Labor is the onset of pain full uterine contraction with progressive dilatation and effacement of cervix and culminating with the delivery of the baby with its placenta and membranes.
Labor and subsequent delivery is a sequence of events. For some fortunate woman it can be over in a matter of few hours with moderate pain, may be just a backache.But for few who are first time moms it can be a real trial of physical and mental strength.As every woman is different and unique so also is each labor. It can vary from one pregnancy to other in the same woman.Presuming everything goes normal labor is divided into three stages.1st stage of labour:-It is the longest of all corresponds to the onset of labour pain and contractions and progressive dilatation and effacement (thinning out)of cervix till it attains full dilatation of about 10 cms .If you are experiencing labour for the first time , effacement happens first and then the cervix progressively dilates. In case of experienced mothers effacement and dilatation usually happens simultaneously..The median duration of 1st stage is about 12 hour in 1st timers and 6 hours in experienced moms.This stage is further divided into
- Early or latent phase and
- Active phase
Early or latent labour
It is the beginning or rather preparation of labour.It can extend upto days.The contractions are usually the intensification of Braxtonhicks which starts aeound 26 weeks . In this stage your cervix starts thinning(effacement) and dilating.You will experience mild painfull contraction or backache.The pain is usually not unbearable.You should expect to get pain every 5 to 20 minutes which stays for about 40 to 60 seconds.You may also experience reddish mucoid discharge vaginally .This is due to the dislodgement and expulsion of the mucus plug in your cervix as it dilates progressively.
Duration of latent labor
Well you have to be patient.As i have already stated 1st stage is the longest of all and this particular stage can stretch for days specially if you are a first timer.
What You should do
- Try to relax
- take light easily digestible snacks
- maintain proper cleanliness and maintain hygiene
- you can carry out light household works also if you prefer
- choose a position which gives you maximum comfort
- You can stay at home until your labour pain grew stronger ,which is an indication itself that you are going into active stage and you should had for a specialised delivery unit.
- Usually your membranes do not ruptures at this stage , but if it does you should head straight to your labour and delivery unit even if you do not have strong pain.
Active Phase
This is the period where the actual work takes place ,both by you and your baby. Your contractions will grew more stronger and will come more frequently.Your pain will also increase in intensity at the same time.You will start to get 3 to 4 contractions within a period of 10 minutes.On an average your cervix will open up at the rate of about 1.2cm/hour in case of primigravida(1st time mom) and about 1.5cm/hour in case of multigravidas(experienced moms)Your membranes may rupture at any stage.You may have backache also. You might have a tendency to push but you should wait till your doctor says you are ready . premature pushing may lead to edema of your cervix which might delay the pregress of your labour.Also at times it might lead to trauma to your cervix and lead to bleeding during pregnancy.As you grew nearer to your second stage you may not have an actual pain free period and will have a tendency to push as the baby reaches lower down
What can you do to help yourself
- Try to relax in between contractions
- Take deep breath during contractions
- Do not push unless told to do so
- choose a position whichever comforts you more
- can have a gentle massage on your back to ease the pain
- If you want to walk you can do so,but if you have ruptured your membrane it is better not to do so .
- You can ask for pain less delivery if you want.your doctor will arrange for what is best for you.
2nd stage :- Delivery of the baby
Now its the time to bring your angel to this world.It may last for 1 to 2 hours.Multigravidas as usual will have a shorter course.you will have a strong urge to push
What you should do
- Push with the contractions
- Try to relax in between contractions
- Do not shout unnecessarily as you might exhaust yourself
- When you push do not put tension in your face and neck .
- Choose a position which is comfortable for you. Most prefer a semi reclining position with the legs and thighs bent
- You can hold to something if it helps you to push better.
What your doctor does at this stage?
- Will assess you whether its time to push or not
- Might do an episiotomy(A little incision given in your perineum if it threatens to tear)
- Will give you a jab of local anaesthesia prior to episiotomy
- Might ask you not to push gently or not at all to allow vaginal tissue to stretch naturally in between contractions
- After your baby"s head is born she will clear her airways and see for any turns of cord around baby"s neck.If there is will remove it before delivering rest of the body
- Rest of the baby"s body usually soon follow a gentle pull
3rd stage :- delivery of the after products , namely placenta and membranes.
After the birth of your baby you will have a great sense of relief.You can hold your baby and feed her too.feeding your baby early actually helps in the expulsion of placenta .
If you have decided to go for stem cell banking blood will be collected from your placenta before it is delivered once your baby is out.
You may be asked to push one more time to deliver your placenta.Your Doctor will make sure that you have expelled the whole placenta and membranes. She will also control your bleeding if there is any and repair any tear or episiotomy incision.
You will be observed for a period of at least 2 hours after delivery to check for any bleeding or any complication
Now is the time to cherish and care for your baby after all these hard work. So enjoy your motherhood and stay healthy.
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