Labor and Delivery - Childbirth

Childbirth is usually divided into three stages: Labor Delivery of the baby Delivery of the placenta (afterbirth) The entire process takes about 15 hours for first time mothers and 8 hours for mothers who have previously given birth, but this can vary greatly from woman to woman. Each labor and delivery experience is unique and will not identically match any other.

First Stage of Childbirth: LABOR First Phase: Early Labor This is generally the least intense and longest phase of labor. It can take several weeks, days or hours for the cervix to dilate to 3 centimeters and begin the process of effacement (thinning out). At first contractions can be inconsistent and mild to moderately strong, but they gain in intensity. You may notice a backache or bloody mucous show. It is good to rest as much as possible during this early stage. Try to relax and be comfortable. Save your energy for the upcoming hours and avoid eating any hard to digest foods. Second Phase: Active Labor During this stage, the contractions become stronger, longer and more frequent and the cervix dilates to 7 centimeters. This phase is usually shorter than the first one, but much more intense. Controlled breathing through contractions helps at this time. Change positions to find what feels best to you. Massages to the back, abdomen or legs may help you relax. Third Phase: Transitional Labor Contractions are now very strong and 2-3 minutes apart. The final dilation to a full 10 centimeters may take place in a relatively short period of time (often 20-60 minutes). It is important that you do not push until the cervix is fully dilated and effaced. Second Stage of Childbirth: PUSHING AND DELIVERY Once the cervix is dilated to 10 centimeters and completely effaced, your help is needed to push the baby through the birth canal. This process can take minutes or hours of effort. The contractions are usually very regular and 1 to 1-1/2 minutes long. Mothers are encouraged to take deep breaths and push during the length of each contraction. Try to rest and relax between contractions. Follow the directions of the nurse or attending physician. You may be asked to stop pushing momentarily during the delivery process to keep the baby's head from being born too rapidly. Sometimes an episiotomy is performed just before the head is delivered to prevent tearing of your tissues. Once the head is delivered, medical personnel will quickly suction the child's mouth and nose to remove any mucous. Then the shoulders and torso easily slip out. The umbilical cord is clamped and cut. The baby is usually weighed and measured, given eye drops and examined. If there are no problems, you should be able to hold your child for some time. Third Stage of Childbirth: DELIVERY OF PLACENTA This final stage of childbirth usually lasts from 5 to 30 minutes. You will have mild contractions that cause the placenta to separate from the uterine wall. Many physicians gently press on the top of the uterus and ask you to help push at the appropriate times. Once the placenta is delivered, any necessary stitching of an episiotomy or tear will be done. BREECH POSITIONING AND DELIVERY If your baby is in a breech position, your health care giver will decide the safest way to proceed. The baby's exact positioning and size as well as the size of the mother's pelvis will determine if it is safe to proceed with a vaginal delivery or opt to do a cesarean section. CESAREAN SECTION: SURGICAL DELIVERY A cesarean delivery may be necessary to protect the health of the child or mother. Reasons for a cesarean section include situations where the baby or mother is under extreme stress, the child is in a breech position or a lack of dilation of the mother's cervix during labor. Your physician will determine which anesthesia will be administered (epidural, spinal block or a general anesthetic). Once the physician is sure that the anesthetic has taken effect, an incision is made in the lower abdomen. A second incision is made into the uterus. The baby is eased out and its mouth and nose suctioned. The cord is clamped and cut. The doctor removes the placenta and stitches up the incisions. Welcome, little one, to our world!

Other Pregnancy Resources Available

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Fetal Development Labor and Delivery Childbirth Classes Maternity Lending Closet

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