Phases and Stages of Labor The stages of labor describe the sequence of events that happens during labor and birth. There are three stages of labor including 1) labor 2) pushing & birth, and 3) delivery of the placenta. STAGE 1: LABOR Labor lasts from the first signs baby’s coming until your cervix is fully dilated (open 10 centimeters) and you’re ready to push. Labor includes three phases: early, active, and transition. These phases are detailed here. EARLY LABOR The contractions of early labor are sporadic and you can easily distract yourself between the pains. You may have to wonder is this labor as you go about daily activites. A good idea in early labor is to keep your normal routine. When you start to have regular contractions you will feel a strong tightening low in your belly that wraps around and often includes your back. These pains could be super-painful or just a little uncomfortable (it all depends on the mom-to-be). They’ll be frequent, usually starting about 15 minutes apart and then speeding up to about five minutes apart. So what do you do at home? Finish packing your bag and try to relax. Breathing deeply can help your body work on opening up. You can also help your labor by changing positions. Take a walk, nap, shower or bath (water is a great way to slow down or speed up a labor, it will generally do one or the other), listen to your favorite hymns, color a picture, do a hand craft, bake bread, write a letter. Anything that is distracting or relaxing for you. ACTIVE LABOR When your body shifts into active labor, the contractions will come on stronger. You might not be able to walk or talk during a contraction. At this point, you’ll likely be at the care center or your midwife is at your home. Lying in bed, walking around or sitting in a birthing tub or on a birthing ball are good ideas. This is when things start to be really uncomfortable and could hurt. These strong contractions dilate your cervix from 4 centimeters to 7 centimeters. The birthing tub provides good pain relief at this time as does back massage for some moms. Heating backs, TRANSITION The transition phase is when your cervix dilates from 7 centimeters to 10 centimeters, and it’s pretty intense. The contractions come even faster and more furiously than before, lasting 60 to 90 seconds each. And because it’s an overwhelming sensation, some women feel like giving up. Just know that the “I can’t do it anymore” feeling is completely normal, and you most definitely can do it. You’ll start to feel the need to push (like having to go number two badly) when you feel this urge and pressure, your body is ready for the pushing time of labor and you may begin pushing. STAGE 2: DELIVERY & PUSHING Once you’re fully dilated and you feel a lot of downward pressure like a bowel movement then push. For some women the pushing stage may last only a few minutes. For others, it can take a few hours. Then there’s the ultimate reward: baby! STAGE 3: THE PLACENTA (You’re Almost Done) After baby’s born you’ve got to deliver the placenta. Your uterus continues to contract. This causes the placenta to separate from the uterus and leave the body. Usually, this takes less than a half hour. Then you’re done with the events of labor and birth. Congratulations! Now is the time to rest, recover, and learn to breastfeed. You will experience bleeding like a heavy period for the next couple of days and possibly some after pains/cramping. Herbal healing tinctures can be beneficial during this time.
