Phases of Labour
This isn't true of everyone, but for most of the people I have worked with in labour, there are clearly different phases. Different needs, for different times. The person birthing should be receptive to this and birth partner/s supporting should be aware of this. A joke or massage that provided relief a couple of hours ago, may not be so useful or welcomed later on. Labour or birth is like a journey, a path which isn't straight or easy at times, but with right preparation you'll feel ready for the adventure. Let's go through the the stages of labour, how you may feel, what may benefit you and your labour.
Latent Phase (the build up)
Can start as lower back aches and irregular tightenings. Your mucus plug is a blood streaked blob that is formed at the neck of the cervix to provide further protection for your baby. Once the cervix starts to soften in the latent phase, the mucus membrane is passed; it is usually a darkish red brown.
It’s a good idea to eat filling, carb heavy meals, your body needs it as it’s about to burn some serious calories over the next few hours/days. Although this period can be exciting, uncomfortable, scary, it’s crucial that you rest as much as possible, this is a marathon (for most), not a sprint. Try to treat the day as every other and avoid watching the clock.
First Stage (the start of regular contractions)
You will notice the contractions growing in regularity, intensity and duration. Occurring 3-4 times in 10 minutes and lasting 45-60 seconds. There may have difficulty finishing sentences at the beginning of the first stage, eventually needing to exercise breathing techniques to keep calm and regulate hormonal responses. You’re probably getting less opportunity to rest now, so hydration and food to keep you going is key. Check out the Diet in Labour blog post for food suggestions to support and sustain you.
Transition Phase (occurs around the onset of full dilatation)
Contractions become slower, less frequent or can even stop. A change in the birthing persons behaviour is often seen, feeling as if they can't go on, or maybe going silent and needing conversations around them to stop. They can physically become more upright and alert. The Rhomboid of Michaelis or the Line of Rhomboid can also be seen on some birthing people.
Second Phase (from full dilatation to baby's birth)
The feeling and need to bear down. Baby passes through the fully dilated cervix, at this point you may feel stretching and tightness as your baby is birthed. Watch the Mindful Breathing blog post video to practice breathing through the stages in labour, this can prevent major tears at the perineum.
The end of the second stage ends in the baby’s birth, after which they should be placed on their mothers/parent’s breast/chest for immediate skin-to-skin.
Third Phase (birthing the placenta, membranes and controlling the bleeding)
Skin-to-skin and your baby rooting at the breast releases natural oxytocin that causes womb contractions. You may notice a generous gush of blood, which should slow down as the womb contracts. With gravity and further bearing down, you birth your placenta, this is called a Physiological Third Stage. You may be offered an injection with synthetic oxytocin to expedite the birth of your placenta.
The Fourth phase is the Golden Hour, a continued and uninterrupted period of no less than an hour, where mother and baby are left having Skin-to-Skin time to bond. Find out more about Skin-to-Skin here.