The moment you've been waiting for is right around the corner. You've spent the last nine months watching your body grow as your little one grows inside you. While the joys of pregnancy are many, there have also been challenges, including fatigue, weight gain, and loss of balance and coordination. At this point, you're ready to welcome your baby into the world. The last step before holding her in your arms is labor.
Every mom-to-be goes through labor differently. For some, it passes quickly with very little pain and zero complications. For others, the event can last hours, and be physically and emotionally draining. Despite the inconsistency, there are three well-defined stages of labor that nearly all women experience. Below, we'll introduce you to these stages and describe what to expect.
Stage 1: Early, Active, And Making The Transition
This first …show more content…
The contractions will be shorter and less frequent. You'll likely feel intense pressure in your back and rectum. Even though you'll feel the urge to push, you should wait for your doctor to tell you when the time is appropriate.
At some point, your doctor may encourage you to push in time with your contractions. Avoid rushing because doing so can tear the vaginal tissues. Eventually, your baby's head will crown. Your doctor will clear her air passageway and ensure the umbilical cord is out of the way. The birthing stage can last up to two hours.
Stage 3: Delivery Of The Placenta
Once your baby has been delivered, you'll have an opportunity to hold her. However, your placenta has yet to be delivered. This stage usually takes between ten minutes and half an hour. Your contractions will continue, though they'll be mild. After the placenta has been pushed out, your doctor will inspect it to ensure it is unbroken. If any remnants remain in your uterus, they must be removed to prevent
Every mom-to-be goes through labor differently. For some, it passes quickly with very little pain and zero complications. For others, the event can last hours, and be physically and emotionally draining. Despite the inconsistency, there are three well-defined stages of labor that nearly all women experience. Below, we'll introduce you to these stages and describe what to expect.
Stage 1: Early, Active, And Making The Transition
This first …show more content…
The contractions will be shorter and less frequent. You'll likely feel intense pressure in your back and rectum. Even though you'll feel the urge to push, you should wait for your doctor to tell you when the time is appropriate.
At some point, your doctor may encourage you to push in time with your contractions. Avoid rushing because doing so can tear the vaginal tissues. Eventually, your baby's head will crown. Your doctor will clear her air passageway and ensure the umbilical cord is out of the way. The birthing stage can last up to two hours.
Stage 3: Delivery Of The Placenta
Once your baby has been delivered, you'll have an opportunity to hold her. However, your placenta has yet to be delivered. This stage usually takes between ten minutes and half an hour. Your contractions will continue, though they'll be mild. After the placenta has been pushed out, your doctor will inspect it to ensure it is unbroken. If any remnants remain in your uterus, they must be removed to prevent