Labor and Delivery Stages of Childbirth
Stage 1:
Definition of labor
Labor prepares your birth canal for
delivery of your baby through
contractions of your uterus or womb.
These contractions help the baby move
through your vagina.
Signs of Labor
Most labor starts around the baby’s due
date however you can’t predict when your
labor will actually begin.When you feel
frequent and regular contractions, you will
know you are in true labor. Call your
healthcare provider if any of these things
happen:
If you are in labor or think you are.
When your contractions are between 5
and 10 minutes apart.
If you have vaginal bleeding.
As soon as your water breaks,
especially if it is green or brownish
color. Don’t wait for contractions to
begin.
If you can’t walk or talk during your
contractions.
Monitoring during Labor
Your baby’s heart rate will be monitored
or watched during your labor. This won’t
prevent problems but it can alert your
healthcare provider about possible ones.
Special listening devices or electronic
equipment will be used to measure your
baby’s heart rate during your labor pains.
Stage 1 begins when you start regular contractions that
dilate the cervix or mouth of your uterus. Blood tinged
mucous also called the bloody show is passed from the
vagina. The contractions become longer and stronger
near the end of this stage, which is usually the longest
one of childbirth.
Stage 2
Stage 2 starts once your cervix is fully dilated and ends
with the birth of your baby. You will probably be asked
to push during each contraction to help move the baby’s
head down through the birth canal. If this is your first
baby, it may take up to 2 hours or longer.
Stage 3:
Stage 3 starts after the baby is born through delivery
of your placenta also called afterbirth. Your uterus
continues to contract but causes less pain during this
time. This stage is the shortest one lasting up to 15 or
Medication needed to
take
20 minutes.
Most women use medications to help control their
pain during labor and delivery.
Analgesics can ease your pain and allow you to
rest between contractions.
Anesthetics are drugs that remove pain.
Local anesthesia numbs a small area and is
used at the time of delivery.
Regional anesthesia, usually an epidural, can
take away the painful area in your uterus and
pelvic area. With an epidural you are without
pain, awake and able to participate in the birth
of your baby.
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=labor-
and-delivery-138-W1314

Types of Delivery
Vaginal Delivery
Most likely your baby will be born through
your vagina or birth canal. It is the
natural and preferred method. Sometimes
certain procedures are needed to help
deliver your baby safely.
An episiotomy may be advised if your
baby’s head is unable to go through
your vagina without causing the skin
or muscle to tear at the opening.
Sometimes your delivery needs to be
helped along. Your healthcare provider
may use forceps, which are spoon-
shaped instruments, or vacuum caps
placed on your baby’s head, to gently
deliver your baby.
Cesarean Section
Cesarean section or C-section is the
surgical delivery of your baby through a
cut made in your abdomen and uterus. It
may be necessary when certain
conditions make vaginal delivery unwise.
C-section is a safe birthing option that
seldom causes significant problems.
Recovery time after a C-section may be
longer and harder than after a vaginal
delivery.
Breast Feeding
Breastfeeding is one of the most effective
ways to ensure child health and survival.
However, contrary to WHO
recommendations, fewer than half of
infants under 6 months old are exclusively
breastfed.
Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It
is safe, clean and contains antibodies
which help protect against many common
childhood illnesses.
Breastmilk provides all the energy and
nutrients that the infant needs for the
first months of life, and it continues to
provide up to half or more of a child’s
nutritional needs during the second half of
the first year, and up to one third during
the second year of life.
Breastfed children perform better on
intelligence tests, are less likely to be
overweight or obese and less prone to
diabetes later in life.
Women who breastfeed also have a
reduced risk of breast and ovarian
cancers.
Inappropriate marketing of breast-milk
substitutes continues to undermine
efforts to improve breastfeeding rates and
duration worldwide.
.
https://www.who.int/health-
topics/breastfeeding#tab=tab_1
Postanal Care of the
Mother
4 main important things that need to be
done after the newborn is born :
1. Get plenty of rest. Get as much sleep as possible
to cope with tiredness and fatigue. Your baby may
wake up every two to three hours for feeding. To
make sure you’re getting enough rest, sleep when
your baby sleeps.
2. Seek help. Don’t hesitate to accept help from
family and friends during the postpartum period, as
well as after this period. Your body needs to heal,
and practical help around the home can help you get
much-needed rest. Friends or family can prepare
meals, run errands, or help care for other children in
the home.
3. Eat healthy meals. Maintain a healthy diet to
promote healing. Increase your intake of whole
grains, vegetables, fruits, and protein. You should
also increase your fluid intake, especially if you are
breast-feeding.
4. Exercise. Your doctor will let you know when it’s
OK to exercise. The activity should not be strenuous.
Try taking a walk near your house. The change of
scenery is refreshing and can increase your energy
level.
https://www.healthline.com/health/postpartum-
care#adjusting