Question

1. Describe in depth the three phases of the first stage of delivery, second stage, third stage, and fourth stage of the delivery?

Answer 1

First Stage of Labor

The first stage of labor is the longest and involves three phases:

Early Labor Phase –The time of the onset of labor until the cervix is dilated to 3 cm.

Active Labor Phase – Continues from 3 cm. until the cervix is dilated to 7 cm.

Transition Phase – Continues from 7 cm. until the cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm.

Each phase is characterized by different emotions and physical challenges.

Early labor will last approximately 8-12 hours

Your cervix will efface and dilate to 4 cm

Contractions will last about 30-45 seconds, giving you 5-30 minutes of rest between contractions

Contractions are typically mild and somewhat irregular but become progressively stronger and more frequent

Contractions can feel like aching in your lower back, menstrual cramps, and pressure/tightening in the pelvic area

Your water might break – this is known as amniotic sac rupture and can happen anytime within the first stage of labor

Next

Active labor will last about 3-5 hours

Your cervix will dilate from 4cm to 7cm

Contractions during this phase will last about 45-60 seconds with 3-5 minutes rest in between

Contractions will feel stronger and longer

This is usually the time to head to the hospital or birth center

Next

The transition will last about 30 min-2 hrs

Your cervix will dilate from 8cm to 10cm

Contractions during this phase will last about 60-90 seconds with a 30 second-2 minute rest in between

Contractions are long, strong, intense, and can overlap

This is the hardest phase but also the shortest

You might experience hot flashes, chills, nausea, vomiting, or gas

Second stage of labor

Your baby moves through the birth canal

The second stage of labor begins when the cervix is completely dilated (open), and ends with the birth of your baby. Contractions push the baby down the birth canal, and you may feel intense pressure, similar to an urge to have a bowel movement.

Your health care provider may ask you to push with each contraction. The contractions continue to be strong, but they may spread out a bit and give you time to rest. The length of the second stage depends on whether or not you've given birth before and how many times, and the position and size of the baby.

The intensity at the end of the first stage of labor will continue in this pushing phase. You may be irritable during a contraction and alternate between wanting to be touched and talked to, and wanting to be left alone. It isn't unusual for a woman to grunt or moan when the contractions reach their peak.

Third stage of labor

Afterbirth

After the birth of your baby, your uterus continues to contract to push out the placenta (afterbirth). The placenta usually delivers about 5 to 15 minutes after the baby arrives.

Fourth stage of labor

Recovery

Your baby is born, the placenta has delivered, and you and your partner will probably feel joy, relief, and fatigue. Most babies are ready to nurse within a short period after birth. Others wait a little longer. If you are planning to breastfeed, we strongly encourage you to try to nurse as soon as possible after your baby is born. Nursing right after birth will help your uterus to contract and will decrease the amount of bleeding.