Labor, or childbirth, has 3 stages. Stage 2 starts once your cervix is fully dilated. It ends with the birth of your baby. Stage 3 starts after your baby is born.
What Happens During Labor: Stages 2 and 3Labor, or childbirth, has 3 stages. Stage 2 starts once your cervix is fully dilated. It ends with the birth of your baby. Stage 3 starts after your baby is born.What happens in stage 2Most likely your baby will be born through your vagina, or birth canal. It is the natural and preferred method. It may take you from 20 minutes to a couple hours to give birth to your baby. It often takes longer if you are having your first child.In stage 2, you will probably be asked to push during each contraction. Doing so helps move your baby down the birth canal. During this stage, you may want to try different positions, such as squatting or sitting, to find what’s most comfortable for you. Your labor coach can also help you with your breathing and relaxation exercises.Once your baby’s head appears, which is called crowning, your healthcare provider will help guide your baby out. After you have given birth, the umbilical cord will be cut.If you need helpSometimes certain procedures may be done to help with childbirth. For example, you may need an episiotomy if your baby’s head is unable to go through your vagina without causing the skin or muscle to tear at the opening.Or, your healthcare provider may use forceps, which are spoon-shaped instruments, or vacuum caps placed on your baby’s head, to help deliver your baby.Cesarean section, or C-section, is the surgical delivery of your baby through a cut made in your abdomen and uterus. It may be needed when certain conditions make vaginal delivery unwise.C-section is a safe birthing option that seldom causes major problems. But recovery time after a C-section may be longer and harder than after a vaginal delivery.What happens in stage 3After you have your baby, you will enter stage 3 of childbirth. This is the shortest stage. It can last from 5 to 30 minutes.During this time, your uterus continues to contract but causes less pain. These contractions help you deliver the placenta, or afterbirth. The placenta is the organ that has provided food and oxygen through the umbilical cord to your baby.At this stage, you will be able to hold your baby. You may also start breastfeeding, if you plan to do so.What we have learnedIn stage 2, it’s best to lie down during contractions. True or false? The answer is "false." You may want to try different positions, such as squatting or sitting, to find the one most comfortable for you.Recovery from a vaginal delivery is often faster and easier than from a C-section. True or false? The answer is "true." A C-section is the surgical delivery of your baby through a cut made in your abdomen and uterus.Your uterus continues to contract in stage 3. True or false? The answer is "true." These contractions are less painful and help you deliver the placenta.
Author: Semko, Laura
Date Last Reviewed: 04/30/2020
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