What to Expect during Labor and Delivery
By: Julie Fletcher
There are many questions and concerns that a woman may have when faced with the process of labor and delivery for her unborn child. Each pregnancy is entirely different and there are no set rules or expectations for the laboring process and delivering your child, but if you are aware of the many differences, you can be better prepared for the entire process and have a successful delivery.
The labor process is composed of three stages and can be divided up into separate sections depending on how far along you have progress. Early labor is when your cervix begins to thin out and open up to 3centimetres. During this time your membranes may rupture, you may lose your mucous plug, some women have upset stomachs, or you may not even have any noticeable symptoms or be uncomfortable. Each woman is different and each pregnancy will bring its own set of symptoms with labor and delivery. Contractions can be spaced quite far apart and not be very uncomfortable.
The second stage of labor is considered the active stage. This is when your cervix continues to dilate to 7 centimetres in order to bring you closer to the delivery process. Many women will notice longer, more painful contractions that are closer together, less than 5 minutes apart and it will be quite difficult to talk, walk or do much else while you are experiencing them. There are assorted coping techniques that women can use in order to deal with the discomfort of this stage. Some will work well while others may not, so be sure to explore all of your options to make this stage more comfortable for you.
The transition period of labor is when your cervix dilates from 7 to 10 centimetres to prepare your body for the birth of your child. At each contraction, there may be the intense urge to push as your child descends through the birthing canal. Some women feel nauseous or even vomit, have backaches, tremble, feel hot and/or cold or even feel such despair that they want to give up. It is an exhausting period of labor for many women, and with good coping techniques and helpful coaches or aids a woman can progress through this stage quite easily.
The birth of your child is the next step in labor where your cervix opens up completely to 10 centimetres, allowing enough space for your child to be born. This stage can move quite quickly for some women while others may find it lasts longer than expected. You may find contractions are coming fast with no time to rest between, and you may feel a burning sensation as your baby’s head progresses through your vaginal wall, or you may even have a burst of energy with a second wind to help deliver your baby.
The third stage of labor is when your body delivers the placenta. You will feel contractions still, but lighter, and they only last while you are delivering the placenta and empty the membrane’s sack. Your health care provider will clamp the umbilical cord during this time and you will be able to see and hold your new little baby.