First Stage of Labour - Early Labour, Active Labour and Transition
The first stage of labour, which is often the longest, is divided into three distinct phases: early labour, active labour and transition.
Early Labor
Early labour is signified when the cervix, the entrance to the womb, begins to open and thin (dilates and effaces). This needs to happen to enable the baby to make his way into the birth canal.
During early labour the cervix dilates from 0 centimeters to around 3 centimeters and contractions may begin. Normally the contractions are quite mild to begin with but get stronger and last for longer as the labour progresses. It is during this stage that you may experiences some other signs of labour such as a show, diarrhea and feeling some nausea.
Early labour can last anything from a few hours to a few days before the baby is actually delivered. For first-time mothers it normally lasts longer than for women who have already experienced childbirth. Once your contractions are coming regularly and around five minute apart you should phone your midwife or maternity unit to let them know you are on your way.
Active Labor
During active labour your cervix will dilate to almost 7 centimeters and your contractions will increase in length and intensity. This is the phase when labour begins to get very tiring as mothers don't get much rest between contractions and they become increasingly painful. By this point you should be in the delivery room!
If requested, you should now have access to pain relief. Whilst many mothers opt for a natural birth it can become just too painful so you shouldn't feel bad about it if you do require some help.
Active labour can last many hours although it varies tremendously for each woman. However, if you've already had a baby it shouldn't be just so long.
Transition
Transition is the last phase of the first stage of labour and is when your cervix finally dilates to 10 centimeters. This is usually the shortest but most intense and painful part of labour.
At this point contractions become much stronger and come much more closely together. You may find that each contraction follows on almost without a break between them. You will begin to feel an uncomfortable pressure in your lower back and rectum, almost as if the baby will arrive at any moment.
Transition is the quickest phase and may last anything from just a few minutes up to several hours, although if you've had a previous baby it will likely be shorter this time around. Try not to push until you've been told you are fully dilated as pushing before your cervix is fully dilated can cause swelling or tearing.
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