A Brief on Labor Signs and Stages

Though different women face the different intensity of pain and different indications of the ones faced by almost all of them are:

1. Regular and Strong Contractions

When you face contractions, your uterus tightens and then relaxes. This causes pain and you might feel the need to go to the loo over and over again as your baby places pressure on your uterus. If these contractions are regular the intensity is strong and they last for more than 30 seconds, you must consult your doctor and get your hospital bag packed.

2. Water Breaking

In some women, water breaks down indicating the time for the baby to arrive. In such a case, you have a discharge from your vagina. The amniotic fluid, in which the baby stays, breaks down and there is a sudden gush of water from your vagina. If it is stained with blood or if blood is also oozing out, you need to go to your doctor immediately.

3. Backache

There is going to be severe backache during contractions and labor.

4. Bloody Show

This is a condition in which pink color mucus comes out of your vagina, indicating that the baby is all set to come out and your body is also ready for it. It is a sticky liquid that might or might not appear before your labor. If it appears, then it is surely a sign of labor and your baby can be with you within 2-3 days.

[Read : Early Signs That Labor is Coming Soon]

Four Stages of Labor in a Vaginal Delivery

1. First Stage of Labor

In the first stage of labor, your cervix opens up gradually to make way for the baby to come out. This is in a dilated state, but the doctor would wait till the second stage of labor till the cervix is fully dilated. In this stage, you can move around, walk freely and drink water and other juice,  prepare yourself for the coming to the second stage.

2. Second Stage of Labor

In this stage, the cervix opens up completely giving way for your child’s birth. It is called a fully dilated state. Your baby needs an opening of say, 10 cm and even if the cervix opens up to say, 3 cm it is called fully dilated. The doctor will encourage you to take deep breaths and push your baby down.

3. Final Stage of Labor

It is after the birth of the baby, your womb contracts and forces the placenta to move out. After facing all this pain and doing a lot of hard work, you can have the pleasure of enjoying your baby’s company.

[Read : How Long Will My Labor Last?]

Now you know the labor signs and stages. Notice the contractions in your body, but do not freak out or stress yourself out. If you are having a normal pregnancy, and contractions do not happen before 37 weeks, there is no need to worry. However, just in case it is before 37 weeks, call your doctor immediately. Always notice the color of the mucus and vaginal discharge, and remember to mention the same to the doctor.

Active Labor can be long or short, and in pain many women take epidurals. Stay Calm, Trust in God, and Stay Positive. Labor is doable, for sure!

Holding your baby in your arms is such a heavenly experience and all the pain you go through simply seems worth it.

Read Also: Natural Ways To Manage Labor Pains