Labor and delivery of a baby may last from only a few hours to several days. During this time, women experience numerous physical and emotional sensations as their bodies prepare to give birth. While each woman's labor and delivery is unique, the process unfolds in a series of specific stages with distinctive signs.
Lightening And Early Labor
A few weeks before giving birth, women may experience "lightening," a process in which the fetus drops closer to the pelvis. The pressure felt in the ribcage decreases, while heaviness felt in the pelvic region increases. As the due date approaches, a hormone called oxytocin initiates early labor when the body can no longer provide for the nutritional requirements of the full-sized fetus. During early labor, the cervix begins to dilate and mild to moderate contractions pulsate every five to 20 minutes. The experience may last from only hours to several days and is typically longer for first-time mothers, according to MayoClinic.com.
Active Labor
The transition from early to active labor begins once the cervix has dilated to about 4 cm. The duration of contractions lengthen, the time between contractions decreases and the contractions strengthen in intensity. As the cervix continues to open, the mucus plug that separates the uterus and vaginal canal begins to discharge, called the "bloody show," as it may also contain small traces of blood from the expanding cervix. Active labor normally lasts for up to eight hours, and women typically proceed to the hospital or chosen birthing center at this period. This is also the time when women receive pain medication or anesthesia if desired and approved by their physician or midwife.
Rupture of Amniotic Sac
During pregnancy, the fetus develops within the amniotic sac. The fluid within this sac, called the amniotic fluid, provides cushioning and a constant temperature for the fetus, according to the United Kingdom National Health Services. Pressure against the amniotic sac increases as contractions lengthen and strengthen in duration and intensity, which eventually causes the sac to rupture and the fluid to leak out the vagina. Colloquially referred to as the "water breaking," this can occur during either stage of labor.
Delivery
Once the cervix dilates to 10 cm, the baby will begin its descent through the cervical opening and into the vaginal canal. The uterus continues to contract, and the resulting pressure pushes the baby further down. Depending on the woman's pre-developed birthing plan and pain medication given, she may not feel the need to actively push at this time. When instructed by her health care practitioner, the woman begins to push in time with uterine contractions until the top of the baby's head becomes visible. At this point, she may be directed to gently push or stop altogether as the baby emerges to prevent the vaginal tissues from tearing.
Afterbirth
After the baby fully emerges, the physician or midwife clears the baby's airways and cuts the umbilical cord. As the baby is cleaned, wrapped for warmth and presented to his mother, weak contractions continue to pulse to expel the amniotic sac and placenta, referred to as the afterbirth. The physician or midwife must assure that all afterbirth is removed because it can potentially cause infections.
