And now that certain stages have passed, the only certain sign that your baby is due to arrive is the onset of regular contractions, which causes your cervix to open. Labour is imminent when the mucus plug that sealed your cervix falls away as your cervix softens and begins to open. You may notice a small amount of bright red or brownish mucus. The amniotic sac usually ruptures, and most women go into labour within 24 hours of their waters breaking. Once this happens, contractions can intensify, as your baby presses on the opening cervix.
Remember to:
- Move / change positions to relieve muscle tension
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
True or false labour?
False labour occurs when contractions:
- Are irregular and of varying duration
- Don’t intensify over time
- Ease with change of position or activity
- Are not accompanied by mucus
- Are not accompanied by a dilated cervix
True labour happens when contractions:
- Are regular and of equal duration (every 5 minutes)
- Are progressively stronger
- Don’t ease with a change of position or activity
- Are accompanied by a show of mucus /blood
- Are accompanied by a dilated cervix
Three stages of childbirth:
Stage 1 - Uterine contractions fully open the cervix (this is made up of 3 phases)
Stage 2 - The passage of your baby out of the uterus
Stage 3 - Delivery of the placenta
Stage 1
- Phase 1 - Early labour
- The longest phase, and generally the easiest as the cervix begins opening and thins out
- Contractions are short, lasting for ±20-60 seconds at ±20 minute intervals, but become stronger and closer together over a 6-8 hour period
Symptoms of early labour include:
- Cramps, backache, increased urination and bowel movements, pelvic pressure, increased vaginal discharge, leg and hip cramps
Phase 2 - Active labour
- The cervix opens rapidly (±4 cm) and the contractions are more intense
- Contractions are stronger, and last for ±45-60 seconds
- Contractions will be replaced by an urge to push
Phase 3
- This stage is the most difficult and demanding as the cervix opens fully to 8-10 cm and can last ±1-2 hours
- Contractions are very strong, lasting for ±60-90 seconds at 2-3 minute intervals
- Once the cervix is fully opened, if your baby is engaged, its head will fill the centre
- At full enlargement the cervix, uterus and vagina run together to form the birth canal
Stage 2
- As your baby passes down the vagina, under the pubic bone and through the opening in the pelvic floor muscles, the soft bones in the skull overlap
- Once your baby has ‘crowned’ the next few contractions push your baby’s head out of your body
Stage 3
- As your baby leaves your uterus the contractions continue, causing a massive decrease in volume that shears the less flexible placenta from the walls, further contractions push out the placenta.
What happens to your baby? Read here.
*Disclaimer: The information contained in this article should only be used as a general information guide, and is not intended to substitute a healthcare provider’s medical advice / knowledge. Consult your healthcare provider prior to following any information contained herein. While the authors and publishers of this book have made every effort to ensure the information is accurate and correct at the time of going to print, we accept no responsibility for any inconvenience, or injury sustained by any person using this publication or following the information included.