The time has Finally come. You are about to meet your tiny bundle you have cradled with in your womb for the last 9 to 10 months. There are three stages of labour, Labour begins as hormonal response, Probably from the baby's adrenal gland this prompts your uterus to start contracting your water may rupture before this stage or afterwards every labour is different.
The first stage begins with the onset of contractions and a gradual effacement (thinning out ) And dilation (opening of your cirvix). That's followed by active labour, when your cervix begins to dilate more rapidly and the contractions are longer and stronger,and closer together. In the last part of active labour (and in the first stage) called the transition. This is the most intense phase of the first stage .Your contractions will now last 60 to 90 seconds with intervals of only 30-90 seconds. As the contractions become more forceful you may find it hard to relax. You may also feel a strong erge to push please do not as this stage not unless you are 10cm fully dilated.
This phase averages about 2to 3 hours of more contracted labour. The contractions are now intense and come every 3-4 min,lasting 40-60 seconds. By the cervix dilates to about 7cm you should be on your way to the hospital as you will be experiencing increasing discomfort, fatigue,leg or back pain. If your water hasn't broken it is likely to at this stage. This is the stage that involves pushing and delivering your baby. Up until now,your cirvix and uterus have been working overtime. Now It is your turn to push the baby the remaining way through the birth canal and out into the world. A wonderful feeling of self achievement. This stage can last between 10 minutes in a second delivery and up to 2-3 hours long for first time mums. What you need is to find a comfortable position a semi-sitting or squatting position gives you more power. Push with all you have got and the sooner your baby will be here. The head will start to appear you will feel a strong erge to push as well as rectal pressure,Visible rising of the uterus with each contraction and tightening, burning, or stretching of the Vagina. Some women experience a God given energy, to help them through this phase. Plus a bloody show, you will experience a slippery wet feeling as the baby comes out.
This Stage is the delivery of the afterbirth (placenta). This occurs after the baby is born. You may be offered an injection to speed the delivery up. The uterus contracts to expel the placenta. During the first or second contraction after delivery the placenta usually detaches itself from your uterus, and a gush of blood soon follows. Sometimes a mother can push out the placenta on her own. But the doctor or midwife will apply pressure on your abdomen if you are having difficulty. As soon as the placenta is delivered you might be given a oxytocin to help the uterus contract. Contraction is essential to prevent further bleeding from the area where the placenta was. If this is your first baby then you will not suffer afterbirth pains but 2nd 3rd babies you will find you will have afterbirth pains. Take a painkiller and it should settle down if it should persist consult your midwife.
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