What to Expect During Labour: A Guide for Mums-to-be

Labour and childbirth are significant moments in any parent’s life, filled with excitement, anticipation, and a fair amount of nervousness. While everyone’s experience is unique, there are some common stages and scenarios that expectant parents can prepare for. This complete guide will walk you through what to expect during labour, providing reassurance and practical advice to help you feel more informed and in control of the process.

Understanding what happens during labour can make it less intimidating. From the stages of labour to pain management options, the role of your antenatal care, and tips for coping, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Stages of Labour

Labour is typically divided into three main stages. Understanding these stages can help you anticipate the process and feel more prepared.

Stage 1: Early and Active Labour

The first stage of labour is when your body begins to prepare for childbirth. This stage is split into two parts: early labour and active labour.

Early Labour

In early labour, your cervix begins to dilate and soften, making way for the baby to move into position. You may experience mild contractions during this phase, which can last several hours or even days. Many women are encouraged to stay at home during early labour and use relaxation techniques like antenatal yoga, breathing exercises, and light activity to manage discomfort.

During your antenatal appointments, your midwife or doctor will have discussed what to look out for during early labour, such as the timing of contractions and when to head to the hospital or birth centre. It’s a good idea to have your hospital bag packed well in advance and to review your birth plan with your birth partner.

Active Labour

Active labour is when things start to progress more rapidly. Your contractions will become more intense and regular, with your cervix dilating more quickly. It’s likely that you’ll move to the hospital or midwife-led unit at this point, where you’ll be closely monitored. This is a good time to use techniques you may have practised in antenatal classes, such as massage for pregnancy and breathing exercises, to help you stay calm and focused.

Your antenatal care team will support you during this time, ensuring you and your baby are safe. Many hospitals and birth centres offer antenatal massage, water therapy, and birthing balls to help ease discomfort during labour. If you’re planning a home birth, your midwife will arrive with the necessary equipment to monitor your progress.

Stage 2: Pushing and Delivery

Once your cervix is fully dilated (10 centimetres), the second stage of labour begins: pushing. This stage can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on various factors, including whether it’s your first baby.

Your antenatal education will play a vital role here, as you may have practised different pushing positions and techniques during antenatal classes. Some women find it helpful to move around, kneel, or use a birthing ball during this stage, while others may prefer lying down.

Your midwife or doctor will guide you through this stage, helping you push effectively. They’ll also monitor the baby’s heart rate to ensure everything is progressing safely.

Stage 3: Delivery of the Placenta

After your baby is born, there’s one final stage: delivering the placenta. This usually happens within 30 minutes after birth. You may be given an injection to help speed up this process, which is common practice in many UK hospitals and birthing centres. Your antenatal clinic should have provided you with information on this during your pregnancy clinic visits, so you know what to expect.

Once the placenta is delivered, your midwife will check to ensure everything has been properly expelled, and then you’ll be able to spend some precious bonding time with your baby.

Pain Management Options During Labour

Pain during labour is natural, but there are many options available to help manage it. From natural methods like antenatal yoga and massage for pregnancy to medical interventions, it’s important to explore what might work best for you.

Natural Pain Relief Methods

Antenatal Yoga and Breathing Techniques: Practising antenatal yoga or prenatal yoga throughout your pregnancy can equip you with valuable breathing and relaxation techniques. These can be incredibly helpful during labour, allowing you to manage contractions more calmly and with greater control.

Antenatal Massage: Some women find that antenatal massage or light touch during labour helps reduce tension and ease discomfort. Having your birth partner or midwife massage your lower back or shoulders can promote relaxation during pregnancy and labour.

Water Therapy: Many women choose to use water, either through a warm bath or birthing pool, to manage pain during labour. Water can help you feel more weightless and relaxed, which may make contractions more bearable.

Medical Pain Relief Options

In addition to natural methods, there are several medical pain relief options to consider:

Gas and Air (Entonox): A mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide, gas and air is commonly used in labour and can take the edge off contractions. It’s a popular choice because it’s easy to use and wears off quickly.

Epidural: An epidural provides more significant pain relief by numbing the lower half of your body. It’s administered by an anaesthetist and is often used in hospital settings. Your antenatal education or antenatal clinic visits will have covered the pros and cons of epidurals so you can make an informed decision.

Pethidine or Diamorphine: These are opioid-based injections that can help manage pain during labour. They’re often offered in the early stages of active labour and can make you feel more relaxed and drowsy.

Coping Mentally and Emotionally During Labour

Labour isn’t just a physical challenge – it can also be mentally and emotionally taxing. Preparation through antenatal classes near you, pregnancy yoga classes, or antenatal fitness programmes can help build your mental stamina and confidence ahead of labour.

Antenatal Education and Support

One of the most valuable aspects of antenatal care is the education and support you receive throughout pregnancy. Antenatal classes near you will teach you coping strategies for labour, including relaxation during pregnancy and techniques to stay calm under pressure.

It’s also helpful to have a strong support system during labour. Your birth partner, whether it’s a spouse, family member, or close friend, can offer invaluable emotional support. They can advocate for your wishes, keep you calm, and help you focus on the experience.

When Labour Doesn’t Go to Plan

It’s important to acknowledge that labour may not always follow the plan you envisioned. Being flexible is key.

For instance, you may need to move from a midwife-led unit to a hospital labour ward if complications arise. Your antenatal care team will always prioritise the safety of you and your baby. While it’s natural to feel disappointed if things change unexpectedly, remember that your health and your baby’s well-being are the top priorities.

Your antenatal appointments and antenatal scans will have provided you with the information to help manage your expectations and prepare you for the possibility of changes during labour.

Conclusion

Understanding what to expect during labour can help you feel more confident and in control as you approach this life-changing event. From the stages of labour to pain management options and the support provided by antenatal care, preparing yourself both physically and mentally will ensure you’re as ready as possible.

Remember, every labour is unique, and it’s important to remain flexible. The antenatal support you’ve received throughout your pregnancy, whether through antenatal yoga, antenatal massage, or your antenatal clinic visits, will have equipped you with the tools and knowledge you need for a positive birthing experience.