As the drawing shows, the progression of labor is the mountain you are going to climb, which will eventually peak (with the delivery of your baby), and then subside, shifting instantly into postpartum and parenthood. Here are some things to keep in mind:
-Your experience is unique only to you.
-Labor progress can be slow, at an even rate, or fast.
-Labor progress can slow down naturally and have "lulls".
-The phases of the first stage of labor blend from one into another.The hallmarks of each phase are determined by cervical dilation, effacement, and emotional changes.
- As labor progresses, contractions will get stronger, longer, and closer together.
- As labor progresses, the phases in the first stage get shorter in duration.
- As labor progresses your contractions, emotional state, and discomfort intensify.
-The amniotic fluid or "bag of waters" can break at any time, during any phase
-You may experience a "bloody show" most likely from small blood vessels breaking in response to pressure of the baby moving down into position for birth.
-Relaxation and the use of breathing techniques work to keep you focused and in control.
T h e S t a g e s
First Stage and its three phases:
1.Early labor phase = cervical dilation 0 - 3centimeters, mild contractions maybe 20 minutes apart, lasting possibly 30 - 45 seconds.
Breathing method: Slow breathing technique. Use this one as long as you like.
Comfort Measures: RELAXATION, change in position, walking, music, shower, a massage during the contraction. Your partner can rub your back while you focus on your slow breathing technique. Soft stroking on the belly (effluerage).You can also add visualization to this!
2.Active labor phase = cervical dilation 4 - 7 centimeters, moderate contractions maybe 3 - 5 minutes apart, lasting possibly 45 - 60 seconds.
Breathing Method: Slow breathing technique if that is still comfortable for you, or shift to the "blowing out the candle" method in a nice even, relaxed, rhythmic manner.
Comfort Measures: Back massage using the tennis balls in the sock rolled up and down the back during a contraction, shower, birthing ball, changing positions, rocking, breathing techniques used with visualization, music, touch massage, hand massage, loving - comforting words from your partner. Change positions. Slow dance.
3.Transition phase = cervical dilation 8 - 10 centimeters (10 cm = 4 inches in diameter), strong contractions maybe 2 - 3 minutes apart, lasting possibly 60 - 90 seconds long. It is called transition because you are just about to start "pushing" to deliver the baby. (Read pg 37 in your book) What book?
Comfort Measures: Partner support by counting and helping you to stay focused on your breathing, loving words of encouragement, counter pressure, relaxing inbetween contractions with visualization, or massage, music, change of position if possible, depending on the situation (if you had an epidural, for example, your movement may be restricted, check with your care providers).
Amniotic Fluid or breaking of the "bag of waters". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The amniotic sac, which contains the fluid that cushions the baby in the uterus, can break at any time during labor, thus releasing the fluid as a "gush" of "water", or a slow continuous trickle. This is a sign of labor, however, it is not always the first sign. Usually the contractions come first. Often the amniotic sac is ruptured by your Doctor or Midwife in the hospital. Whether it breaks spontaneously or "artificially" by the Doctor, you can expect labor to intensify. If it breaks outside the hospital, take note of the following, and always call your healthcare provider with this information when it happens.
1.The time your "water broke".
2.The color of the fluid (It should be clear. If it is tinted a pea green/yellowish color, what has happened is baby has taken its first bowel movement called meconium, in utero).
Second Stage:
Pushing and the delivery of your baby.
Pushing is VERY p -h -y -s -i -c -a -l! It can last 15 minutes to 2+1/2 hours. There are two styles of pushing. One is spontaneous, that is, you just do what comes naturally, from positioning yourself to birth your baby, to making the noises neccessary to push your baby out! Here, you listen to your body and your instincts. The other one is directed pushing. This one involves assistance from others to guide you in pushing. This one is used more often if you have been medicated. When you push, you hold your breath and bear down on your bottom, quickly count to ten, stop, take a quick breath and repeat. You do this throughout the contraction! Your partner or other support person will assist you by counting for you as you are holding your breath and bearing down. You are using the same muscles in pushing as when constipated. The "urge to push" comes from the baby coming down the vaginal canal and putting pressure on the rectum. Feeling this sensation often signals to your healthcare provider that your cervix is completely dilated and pushing can begin. Try not to push BEFORE you are fully dilated, (10 centimeters) this can cause swelling of the cervix. If you feel the need to push before being 10 centemeters dilated, do quick blows. Why? Because you can't push and blow at the same time.
Breathing Methods: None here, you will be to busy pushing. However, if you rest from pushing, you will still have contractions and you can resume your breathing methods, most likely the hee, hee, hoos.
Comfort Measures: Cool wash cloth on the forehead, warm compresses on the perineum, SQUATTING position if possible for birth of baby, position changes, loving words of encouragement, visualize the birth of your baby, relax the perineum.
Many women expess relief when pushing, and before you know it, your baby is in your arms! (Read pgs 38 + 40 in your book, Review pgs 39 + 41) What book?
Third Stage:
Delivery of the placenta.
It takes from 5 - 20 minutes for the placenta to be delivered. Once delivered, the Doctor will check to make sure it is "intact". This is because if any pieces of it are still attatched to the uterine wall, bleeding will occur! You may have mild contractions afterwards. You will recieve Pitocin after delivery to help contract the uterus. (Read pg 38 in your book) What book?
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