Stage I of Child Birth - Early Labor
Early labor in child birth is exciting at first as you realize that it is now time to have your baby and that the birth of your baby is imminent. It is the longest part of labor and the easiest. Your cervix will dilate to four centimeters during this period. Contractions will last between 30 and 60 seconds and be 5 to 10 minutes apart. When you think you are in labor call your health care provider. The early stage of child birth may last from 2 to 10 hours. You'll be instructed not to eat just in case an emergency cesarean section is needed.
Active Labor
During Active Labor you will dilate from 4 to 8 centimeters. Your contractions will be about 45 seconds in length and be about 2 minutes apart. As time goes on you will want to focus on what you are doing and become increasing irritable. This is the stage when nasty things are normally said to a partner. You mind is on childbirth or "getting your baby out!".
Transition
This is your shortest but most intense phase of labor. Your contractions will last from 45 to 60 seconds and be 1 to 2 minutes apart. Your baby will be here soon. Don't be surprised to hear a groan come out of your mouth. It happens to most women and is quite normal during childbirth. You may have uncontrollable trembling or feel cold. You may feel like you want to vomit. You are less concerned about modesty at this point. You may feel a loss of control over the situation or feel like you can't take another contraction. If offered medication you are most likely to take it.
Before the onset of labor and delivery your body will give you signs that full blown labor is about to begin. One of the signs of labor is "Lightening" which is when your abdomen seems to drop thus the term. Your baby moves into position for birth. Indigestion will not be as apparent in labor.
Another of the labor signs is the release of the mucous plug. As the cervix begins to dilate or open up, there will be a mucous discharge. It may be tinges with blood or be pinkish in color. If you notice any bright red discharge call your health care provider immediately! You could be bleeding which could be a life threatening condition.
Just before labor begins you may experience "nesting", a sudden urge to clean or a burst of energy.
All of the above conditions can occur days or week before labor and indicate that labor is imminent.
Your membranes may rupture. When this happens you may feel a gush of fluid coming from your vagina. Call your health care provider immediately. You are in true labor. You'll need to be monitored as infection can set in causing danger to your baby. If you think you are too early to delivery it will be too late to stop the labor. Labor contractions will increase in frequency and pain after the rupture of the amniotic sac. With most women this does not occur until they are about to deliver.
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