How to Identify the Stages of Labor

Understanding the labor process can be quite challenging if you aren't familiar with the terms. There are four stages of labor: dilation stage, expulsive stage, placental stage and the immediate postpartum stage. The following article will help you understand the stages and what happens in each one of them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

How to Identify the First Stage: Dilation

1. The first stage of labor is divided into three phases: latent, active and transition. The first stage of labor begins with the onset of labor and ends with complete dilation, when the cervix reaches 10 centimeters.
2. The first phase during this stage is called the latent phase. During the latent phase, contractions begin to get regular. The cervix begins effacing and dilation to 3 centimeters occurs. Fetal descent is very slow during this phase and the pelvic bones begin to relax.
3. The second phase during this stage is called the active phase. During this phase, effacement continues and dilation to 8 centimeters occurs. The contractions begin to get in a more regular pattern and become closer together.
4. The third phase during this stage is called the transition phase. During this phase, effacement is complete and dilation to 10 centimeters occurs. The contractions are relatively close together (generally every 1 or 2 minutes) and are strong in intensity. This is the last part of the dilation stage.

How to Identify the Second Stage: Expulsive

5. During this stage the baby begins to do his internal rotation and continues to descend into the pelvis.
6. The uterus pushes the baby through the birth canal.
7. The baby is born.

How to Identify the Third Stage: Placental

8. After the baby is born you will most likely have a break in contractions that lasts anywhere from a few minutes up to an hour or so.
9. Contractions will begin again, but they won't be as intense as transition contractions. These contractions mean that the placenta is detaching from the uterus.
10. The doctor or midwife will want you to give a few small pushes as your placenta is birthed or expelled.
11. Your doctor or midwife will put your placenta in a pan and examine it thoroughly to make sure the entire placenta came out.

How to Identify the Fourth Stage: Immediate Postpartum

12. This stage begins after the delivery of the placenta and lasts through the first four hours after birth.
13. During this stage you and the baby will be monitored closely to make sure that both of you are doing well.
14. The nurses will monitor your blood pressure, fundal height, color and amount of lochia (bleeding), temperature and overall health. If you are breastfeeding, she will make sure that it is going well.
15. The nurses will monitor the baby's temperature, bowel habits, eating habits and overall health.

Tips & Warnings

• As the contractions get stronger and more intense, you will need additional support. Be prepared to use natural coping mechanisms such as position changes, hydrotherapy and massage.
• If you want to see your placenta, make sure you tell your provider before they dispose of it.
• If you want to take your placenta home, bring a hefty duty bag for safe transport.
• If you have chosen to breastfeed, make sure that you speak with a lactation consultant.