The onset of labour is so exciting because it means your baby is on the way! Some people can also feel a bit anxious because they either feel unprepared, or scared of the unpredictability of labour. But don’t worry! We’ll break down what to expect in this step-by-step guide to labour so you feel prepared and confident about your birth.

Before Labour

If you haven’t already, you should have your birth bag packed and birth wishes ready.

A prenatal and parenting class are great investments in preparing for labour & birth as well. If you’re looking for resources to prepare for birth, check out my Birth Prep Bundle!

Remember, birth is a marathon, not a sprint! Understanding the stages of labour before you start your marathon can help you pace and stay confident as you navigate your birth journey.

The Stages of Labour

PRETERM LABOUR

Let’s just get this part out of the way now. Preterm labour can lead to premature birth.

The risks of premature labour means your premature baby is more likely to have underdeveloped organ systems, and may require assistance with eating, breathing, fighting infection and staying warm.

There is no known cause for preterm labour and can happen to both those with or without risk factors.

How to know if you’re going in to preterm labour?

Preterm labour is when regular contractions begin to open your cervix, and occurs between 20 and 37 weeks gestation. It is important to understand the signs and symptoms of preterm labour so you can contact your care provider if you experience any symptoms prior to 37 weeks gestation.

Signs and Symptoms

Regular or frequent contractions, abdominal tightening
Low and constant backpain
Pelvic or lower abdominal pressure
Mild cramping
Spotting or light bleeding
Premature rupture of membranes
Change in vaginal discharge

FULL TERM LABOUR

Full term means your baby has had enough time to fully develop and is ready for the world outside the womb!

Term babies are born between 37 and 41 weeks gestation. Babies born after 42 weeks gestation are post term. Here is a breakdown of the three stages.

First Stage Labour: Dilation and Effacement of the Cervix

This stage is the most well known of labour. It’s described as when a birthing person experiences uterine contractions that dilate and efface the cervix.

There are three phases to the first stage of labour:

Second Stage Labour: Pushing

An analogy of first stage labour is like climbing Mount Everest. Second stage labour is like the descent – you’ve reached the peak, you’re on a high of adrenaline and endorphins, and you’re ready to meet your baby!

It is normal for a pause of 20 to 30 minutes after full dilation and effacement, before pushing begins.

Contractions in this stage are powerful lasting 60 to 90 seconds, and it’s important to follow your instincts when pushing.

You may feel strong and uncontrollable urges to push, or more pressure in the rectum to guide your pushing. A burning sensation in your perineum and vagina is common when your skin is stretched to accommodate your baby’s head.

Your care providers will focus on you and your baby to help you push effectively. Once your baby is born, they can be put directly on your chest for immediate skin-to-skin cuddling and feeding.

Stage Three Labour: Birth of the Placenta

Cutting the Cord

Unless the umbilical cord is around you baby’s neck during birth, in which case primary care will address immediately, you can decide how long to leave the cord before it is clamped and cut.

Primary care will clamp the cord 3-4 cm from your baby’s navel and at the end of the cord, near the placenta. The cord is cut between the two clamps, leaving a 2-3 cm stump on your baby’s navel.

Anyone, even your partner, can cut the cord!

Risks to a Natural Third Stage

Blood loss after delivery of your baby and placenta is common, and there are certain health risks to having a natural third stage.

Specifically, people who cannot afford any blood loss, are anemic, have bled heavily during pregnancy, or had previous third stage problems, should discuss natural third stage with their care providers.

REFERENCES:

American Pregnancy Association. “First Stage of Labor,” American Pregnancy Association, https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/first-stage-of-labor/. Accessed 03 April 2022.

Health Link BC. “Stages of Labour,” Health Link BC, https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/pregnancy-parenting/labour-and-birth/stages-labour. Accessed 03 April 2022.

“Labour and Birth: Stages of Labour,” Healthy Parents Healthy Children, https://www.healthyparentshealthychildren.ca/im-pregnant/labour-and-birth/stages-of-labour. Accessed 03 April 2022.

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Stages of Labor and Birth: Baby It’s Time!” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/stages-of-labor/art-20046545. Accessed 03 April 2022.

From Packing Your Bags to Cutting the Cord: A Step-by-Step Guide to Labour