Preparing for Labour: What to Expect During Each Stage

Labour is a transformative and powerful experience, one that brings excitement and apprehension in equal measure. As your due date approaches, it’s natural to feel a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. To help ease those feelings, preparation is key. Knowing what to expect during each stage of labour can make the process less daunting and empower you to approach childbirth with confidence. One of the best ways to prepare is by attending antenatal classes, where you’ll gain insights into each stage of labour, along with techniques to manage the process.

In this article, we’ll explore each stage of labour in detail, outline what to expect, and discuss how antenatal education, breathing techniques, and other supportive measures can help you through each phase.

Understanding the Stages of Labour

Labour is divided into three distinct stages, each with its own physical and emotional demands. These stages are:

The First Stage: This is the longest stage and is divided into two phases — early (latent) labour and active labour. During this stage, the cervix dilates to 10 centimetres.

The Second Stage: This is the pushing stage, during which the baby is born.

The Third Stage: The placenta is delivered during this stage, and it marks the completion of labour.

Let’s dive deeper into each of these stages to understand what happens and how you can prepare effectively.

The First Stage of Labour: Early Labour and Active Labour

The first stage of labour can be divided into two key phases: early labour and active labour. This stage is when your cervix begins to dilate, and contractions become more regular and intense.

Early Labour

During early labour, you’ll experience mild to moderate contractions that feel like intense menstrual cramps. These contractions may be irregular at first, coming anywhere between 20 to 30 minutes apart and gradually increasing in intensity and frequency. The cervix will dilate from 0 to around 4 centimetres during this time.

What to Expect:

Contractions may last around 30 to 45 seconds and feel mild at first.

This phase can last from a few hours to a few days, particularly for first-time mothers.

You may experience a “show,” which is the release of the mucus plug that has sealed the cervix.

Coping Tips:

Early labour is an ideal time to rest, hydrate, and eat light, nutritious meals. Focus on staying calm and relaxed.

Practice deep breathing techniques learned in your antenatal classes to manage early contractions. Slow, rhythmic breathing can help keep your mind focused and your body relaxed.

Consider gentle movement, like walking or antenatal yoga, to help labour progress.

Active Labour

Active labour is when things become more intense. Your contractions will grow stronger, longer, and closer together. The cervix will dilate from around 4 to 10 centimetres. This phase typically lasts between 4 to 8 hours for first-time mothers but can be quicker for women who have given birth before.

What to Expect:

Contractions will occur every 3 to 5 minutes and last for about 60 seconds each.

You may experience back pain, pressure in your lower abdomen, and increasing discomfort as labour progresses.

You might find it difficult to talk or focus during contractions.

Coping Tips:

Use deep breathing or patterned breathing techniques, such as inhale for four counts, exhale for six counts, to manage the intensity of contractions.

Consider changing positions often to help your baby move into an optimal position for birth. Upright positions like standing, squatting, or kneeling can be beneficial.

Massage or counter-pressure from a birth partner can help alleviate discomfort in your back or pelvis. Prenatal massage techniques can provide relief as well.

A warm bath or shower can provide natural pain relief and relaxation.

Antenatal support is crucial during this stage. Antenatal classes often cover practical tips for managing active labour, from breathing exercises to pain management options. To learn more about breathing techniques, consider reading NHS Antenatal Classes.

The Second Stage of Labour: Pushing and Birth

Once your cervix has fully dilated to 10 centimetres, you’ll enter the second stage of labour — the pushing phase. This stage involves delivering your baby and can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours, depending on various factors such as whether this is your first baby or if you’ve had an epidural.

What to Expect

You’ll experience a strong urge to push with each contraction as your baby moves down the birth canal.

Contractions may become less frequent but more intense, lasting 60 to 90 seconds.

You may feel pressure in your pelvis, similar to the need for a bowel movement, as your baby’s head descends.

Your baby will begin to crown, which is when the head becomes visible at the opening of the vagina.

Coping Tips

Breathing techniques are essential during this stage. Slow, controlled breathing will help you focus and avoid pushing too quickly, which can reduce the risk of tearing.

