What major event occurs during the first stage of labor?
Labor and delivery involves three stages, including contraction and labor, pushing and birth of the baby, and the exit of the placenta. That said, all people tend to experience the stages differently. Knowing what to expect at each stage can help you feel calm and prepared once labor begins. Show
OverviewWhat are the stages of labor?Labor (childbirth) is the process of a baby leaving your uterus through your vagina or a cesarean birth (c-section). It usually happens between 37 and 42 weeks (9 to 10 months) of pregnancy. There are three stages of labor:
All people experience the stages of labor and delivery differently. Some stages last longer than others. People who’ve had children before may go through the stages more quickly than a person giving birth for the first time. What is the first stage of labor?The first and longest stage of labor can last anywhere from 12 to 19 hours, though people who’ve had children before may go through this stage much faster, anywhere from four to 12 hours. During this stage, your contractions become strong and regular. During a contraction, muscles in your uterus tighten and relax to help push your baby out. Your cervix dilates (widens) and effaces (thins). Your baby progresses within your birth canal with the help of these stronger and more frequent contractions, This first stage has two phases: early labor and active labor. Early laborEarly labor lasts anywhere from six to 12 hours. It mostly happens at home, but you should be ready to go to the hospital. During early labor:
Contractions don’t always mean you’ve gone into labor. Some people have “false labor,” or Braxton Hicks contractions in the weeks or days leading up to labor. They’re your body’s way of getting ready for birth. Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, while true labor contractions are at regular intervals. This is the best way to tell the difference between the two types. Active laborActive labor typically lasts between four and eight hours. When this phase starts, you should already be in the hospital. During active labor:
What is the second stage of labor?The first stage of labor ends and the second stage begins when your cervix is 10 centimeters dilated. This is usually the most difficult stage of labor because you start trying to push your baby out. It can last anywhere from half an hour to several hours. You can expect:
Some people have their baby by a planned or unplanned cesarean birth (c-section). Instead of pushing your baby out through your vagina, a healthcare provider makes a cut in your belly and uterus to remove your baby. What is the third stage of labor?The third stage of labor is the shortest. It doesn’t usually last longer than 20 minutes. You push out the placenta (afterbirth), which is the organ that develops in your uterus during pregnancy. It supplies your baby with oxygen and nutrients and removes waste from your baby’s blood. During the third stage of labor:
If you have a c-section, your provider removes the placenta when they remove your baby from your uterus. Is there a fourth stage of labor?Some experts consider the two to three hours after the delivery of the placenta to be a fourth stage of labor. This is the time when parents may start to bond with their new baby. Your uterus also relaxes and healthcare providers monitor you for any abnormal bleeding. Possible CausesWhat makes you go into labor?Experts believe that when your baby is ready for birth, they release a small amount of a substance that triggers your hormones to start the labor process. For most people, this happens naturally between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. In some cases, a healthcare provider will induce labor. This means you take a medicine that makes your body go into labor. Labor induction might be necessary if:
Care and TreatmentHow is each stage of labor managed?Each stage of labor and delivery will be different for every person. There are some techniques you can use to stay more comfortable during labor. Your healthcare provider may also provide treatments to keep you and your baby safe during labor and delivery. How is the first stage of labor managed?During the first stage of labor, try and stay relaxed. You may feel better if you:
At the hospital:
How is the second stage of labor managed?During the second stage of labor:
How is the third stage of labor managed?During the third stage of labor:
When to Call the DoctorWhen should I contact my doctor about labor?Once contractions are every five minutes for at least one hour, call your healthcare provider or the hospital labor floor. If your water breaks, whether or not you notice contractions, call your healthcare provider or the hospital labor floor. Even if it’s early in the first stage of labor, or you think you’re having Braxton Hicks contractions, let your care team know what’s going on. Get help right away if you experience:
A note from Cleveland Clinic All people experience the three stages of labor differently. Knowing what to expect during each phase can help you stay calm. Making a detailed birth plan with your healthcare provider is a great way to prepare for labor and delivery. Consider having a designated birthing partner to offer support and encouragement during the process. Your partner might be a spouse, friend, family member or doula. Share Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/01/2022. References
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What happens during 1st stage of labor?During the 1st stage of labour, contractions make your cervix gradually open (dilate). This is usually the longest stage of labour. At the start of labour, your cervix starts to soften so it can open. This is called the latent phase and you may feel irregular contractions.
Which of these occurs during the first stage of labor?The first stage of labor begins with the onset of regular uterine contractions with concomitant cervical dilation and effacement, and it ends with complete cervical dilation.
What does the first stage of labor begin and end with?The first stage starts when labor begins and ends with full cervical dilation and effacement. The second stage commences with complete cervical dilation and ends with the delivery of the fetus. The third stage initiates after the fetus is delivered and ends when the placenta is delivered.
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