The Four Stages Of Childbirth

Just like every pregnancy and women differ, the childbirth experience equally differs.

Going into labour and eventually childbirth is a very unique experience and most

times, unpredictable; however, there are processes of labour that accompany

childbirth to ensure a smooth delivery.

These labour processes can be grouped into 4 stages: Dilation, Birth, Placenta

delivery, and Recovery. More often than not, the entire process takes about 10 -16

hours for 1st time mothers, and a lot lesser for women who have had the experience

before.

Early signs to watch out for as you go into labour are:

- Strong frequent contractions. These may begin initially like the false labour

(Braxton Hicks contractions) that you’ve been having from

As your uterus contracts, your cervix begins thinning and gradually opens up; this is

called dilation.

To ensure a smooth passage for your baby, your cervix must open up to about 10

centimetres. This is what dilation entails and it is usually the longest stage of labour;

the process of dilation is made up of 3 phases: early dilation, active dilation, and

transition.

The Early dilation phase is the longest of the phases; about two-thirds of the actual

labour process. As contraction increases, the cervix continues to thin out and the

cervix opens up about 3 – 4 centimetres. This is a gradual process that could take

several hours as dilation increases inch by inch. Well spaced mild contraction of

about 30 - 20 minutes apart, lasting 30 - 50 seconds will intensify gradually. Warm

showers; having your spouse or someone rub your back; or taking a walk will usually

bring relief during this phase.

Active Phase: With contractions lasting about 50 - 60 seconds and occurring regularly

within the space of 3 – 4 minutes, dilation progresses to about 5 – 7 centimetres, and

your bag of water if not yet broken may break. Now is the time to start heading

2. Birth:

At 10 centimetres your cervix is fully dilated and the contractions may begin to push

your baby down the birth canal; the urge to push may get stronger as the baby

descends. The duration of this stage may depend to a large extent on if you are a

first-timer, and the size of your baby.

Your doctor or the midwife checking to ensure you are completely dilated may begin

give encouragements for you to push as the contractions builds to a peak. With the

doctor or midwife’s guidance, pushing is done gently till your baby’s head crowns at

the mouth of your vagina. Usually at this point you may feel a burning or stretching

sensation; nothing to worry about, your baby has made its debut!

As your baby’s head comes out, the doctor/midwife may guide gently by turning your

baby’s shoulders to assist its final delivery. Once this is done the umbilical cord is

clamped and cut; you should be hearing your baby’s first cries now and getting your

first actual glimpse!

3. Placenta Delivery:

With your baby out, your uterus continues to contract till the placenta is also