Work with your healthcare provider to find comfortable positions for pushing. Upright or squatting positions can be effective in using gravity to assist the baby’s descent.

Stay hydrated and sip water between contractions to keep your energy levels up.

Communicate with your birth team about how you’re feeling and any discomfort you’re experiencing. They can offer guidance and support to help you manage this stage of labour.

If you’ve attended antenatal classes near me, you’ve likely learned various antenatal care techniques that can help during this stage, such as controlled pushing and breathing strategies. These classes provide practical guidance to help you feel more confident and prepared for the pushing stage.

The Third Stage of Labour: Delivery of the Placenta

The third and final stage of labour begins after your baby is born and involves delivering the placenta. This stage typically lasts between 10 to 30 minutes.

What to Expect

You may continue to feel mild contractions, which help the placenta detach from the uterine wall.

Your midwife or healthcare provider may encourage you to push again to help expel the placenta.

Once the placenta is delivered, your healthcare team will check to ensure it’s complete, as any retained tissue can cause complications.

You’ll receive uterine massage to encourage the uterus to contract and prevent excessive bleeding.

Coping Tips

You may not feel much during this stage as you’ll likely be focused on your newborn.

Controlled breathing can help you manage any mild discomfort or pressure during the placenta’s delivery.

Focus on bonding with your baby, whether through skin-to-skin contact or breastfeeding, which can stimulate oxytocin production and aid in the placenta’s expulsion.

The third stage of labour is typically less intense than the previous two, but it’s still essential to understand what happens during this period. Antenatal education often covers what to expect in the third stage of labour and the immediate postpartum period.

Preparing for Labour with Antenatal Education

One of the most valuable steps you can take in preparing for labour is attending antenatal classes. These classes provide comprehensive information on what to expect during labour, pain management techniques, and how to navigate the emotional and physical challenges of childbirth.

The Benefits of Antenatal Education

Understanding Labour Stages: Antenatal classes offer a detailed overview of each stage of labour, so you’ll know what to expect at every step. They’ll also teach you how to recognise the signs of labour, when to head to the hospital, and what to pack in your hospital bag.

Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: Learning and practising breathing techniques through antenatal yoga or specific breathing exercises can be immensely helpful during labour. These techniques help manage pain, reduce anxiety, and keep you focused.

Partner Support: Many classes encourage birth partners to participate and provide them with tools to support you during labour. This includes learning how to give antenatal massages, help with relaxation techniques, and be an emotional support person during each stage of labour.

If you’re wondering where to find classes, search for antenatal classes near me to find local options that cater to your needs.

Antenatal Yoga and Fitness

Antenatal yoga or yoga during pregnancy is another excellent way to prepare for labour. These classes are designed to help you stretch, strengthen, and relax your body in preparation for childbirth. Many antenatal fitness programmes also focus on improving flexibility and pelvic floor strength, which are essential for a smooth labour and delivery.

According to the NHS, prenatal yoga can improve both physical and mental health during pregnancy, helping expectant mothers to better cope with labour.

Self-Care During Pregnancy

In addition to antenatal education, self-care is essential for labour preparation. Taking time for relaxation and stress management can positively affect your birth experience.

Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massage is a great way to alleviate discomfort and stress during pregnancy. Regular antenatal massages can help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. Studies show that pregnancy massage benefits can include reduced anxiety, decreased swelling, and overall improved mood, which are all beneficial for labour preparation. Learn more about the benefits of prenatal massage.

Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation during pregnancy is crucial, not only for your well-being but also for labour preparation

. Learning how to relax your body and mind through breathing exercises, meditation, or mindfulness can help you stay calm and focused during labour.

Conclusion

Understanding the stages of labour and how to prepare for each one is an important part of your antenatal care journey. With the right knowledge, skills, and support system, you can approach labour feeling confident and empowered. Attending antenatal classes, practising antenatal yoga, and learning relaxation techniques are just a few ways to prepare for this transformative experience.

Remember that every labour is unique, and your body knows what to do. Trust yourself, rely on your support network, and use the coping techniques you’ve learned throughout your pregnancy to navigate the journey of childbirth.