Greenslopes Maternity Stages of labour First stage Regular, usually painful, contractions cause the thinning and dilatation of the cervix to 10 centimetres. In the early stages you may experience • vaginal discharge such as thick mucus stained with blood, called a ‘show’ • ruptured membranes (breaking of the waters) • diarrhoea • lower abdominal period-like pain that might come 10 to 30 minutes apart • dull backache What you can do • Have regular drinks, small meals and snacks • Call the Birthing Suites to talk to the midwife • A bath/shower can be helpful • Go to the toilet regularly; every two hours • Try to rest if it’s during the night • Stay at home for as long as you can In the later stages you may experience • More intense contractions, becoming stronger and closer together; they may be three to five minutes apart (this is the time to come into hospital) • Tiredness and restlessness What you can do • Concentrate on one contraction at a time • Rest between contractions • Vary positions from sitting, standing and walking • If you are hot, a cold face washer on the neck and face can be soothing • Continue to drink plenty of fluids and eat light snacks if you feel like it • A bath/shower can be helpful
GPH Materntiy Your Journey Book PI499 0216
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