Every woman is different, and every labor is different. That makes it difficult to know if you're really going into true labor, or if it's something else. To help you decide if you're beginning true labor, monitor your contractions. Time them from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. Read on to find out more, and learn about:
Baby's Changes During Labor and Delivery
It's no secret. Labor and delivery are hard work for Mom and for baby. During childbirth, your baby's body goes through extraordinary changes. Some of these include:
- A surge in hormones, which might play a role in initiating labor. These hormones also help your baby maintain her blood pressure and blood sugar levels after birth.
- Your baby's head drops into your pelvis; this is called lightening or engagement.
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Your Changing Body During Labor and Delivery
The Basics of Labor and Delivery
During the last 40 weeks of pregnancy, your body has undergone radical changes. And it's not over quite yet. Incredible changes continue through labor and delivery.
Three Stages of Labor
Labor is organized into three stages:
Stage I: Early Labor, Active Labor, and Transition
The first stage of labor is the longest. Early labor can last six to 12 hours. Active labor can last four to eight hours. Remember, every woman is different — and your labor might be shorter or longer.
During early labor, your cervix will open (dilate) to 4 centimeters. During active labor, your cervix will dilate from 4 to 6 centimeters. During transition, your cervix will dilate from 7 to 10 centimeters. Your contractions will strengthen and get closer together.
When your cervix is dilated to 10 centimeters, your body is ready for the second stage of labor.
Stage II: Baby's Birth
This stage might take up to three hours. During Stage II, your body is ready to push the baby out. Most babies are born headfirst. His shoulders, arms, and legs follow, making birthing the shortest part of labor.
After your baby is born, your doctor probably will clamp the umbilical cord and ask if your partner would like to cut it. Your baby will be checked and quickly cleaned by health care workers in the delivery room. (He might still have remnants of waxy vernix on his skin, which can be wiped away.) Then your newborn will be placed on your chest for warm, skin-to-skin contact. This is a wonderful chance to give your baby her first feeding.
Stage III: Delivery of the Placenta
This stage is short, usually lasting anywhere from five to 20 minutes. The final stage of labor includes delivery of the placenta (afterbirth). Your uterus continues to contract to push out the placenta.
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Wellness During Labor and Delivery
Labor and delivery is all about you and your baby. Learn about your options for managing pain during childbirth, delivery methods, and your recovery at the hospital.
Managing Pain During Childbirth
There are many options for managing pain during childbirth. Some of the most widely used options include:
- Relaxation
- Breathing
- A warm shower
- Walking during labor
- Analgesics
- An epidural
- Other pain medications administered by your health care team
Delivery Methods
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says a hospital is the safest place to deliver your baby. In most cases, labor is induced naturally and women deliver their babies vaginally. But even the best-laid birth plans are subject to change at the last minute.
Through on-going monitoring at your final prenatal appointments and during labor, you and your doctor will determine the best delivery method for you and your baby. These include:
- Vaginal delivery — The most common method of delivery, first births last about 12 to 14 hours.
- Scheduled cesarean birth (C-section) — Based on your medical history, your health, and your baby's size and health, your doctor might schedule you for a cesarean birth.
- Emergency cesarean birth — Under certain circumstances, your doctor might recommend a cesarean delivery if vaginal delivery is not progressing or if there is a safety concern for the mom or her baby.
- VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) — Some pregnant women who previously had a cesarean delivery might be able to deliver babies vaginally in later pregnancies.
Your Recovery
After your baby is born, you both will continue to be monitored by your health care team. Most women who deliver vaginally spend one to two days recuperating in the hospital. Women who deliver by cesarean spend three to four days recovering. In either case, your hospital stay includes:
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Top Tips and Checklist for Labor and Delivery
Make sure you're ready when "it's time." Check out our Essential Hospital Checklist.