Babies Tale

During the first stage of labor, the cervix thins and softens and then dilates to allow the baby’s head to pass through the birth canal. When the cervix is fully open it is considered “10cm dilated.” This marks the transition from the first to the second stage.

Once labor has begun, contractions tend to become stronger as labor progresses, though they tend not to get closer together than about every three minutes. This means you usually get a break in between to recover from each contraction before the next one begins. Progress is not always uniform; occasionally contractions seem to run into one another, and sometimes a very strong contraction will be followed by a weaker one.

Once the woman is fully dilated, she may experience some strange symptoms. Shivering, trembling, sweating or nausea is all common. Some mothers feel restless and want to change position, often into the position in which they want to deliver the baby. At the end of each contraction the mother may begin to feel that she wants to bear down and begin to push the baby out. When the healthcare professional sees these signals, she will probably want to do an internal exam and check that you are fully dilated. If so, you are ready to begin the second stage. If you are not quite fully dilated, the nurse or midwife may ask you to “pant” during the contractions to help you resist the urge to bear down.

The Second Stage of Labor

Most women having an active labor find that the pushing sensation is a reflex and they can’t stop themselves. Usually women know instinctively to take a deep breath, lowering the diaphragm and putting pressure on the uterus. A series of short pushes at this time can be more effective than one long push. An upright or semi upright position is helpful in promoting the process; if you are lying down you actually have to push the baby uphill because of the angle of the birth canal. Most women also instinctively push with each contraction and rest in between.

With each contraction the baby should descend lower into the birth canal. At some point the baby’s head will become visible from the outside (crowning); this is an exciting moment for a partner or birth companion who is present. The mother can be encouraged to know that the baby is really there and about to be born. Just before the birth, the perineum begins to stretch to its widest. This can cause a stretching and stinging sensation. If you seem likely to tear, an episiotomy may be made (see page 116); otherwise the tissues become numb when stretched further. Once the baby’s head has crowned, it will slip out; another contraction should deliver the shoulders and then the rest of the baby.

When the baby is born it may look strange; somewhat gray colored and slimy with vernix and some blood. (Vernix is a waxy substance that helps protect the baby’s skin from fluids in the amniotic sac.) When the baby draws breath-and usually cries loudly-the color will change to a healthier pink. If the baby is breathing normally you will be able to hold your baby, discover whether it’s a boy or girl, count the fingers and toes and begin to get to know one another. Some mothers will want to put the baby straight to the breast.

The Third Stage of Labor

This is the delivery of the afterbirth. This stage may take up to 30 minutes. The umbilical cord, its job done, may be pulled gently, and the doctor or midwife may press her hand on your abdomen to assist delivery of the placenta. The uterus continues to contract. Your abdomen may be massaged to help the process along. If bleeding is heavy, you may receive medications in an effort to reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

Soon after the birth is a good time to put the baby to the breast for the first time, because research has shown that the sooner after the birth a baby feeds, the more likely it is that breast-feeding will be successfully established. In nature, the baby’s sucking at the breast helps with delivery of the afterbirth. Not all mothers and babies are ready for a breast-feed, however, so don’t feel rushed; take the time you need to get to know one another.

Leave a Reply