True Labor

False Labor

An overview

Contractions
begin irregular then
become regular in
frequency.

painless, irregular
frequency, &
intermittent

felt in lower back,

radiating to abdomen

decrease in
frequency, duration, &
intensity with comfort
measures

continues despite
comfort measures
(walking,
repositioning)

often stops when

asleep or after
drinking fluids or
using the bathroom

Childbirth

Stages of

Cervix
progressive change in no change in opening
opening & thinning
or thinning
bloody mucus
discharge

no bloody mucus
discharge

Labor

Fetus
baby is lowering into
pelvis

baby is not lowering

into pelvis

References
http://health.shorehealth.org/pregnancy/000126.htm
https://www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/home/articles/information-secondstage-labour
Prater, D. (2013). Registered nurse maternal newborn nursing
(Edition 9.0 ed.). Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC.

Charleen Kahapea
N320
February 2015

1st Stage

2nd Stage

Early Labor:

From full dilation to birth of baby

Dilation 0-3cm

Mom is talkative,

Mom is having intense contractions

excited, and maybe

anxious

Mom needs rest,

support, eat if
hungry, and stay
hydrated

Active
Phase:
Dilation 4-7cm

Mom is anxious, restless, and maybe feeling

every 1-2 mins.

Mom needs lots of continued

encouragement and support.

Tips for mom pace yourself so you can

3rd Stage
From birth to delivery of the
placenta

Time: this can take about 5-30 mins.

Mom is relieved and filled with joy.

Mom needs bonding time and rest.

save your energy for pushing. * Use the

same muscles you would use to have a
bowel movement. * Breathe deeply.

Time: few minutes to 2 hours

stronger contractions

Mom needs continued support, comfort

measures such as position changes

Transition Phase:
Dilation 8-10 cm

Mom is tired, restless, irritable, and may feel

out of control

Mom needs lots of encouragement, continued

support and reassurance

4th Stage
Checking to make sure mom &
baby are doing okay

Frequent vitals and

assessments will be done

An episiotomy is a surgical cut in the

muscular area between the vagina and the
anus (the area called the perineum) made just
before delivery to enlarge your vaginal
opening.

Time: 1-4 hrs