Stages of Childbirth
For almost all first time mothers there will come the time when you get a little bit nervous about the inevitability of giving birth. Obviously if you’ve never done it before no matter what people tell you, you don’t know what to expect. Here is some information about the process of labour.
During the first stage of labour your cervix is plugged with mucus which helps to keep away infection. Your cervix has to open to around 10cm dilated so that your baby can be born. Shortly before you go into labour your mucus plug may come out which will look like jelly stained with blood. This is a sign that labour has, or is about to begin.
You may experience gentle contractions like light cramping when your cervix dilates to around 3-4cm and then your contractions will become more painful and more regular. You may not be able to talk during these contractions and it ishelpful to carry out breathing exercises to help you cope with the pain. You will experience intense contractions every minute or so. When your cervix is around 8cm dilated you may be encouraged by your midwife to start pushing.
As the baby moves towards your vagina you will feel the pressure of your baby’s head between your legs. With every push you baby will move a little closer to the opening of the vagina. Just as your baby’s head is moving towards the opening of your vagina you will feel a burning, stinging sensation. As your baby’s head appears you may be asked to take short panting breathes for the next couple of contractions to make sure that your baby’s arrival is smooth and slow and to prevent vaginal tearing.
You will still be experiencing weak contractions which help the placenta peel away from the uterus wall. You may get the urge to push the placenta out of your vagina. You may be given an injection to help with this stage which means you won’t have to do any more pushing.
Once your baby is born you will get to hold him/her for the first time and this moment is one that you will have pictured a thousand times and it is a really special moment for you, or you and your partner.
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