Vaginal Birth

  The first stage of labor starts with the onset of labor and is completed when the cervix is completely dilated or 10 centimeters.

 The first stage of labor can take quite a long time, especially with a first baby. It isn’t at all uncommon for the first stage of labor to last 12 to 14 hours. But don’t worry at the sound of that. We don’t mean you will be having continuous contractions for 14 hours. Don’t try to fight these contractions by tensing your abdominal muscles. Your uterus is doing the work for which it was designed. Tensing muscles will only make the contractions seem worse. Try to RELAX even while you are having a contraction. Concentrate on relaxing your muscles. This isn't easy, but try!

The second stage of labor starts with the cervix becoming fully dilated and is completed with the delivery of the infant.

The second stage of labor is much shorter than the first stage. By now your cervix has dilated enough for the passage of the baby’s head and when the head has descended enough, you will be prepared for delivery.  The contractions now are very close together - and the baby is being pushed out. You are “pushing” involuntarily.  It may feel like your bowels are moving, but don’t worry about this... it is just the pressure of the baby’s head on the rectum. Each time you have a contraction, the baby moves farther and farther down. At this point, we may do an episiotomy, if necessary, which is an incision in the vaginal wall that allows the baby to pass through the vagina easier and keeps your delicate vaginal tissues from tearing. You will have a local deadening agent and not feel this incision at all.

As you bear down, or push, the baby begins to appear. Finally, the baby is born. We’ll remove any mucous or amniotic fluid from your baby’s mouth and nose. Then your baby will take a breath of air and might begin to cry. LIFE! A new person in the world! You might begin to cry also when we show you your new little boy or girl. You’ll feel exhausted and excited: all your Great Expectations are here, finally!

The third stage of labor begins after the delivery of the infant and is completed with the delivery of the placenta.

But your work isn’t totally over. The third stage of labor - is the passing of the afterbirth, or placenta. This usually takes just a few contractions and takes only a few minutes more. Then it’s time for some well-earned rest and bonding with your newborn baby.

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