Labor is a natural process, there is no way anyone could tell you when you’d be going into labor! However, some symptoms indicate the baby’s arrival. False contractions usually occur halfway through the pregnancy and continue throughout the pregnancy. It is very important to recognize the start of labor as soon as possible.
The successful culmination of a pregnancy is in labor and the birth of a baby. It is the final act of bringing a new life into this world. During the last trimester, your doctor will advise you regarding the signs and stages of labor and all emergencies that may arise. This article will also help you understand the early labor signs, symptoms of labor, the four stages of labor, and labor pain symptoms in detail.
Video of 4 Stages of Labor – Things You Should Know
The Four Stages of Labor in a Vaginal Delivery
Labor is the process through which a fetus and placenta are delivered from the uterus through the vagina. Successful labor depends on – maternal efforts and uterine contractions, fetal characteristics, and pelvic anatomy. In general there are are four stages of labor and these are –
1. The First Stage – Dilation of the cervix
2. The Second Stage – Birth of the Baby
3. The Third Stage – Delivery of the Placenta
4. The Fourth Stage – Postpartum care till the uterus contracts back to shape
The First Stage
It is important to carefully monitor your well-being and the progress of your labor during the first stage of labor. In this way, labor will be monitored properly and potential issues will be identified and communicated accordingly.
The first stage is further divided into 3:
1. Early Labor Phase
In the early labor stage, women start to have contractions and the cervix begins to thin out and dilate to 3 cm. These contractions will be mild and feel more like menstrual cramps. They usually will be at intervals of five minutes and last approximately forty seconds each.
2. Active Labor Phase
During the active phase of the first stage, the contractions become stronger and more frequent. Usually, they come every five minutes and last for about a minute. The cervix dilates to about 8 cm. It becomes difficult to converse or do any normal activity.
[Read: Active Labor]
3. Transitional Phase
The final or transitional stage is the active part where women start pushing. The cervix is dilated almost fully and at this stage, women most definitely need to be at the hospital or ready at home if it’s home delivery. The contractions may not be as frequent but will be a lot more painful. Women tend to shake and shiver with every contraction.
[Read: How Long Will My Labor Last?]
The Second Stage
The second stage is where the cervix is dilated fully. At this stage, the nurse is urging you to push so that the baby comes out. There is no fixed time for this stage as it could last a while. As the uterus contracts, it exerts pressure on the baby and so with every push, the baby moves down the birth canal. At the end of this stage, you can see the head of the baby.
The Third Stage
Once the baby is out, it will be dried and wrapped to keep it warm. There will be a feeling of relief now that it’s all over. The umbilical cord will be severed and now mothers can hold the newborn. After facing all this pain and doing a lot of hard work, you can have the pleasure of enjoying your baby’s company.
The Fourth Stage
Now that the baby is out, the contractions will resume. This is to deliver the placenta and the membranes. The nurse or doctor will ensure there are no remnants. They will also examine your stomach to check if the uterus is contracting and becoming firm. These contractions will be relatively mild and will ensure that there is no further bleeding. In a few cases, there could be a tear in the perineum, which will be sutured by the doctor.
Labor Pain Signs & Symptoms
Every pregnancy is unique and no two labor journeys are the same. Different women face different intensities of labor pain signs and there are different indications of the onset of labor. However, the most common labor pain signs and symptoms are listed below –
1. Strong Contractions
This labor pain symptoms will feel like pain during a menstrual cycle. The contractions will usually be 20 to 30 minutes apart. It will be lower back pain and could move from the back to the front or reverse.
What To Do: – Note how long these contractions last and what is the gap between two contractions.
2. Water Breaking
This happens when the amniotic sac tears and the fluid comes out. This is the fluid around the baby. It usually trickles or in some cases might just gush out through the vagina. This is one of the most common labor pain signs and you will have no control over this gushing liquid.
What To Do: – Don’t panic. Wear a sanitary napkin to manage the water break. Call your healthcare provider and visit the hospital as soon as possible.
3. Vaginal Discharge
Another common sign of labor is the passing of a bloody show or mucus plug. Thickened sticky blood-stained mucus is seen coming out from the cervix during the last days of the ninth month. If it appears, then it is surely a labor pain symptoms and your baby can be with you within the next 2-3 days.
What To Do: – Don’t panic. Wear a sanitary napkin to manage the bloody show. Visit your hospital immediately.
4. Baby Drops
‘Baby drop’ or ‘lightning’ is experienced a few weeks before the onset of labor. A sense of heaviness is noted by first-time mothers and difficulty in breathing is also a common complaint due to pressure below the rib cage.
What To Do: – Practise breathing techniques and take a rest in between to reduce the heaviness.
5. Diarrhea
In many cases, the woman will have diarrhea during the start of labor. Its is also a very common labor pain signs which is often neglected. This is because the body naturally makes way for the baby by emptying the bowels. Also, the body produces a hormone called prostaglandins which soften the cervix and dilate it. This hormone helps the uterus to contract. But it also stimulates the bowels, thus causing the passing of stools or diarrhea.
What To Do: – Diarrhea results in dehydration. Keep sipping water throughout the day to keep yourself rehydrated.
Other Labor Pain Symptoms includes backache, frequent urge to urinate, and fatigue.
Now you know the labor signs and stages. Notice the contractions in your body, but do not freak out or stress yourself out. If you are having a normal pregnancy, and contractions do not happen before 37 weeks, there is no need to worry. However, just in case it is before 37 weeks, call your doctor immediately. Always notice the color of the mucus and vaginal discharge, and remember to mention the same to the doctor.
Read Also: Natural Ways To Manage Labor Pains
