Stages of labour

Signs labour has started

Contractions (uterus muscles starts to contract, become stronger as labour progresses) , water breaking (bag of amniotic fluid breaks causing liquid to leave the body) , show (mucus plug sealing the uterus comes away from the cervix)

Stage 1

As the neck of the uterus continues to open, contractions become stronger and more pain relief is needed, mothers are encouraged to move around, the cervix dilates to 9cm, the babies head becomes engaged, intense pressure from the babies head causes high levels of pain, contractions get closer and closer together

Stage 2

The cervix is dilated to 10cm. the baby is pushed out through the birth canal. The mother pushes during contractions, and the baby’s head and body are delivered. This stage ends when the baby is born.

Stage 3

The shortest stage of labour. Contractions begin again and these push the placenta out. An injection of Syntocinon may be given to help with this. The mother is usually tired and the injection prevents blood loss. If there’s a tear or a cut the mother is also stitched at this time.