Until you see your physician or midwife do not use tampons, have sexual intercourse, or do anything that would introduce bacteria into your vagina. Nesting: Burst of energy. For most of your pregnancy, you have probably been fighting the urge to take a nap, so you should easily recognize this symptom. A day will come when you will wake up feeling full of energy! You will be motivated to make lists of things to do, things to clean, things to buy, etc.
Effacement : Thinning of the cervix. In the last month of pregnancy the cervix will begin to stretch and thin. This is an indication that the lower portion of the uterus is getting prepared for delivery, as a thinner cervix dilates more easily. Your health care provider can check for effacement in the final two months of pregnancy. Effacement is measured in percentages. You will not have the ability to evaluate your degree of effacement. Dilation: Opening of the cervix. Dilation is the process of the cervix opening in preparation for childbirth.
Your healthcare provider can tell you how many centimeters your cervix has dilated and is also something that you cannot determine on your own. Consistent Contractions: When you begin to experience regular uterine contractions, it is the strongest indication that you are in labor.
As your labor efforts intensify, it may be trickier to relax. Your practitioner will likely encourage you to get to the hospital or birthing center when active labor starts, or when your contractions are about five minutes apart.
A nurse will ask you a few questions about your pregnancy and labor so far, give you routine consent forms to sign, and do an internal exam.
Ask for help, if you need it. As long as everything is progressing safely, the hospital staff will leave you alone with your coach for now or stay out of your way but in your room. Don't hesitate to ask your coach for whatever you need to stay as comfortable as possible, whether it's a back rub, ice chips to munch on or a cool washcloth for your forehead.
Breathe and try to relax. If you're planning on using breathing exercises, start as soon as the contractions become too strong to talk through. Ask the nurse or doula for suggestions. Do whatever makes you feel more comfortable and if something isn't working, stop. Drink and eat, as recommended. You might be offered light, clear beverages or ice chips to replace fluid and keep your mouth moist. Request an epidural, if you want one. An epidural can be given as soon as you feel you need it and you'll probably want to ask for it before things get too intense since the procedure takes some time and it can take about 30 minutes after it's inserted before it starts to work.
Your practitioner may suggest other tactics to ease your discomfort first, like sitting in water before you start pushing, getting a massage, or changing positions. If you do want an epidural, your anesthesiologist will get an IV going. Be prepared for other interventions as necessary.
ACOG guidelines call for fewer or delayed labor interventions in low-risk women who are progressing normally through labor.
Use the toilet periodically. Continue to urinate regularly: A full bladder can slow down your progress. During the third and final phase of labor, called transitional labor, your cervix will dilate to 10 centimeters as you experience strong contractions about every two to three minutes, though it can vary.
Very strong and painful contractions. Because they're spaced only about two or three minutes apart, it may seem like you barely get to relax before the next contraction begins. Full dilation. Your cervix will dilate from about 7 to 8 centimeters up to the final 10 centimeters — when it will be time to deliver your baby. Bloody show will increase, as capillaries in the cervix rupture. Pressure in your back and abdomen. General discomfort. You may feel sweaty, chilled, shaky or achy. One or both legs may be completely numb if you've had an epidural.
And you may have other forms of discomfort too, though you may not experience any of these symptoms. Fatigue and drowsiness. This last phase of labor can be physically demanding and draining, but it can also be exhilarating. You may feel impatient — or elated. Hang in there! Resist the urge to push. Pushing before dilation is complete could cause your cervix to swell, which can postpone delivery. After a contraction or two, the body should expel the placenta.
If the body does not entirely expel the placenta, a doctor or midwife may have to help deliver it. Sometimes, they will give a woman an injection of synthetic oxytocin to speed up delivery and prevent excessive bleeding. Shortly after delivery, the cervix begins contracting back down to its previous size. This process can take several days to several weeks. As the uterus and cervix shrink, many women will feel some contractions.
Most women bleed for several weeks after giving birth. Labor is different for each woman. It typically lasts longer with a first birth, but the length and type of labor vary greatly between individuals. Some people experience labor that consists of a weaker type of contraction for days or weeks before giving birth. Others give birth in a matter of minutes, while some labors take days. Most fall somewhere in the middle. Labor often starts slowly, becoming progressively more intense.
It may also start and stop, or slow during moments of stress or intrusion. Visualizing the cervix expanding might help some people understand the source of labor pain, offering a sense of control and deeper insight into the processes of labor.
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First Stage of Labor. The first stage of labor is the longest and involves three phases: Early Labor: The onset of labor until the cervix is dilated to centimeters Active Labor Phase: Continues from 3 cm until the cervix is dilated to 7 centimeters Transition Phase — Continues from 7 cm until the cervix is fully dilated to 10 centimeters Each phase is characterized by different emotions and physical challenges.
Early Labor Phase What to do: During this phase, you should just try to relax. This is known as bloody show as is normal. Your water might break — this is known as amniotic sac rupture and can happen anytime within the first stage of labor When experiencing contractions, notice if they are: Growing more intense Following a regular pattern Lasting longer Becoming closer together When your water breaks amniotic sac rupture , note the following: Color of fluid Odor of fluid Time rupture occurred Tips for the support person: Periodically time the 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 is time for you to head to the hospital or birth center. What to expect: Active labor will last about hours. If this is your first baby, or if you have an epidural, labor could last longer. Other babies descend later and the mom reaches full dilation without feeling pressure.
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