The first stage of labour is what most women refer to as ‘being in labour’. During this stage your cervix dilates and thins. This stage of labour is the most painful, as your contractions intensify and come closer together until you are fully dilated. During this stage you will be using all of the techniques you have learnt in your birthing classes and will rely on your partner to help you keep focused.
If you choose pain medications, it will be given to you during the first stage of labour. Some medications cannot be given too close to delivery, so your doctor or midwife may not administer certain drugs as you get closer to the pushing stage. Once your cervix is 10cm in diameter, you’re ready to push.
The second stage of labour is when you will be pushing your baby through your birth canal out into the world. You will experience a different kind of contraction during this stage; one that gives you a strong urge to push. During this stage your contractions will be about two to four minutes apart and will last up to ninety seconds. The length of this stage can be very short or it can last up to an hour. It should not last longer than two hours.
During the third stage of labour, you will deliver the placenta. Sometimes an injection is given to speed up this stage, but it is not necessary to have this if you would like to deliver the placenta naturally. It’s not a painful experience, but you may be asked to push a little to help with the delivery.