Stages of labor: Stage I
The birth of a child
is a special and unique event. No two deliveries are the same and it is
impossible to predict what your particular delivery will be. However, you may
want to know the stages of the birth process and what to expect in general.
Labor usually takes
place in three stages:
- The first stage: the time from the beginning of true labor to the full
disclosure of the cervix to 10 cm.
- Second stage: the period after the opening of the cervix up to 10 cm
before the birth of the child.
- Third stage:
Delivery of the placenta.
First stage of labor
The first stage of
labor is the longest and consists of three phases:
- Early labor phase: The time from the onset of labor to the opening of the
cervix to 3 cm.
- Active labor phase: Continues from 3 cm until the cervix is dilated by 7
cm.
- Transition phase: Continues from 7 cm to full disclosure of the cervix to
10 cm.
Each phase is
characterized by different emotions and physical problems. Consider it a great
adventure with some important guidelines.
Early labor phase
What to do:
- During this phase you should just try to relax. There is no need to rush to the hospital or
maternity hospital. Try to enjoy the comfort of a familiar home environment. If
early labor occurs during the day, do simple household chores.
- Keep busy while conserving your energy. Drink plenty of water and eat small snacks.
Keep track of your contractions. If early labor begins at night, it is
recommended that you try to get some sleep. If you can't sleep, focus on easy
activities like cleaning your closet, packing your bags, or packing the next
day's meals.
What to expect:
- Early labor lasts about 8-12 hours
- The cervix will disappear and dilate to 3 cm.
- Contractions last approximately 30-45 seconds, giving you 5-30 minutes of rest between contractions.
- Contractions are usually light and somewhat irregular, but gradually become stronger and more frequent.
- Contractions may feel like lower back pain, menstrual cramps, and pressure/tightness in the pelvic area.
- Your waters may break - this is called a rupture of the amniotic sac and can happen anytime during the first stage of labor.
When you feel
contractions, notice if they are:
- Growing more intense
- Following a regular pattern
- Lasting longer
- Becoming closer together
When the water breaks
(rupture of the amniotic sac), pay attention to the following:
- Color of fluid
- Odor of fluid
- Time rupture occurred
Support Tips:
- Practice timing contractions
- Be a calming influence
- Offer comfort, reassurance, and support
- Suggest simple activities that draw her focus from the labor
- Keep up your own strength. You will need it!
Active labor phase
What to do:
- Now it's time for you to go to the hospital or
maternity hospital.
Your contractions will be stronger, longer and closer together. It is very
important that you have a lot of support. This is also a good time to start
your breathing techniques and try some relaxation exercises between
contractions.
- At this time, you should change positions frequently. You can try walking or taking a warm bath.
Continue to drink plenty of water and urinate periodically.
What to expect:
- Active labor will last about 3-5 hours
- The cervix will dilate from 4 to 7 cm.
- Contractions during this phase will last approximately 45-60 seconds with 3-5 minutes of rest in between.
- contractions will be stronger and longer
- Usually it's time to go to the hospital or maternity hospital
Support Tips:
- Give the mother all your attention
- Offer verbal reassurance and encouragement
- Massage of the abdomen and lower back
- Track cuts (if you do, find out how the machine works)
- Perform breathing techniques with her
- Help her feel comfortable (gather pillows, pour water for her, touch)
- Remind her to change position frequently (take her for a walk or take a bath).
- Provide distractions from labor, such as music, reading a book, or simply playing cards.
- Do not think that something is wrong if she does not answer you.
Transitional phase
What to do:
At this phase, the
mother will rely heavily on her support. This is the most difficult phase, but
also the shortest. Try thinking "one contraction at a time" (this can
be difficult to do if the contractions are very close together). Think back to
how far you've come, and if you feel the urge to push, talk to your doctor.
What to expect:
- The transition will last about 30 minutes-2 hours
- The cervix will dilate from 8 to 10 cm.
- Contractions during this phase will last approximately 60 to 90 seconds with 30 seconds to 2 minutes of rest in between.
- Contractions are long, strong, intense and can overlap.
- This is the most difficult phase, but also the shortest
- You may experience hot flashes, chills, nausea, vomiting, or gas
Support Tips:
- Offer lots of encouragement and praise
- Avoid small talk
- Continue breathing with her
- Help guide her through her contractions with encouragement
- Encourage her to relax between contractions
- Don’t think that there is something wrong if she seems to be angry – it is a normal part of the transition