It starts with regular uterine contractions and reaches 10 centimeters when the cervix is fully expanded so that the fetal head can be delivered. For first-time women, this process takes 4 to 24 hours.
Cooperation with the first stage of labor:
1. Eliminate fear and remain calm and optimistic;
2. Eat on time, eat and drink well, and supplement enough nutrition;
3. Urinate on time, once every 2-4 hours, and empty your bladder to avoid hindering the descent of the fetal head;
4. If the fetal membranes are not ruptured, you can walk into the waiting room with the doctor\’s consent;
5. You can also do some actions to assist pain relief during uterine contractions.
second stage of labor
It is the period from complete dilation of the cervix to delivery of the fetus. First-time mothers need half an hour to two hours.
The peak period of labor is here and the baby is about to be born. The fetal head moves closer to the vaginal opening. As the fetal head presses against the pelvic floor, bulges appear in the vulva and anus areas. The fetal head will soon be visible, moving forward with each contraction and possibly sliding back a little as the contractions subside.
When seeing the fetal head, the midwife will tell the pregnant woman not to exert too much force, because if the fetal head is delivered too quickly, the skin of the pregnant woman\’s perineum may tear, so the pregnant woman should relax and take a few seconds to let her catch her breath. Pregnant women will have an episiotomy if there is a risk of serious tearing, or if the fetus is at risk. When the fetal head expands the vaginal opening, pregnant women will feel tingling, followed by numbness. This is caused by nerve conduction being blocked when the vaginal tissue expands very thin.
When the head is delivered, the baby is face down. The midwife may want to check the umbilical cord to make sure the baby\’s neck is not tangled with the umbilical cord (the umbilical cord often becomes tangled around the head when the baby\’s body is delivered). Then, turn the baby\’s head to one side so that the head is in line with the shoulders. The midwife cleans the baby\’s eyes, nose, and mouth and, if necessary, suctions fluid from the baby\’s respiratory tract.
During the next two contractions, the baby\’s body slides out of the mother\’s uterus. Typically the midwife will put her hands under the baby\’s armpits and then lift her onto the mother\’s belly while the baby is still attached to the umbilical cord. At first the baby looks a little blue, his skin is covered in vernix and has blood stains, and he cries. Additionally, the midwife will clean the baby\’s airway again and administer oxygen if necessary.
third stage of labor
From delivery of the fetus to release of the placenta. First-time mothers need ten minutes to an hour and a half. After the baby is delivered, there will still be uterine contractions to promote the delivery of the placenta, but at this time the contractions are relatively painless. Afterwards, the doctor will tidy up the pregnant woman\’s vagina and perform partial sutures if there are any gaps in the vulva.