Blog

Each birthing experience is unique, but there are defined phases of labour that indicate how close the mother is to giving birth. If you are about to give birth for the first time, you most likely have a lot of questions of what exactly you can look forward to. Even though each birthing story is unique, there are standard phases of birth and delivery that most moms will experience. 

There are three stages of labour, which we will go through below. 

What Is The First Phase of Labour? 

The first phase of labour is known as the latent phase. It’s the first indication that labour is about to start at around 37 weeks of pregnancy. The cervix softens and opens up in preparation for your baby to be delivered.

As a result, doctors recommend that expectant mothers stay home around this time. It may take hours before the tightening or contractions intensify. The early or first stage of labour may take up to 24 hours. This is the longest part of labour, as the cervix dilates slowly.

What are the Signs of the First Phase of Labour?

Now that you have an idea of what the first phase of labour entails, you should understand what signs to look out for. Below are six common signs of the start of your labour.

• Contractions or tightening in the uterus: the uterus muscles tighten like a coil and relax. The purpose of these contractions is to help push the baby down, by opening the cervix until the final push. 
• When the muscles contract, you should feel pain. As the muscles relax, the pain is reduced. At first, these contractions may be far apart; as soon as you reach  “active labour,” your contractions speed up and occur every 5 to 10 minutes. 
• A pinkish mucus discharge, known as the plug from the cervix or entrance to the womb  falls away. 
• Pains in the belly and lower back are constant and do not disappear, no matter how much you change positions or move about. 
• An urge to go to the toilet. You have a pressing need to go to the toilet because the baby’s head is placing pressure on your bladder.
• Your water breaks. This common term refers to the amniotic sac in your fluid breaking in preparation for the arrival of your baby. Once your water has broken, you should go to the hospital.

This is a critical time for you and your baby. Not all stages will take place as you’ve planned. In certain cases, complications such as vaginal bleeding, less movement from your baby, and premature labour may arise.. Complications may arise, such as vaginal bleeding, the baby’s movements being less frequent than usual, and labour coming before 37 weeks. 

An Overview Of The Labour Stages

According to Better Care, the following is an overview of the three stages of labour.

• Stage 1 (Contractions): The contractions open up your cervix as they help to push the baby down. At the end, the opening of your cervix needs to be fully dilated at 10 cm before your baby can be pushed out.  
• Stage 2 (Pushing): The hard work begins when your cervix is fully dilated, and you will need to begin pushing. Research suggests that it can last 3 hours for a first-time mom and 2 hours for a second time before the baby is born. Much encouragement is needed from the birthing partner and midwife.
• Stage 3 (Active stage- Delivery of the placenta): After the baby is born, an abdominal examination is done. An oxytocic drug is given to contract the uterus, and the placenta is delivered. 

What Do Contraction Pains Feel Like?

Most women describe the varying degrees of pain as anything from a period cramp to intense, debilitating pain. You may have contractions during your pregnancy, particularly towards the end, called Braxton Hicks contractions. These are your body preparing itself for birth by tightening and relaxing uterine muscles.

In active labour, contractions become more prolonged and frequent. The pain and intensity  progresses. If you put your hand on your abdomen, you’ll feel it hardening. When the muscles relax, the pain fades.

You can use the iER app to get timeous assistance! Once you have sent an alert, our call centre will send the appropriate qualified professional or EMS Service. Call for assistance when your contractions: 

• Last at least 60 seconds,
• Come every 5 minutes, or
• You think you are in active labour.

Preterm Labour

At less than 37 weeks, preterm labour is a significant risk factor because your baby may be plagued with health issues at birth or later on, says Western Cape Health. 

Some common risk factors of preterm birth are:

• Having a previous premature birth,
• Multiple miscarriages,
• Pregnancy with multiples,
• Poor nutrition,
• Not gaining enough weight during pregnancy,
• Some infections, particularly of the amniotic fluid and lower genital tract,
• Chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure,
• Being underweight or overweight before pregnancy, and
• Physical injury or trauma.

If you experience any of these risk factors, you require immediate attention from your doctor or midwife. Especially if any of the fluids coming from your vagina have a foul odour or colour.Especially when there is blood loss and the baby’s movements are less.  It means that mom and baby are at risk and need help immediately. 

Another risk factor that requires immediate attention during labour is when your temperature readings rise above 37.5 degrees Celsius. If you are experiencing any concerning symptoms, use the emergency button on your iER app, and the appropriate emergency services will be sent directly to your location.

4 Effective Ways to Cope With Labour

If you’re preparing for labour, doing the following may help you to cope:

• Have a warm bath.
• Drink fluids or have a snack that will help boost and sustain energy levels.
• Get a back rub from your birthing partner to help ease the pain.
• Do mindful breathing or relaxation exercises to endure intensifying contractions and pains.

Learning the three stages of labour during your pregnancy is crucial because it helps you know what to expect.