seconds, and occur every 5-20 minutes.
• 😀 Bloody discharge, known as 'bloody show,' is normal during early labor.
• 😀 Active labor is when the cervix dilates more quickly, and contractions become stronger and more frequent.
• 😀 In the second stage of labor, the baby is born, with the woman encouraged to push during this phase.
• 😀 The baby's head crowns, and the health care provider guides the baby out to complete the birth.
• 😀 The third stage of labor involves the delivery of the placenta, which detaches from the uterus after the baby is born.
• 😀 Contractions begin after the baby's birth, helping to expel the placenta, typically within 5 to 30 minutes.

Q & A

What are the three stages of labor?

The three stages of labor are the first stage (early and active labor), the second stage (delivery of the baby), and the third stage (delivery of the placenta).

How long can early labor last?

Early labor can last anywhere from hours to days, and first-time moms may spend more time in this phase.

What happens to the cervix during early labor?

During early labor, the cervix begins to soften, efface (thin out), and dilate (open) to prepare for childbirth.

When does a woman's water typically break during labor?

A woman's water usually breaks during the first stage of labor, although it can happen earlier or later for some women.

What are contractions, and how often do they occur during early labor?

Contractions are the tightening of the uterus. During early labor, they typically last 30 to 70 seconds and occur every 5 to 20 minutes.

What is 'bloody show,' and is it normal?

'Bloody show' is a stringy, bloody discharge from the vagina, and it is considered a normal part of labor.

What marks the transition from early labor to active labor?

Active labor begins when the cervix starts to dilate more quickly, contractions become stronger, longer, and more frequent, and the cervix continues to open until it reaches about 10 centimeters.

How does a woman push during the second stage of labor?

During the second stage of labor, the woman is encouraged by a healthcare provider to push to help the baby move down the vagina. This may take minutes or hours.

What is crowning, and why is it significant?

Crowning is when the baby's head starts to emerge from the vagina, signaling that the baby is close to being fully delivered.

What happens after the baby is born?

After the baby is born, the provider cuts and clamps the umbilical cord, which connected the mother and baby during pregnancy.

What happens in the third stage of labor?

In the third stage of labor, the placenta is delivered. After the baby is born, contractions begin again, helping the placenta detach from the uterus, and the woman is encouraged to push to help deliver it.

How long after birth is the placenta delivered?

The placenta is typically delivered 5 to 30 minutes after the baby is born.