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GPH Materntiy Your Journey Book PI499 0216

Stages of Labour Stage What is happening 28 Greenslopes Maternity Your Journey What the labouring woman may be feeling Non medicated pain relief strategies What may happen when in hospital Pre-labour (Braxton Hicks contractions) • Painless, irregular contractions “practising” for labour • Baby’s head moving into the pelvis • The cervix may thin and dilate (open) slightly • The mucous plug (show) may come away • Excited • Braxton-Hicks contractions • A burst of energy • Urge to nest • Baby may seem quieter • Diarrhoea • Backache • Rest • Eat light, nourishing meals • A midwife can answer any questions you may have while you are in labour, 24 hours a day. Don’t hesitate to call 1st Stage Early Labour • Uterus contracts rhythmically • Cervix thins and begins to dilate (open) • Baby’s head flexes onto the chest • Mild contractions that may be like menstrual cramps • The membranes (waters) may rupture any time during labour • Contractions gradually getting stronger, longer and closer together • Stay upright, rest between contractions • Warm bath • Empty bladder frequently • Long slow, deep breaths • Massage • During this part of labour it is usually safe to remain at home unless there are complications. However, keep in contact with the hospital and call prior to your arrival 1st Stage Accelerated Phase (active labour) • Contractions establish a pattern • Cervix dilates from 4cm to 8cm • Contractions become noticeable. Lasting up to 60 seconds and may be 3 – 4 minutes apart • The abdomen feels tense during contractions • Back pain • May start to feel quite tired, needing support to stay upright • May find distractions quite annoying • Supported positions, try to remain upright e.g. sitting, kneeling, or pelvic rocking • Massage • Breathe with long slow deep breathes • Relaxation techniques / visualisation • Hot packs • Blood pressure, temperature, pulse • Timing of contractions and baby’s heart rate will be checked regularly • Abdominal palpation • Vaginal examination to assess the progress of labour (will always be done prior pain relief being given) 1st Stage Advanced Labour (Transition) • Cervix dilates from 7cm to 10cm (fully dilated) • The baby’s head is flexed and deep in the pelvis The uterus may make mild pushing efforts • Very strong contractions lasting up to 90 seconds (all encompassing and powerful) • Irritable • May have urge to push at the height of each contraction and you may have anal pressure • Nausea and vomiting are common at this stage • Listen to advice from the midwife regarding the best position to aid the descent of your baby – all fours or upright leaning forward • Regular listening to baby’s heartbeat • The midwife will stay with you during pushing and encourage you both 2nd Stage Pushing • Cervix is fully dilated (10cm) • Baby rotates in the pelvis, trying to find the easiest way out • Gradually more of the baby’s head becomes visible. The head crowns and is born • With the next contraction the shoulders and body are born • Urge to push • May feel a burning sensation as the perineum stretches • A sense of relief is generally felt when the birth of your baby is complete • Get into a comfortable pushing position • Work with the urges, relax all parts of your body not directly involved with pushing, particularly the pelvic floor, mouth and throat • Push only with contractions • The midwife will stay with you • The doctor will ease your baby’s head out, and check that the cord isn’t around his/her neck • The doctor will then support the baby’s shoulders and the rest of your baby will be born and placed on the mother’s chest 3rd Stage Delivery of the Placenta • Placenta separates from the wall of the uterus • Milder uterine contractions • An intense interest in your baby • Push if asked to • The cord is then clamped and cut, often by the father or support person • An injection of oxytocin is given to the mother to help the uterus contract and separate the placenta


GPH Materntiy Your Journey Book PI499 0216
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