The thought of going into labor invokes many emotions for both the expectant mother and father and/or support person. Understanding the stages of labor can help to keep these emotions focused on the process of bringing a child into the world.
“Labor” is the involuntary contracting of the muscles of the uterus, one of the strongest muscles in the body. Contractions are the muscles of the uterus tightening and relaxing to expel the baby. The contractions cause the cervix to thin or “efface” in percentages up to 100% and “dilate” or open in centimeters up to 10 cm. (about 4 inches). You can picture this action of the cervix by imagining yourself pulling a turtleneck over top of your head. After the cervix is completely thinned and opened, the baby will be pushed through the birth canal or vagina and out into the world.
Labor is broken down into three stages.
Stage I, the dilation and effacement stage, is the longest stage of labor and is broken down into three parts: early or latent, active, and transition.
Stage II is the pushing or expelling of the baby out into the world.
Stage III is the delivery of the placenta.
There are some signs of impending labor that mothers should watch for at the end of the pregnancy. About 11% of first time mothers will have their water break before contractions begin. It may break in a gush or a trickle. Your care provider should be contacted as soon as you suspect your water has broken. You may start to dilate or efface before you have any other signs of labor. This will be determined by an internal exam given by your care provider. You may experience a day or two of mild diarrhea as the lower bowel makes room for the baby’s descending head. You may notice the “show” which is a discharge of mucus from the vagina which may be tinged or streaked with blood. Some mothers experience a burst of energy or “nesting urge”. All of these signs, if noticed, will alert you to be ready for labor.
The birth of a baby is one of the most difficult tasks you will ever undertake in your life, whether you are the mother or the support person. It is also one of the most rewarding experiences that you will ever have. Congratulations on a job well done. Best wishes as you embark on one of life’s most challenging jobs—parenting.
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