What are the three stages of labour?

During pregnancy, the anticipation of labour may feel like one big waiting game, but in reality, labour is a dynamic journey with sometimes distinct and sometimes subtle stages. Each stage offers you and your midwife clues about your progress and how close you are to meeting your precious arrival.

There are technically four stages of labour, including the latent phase which happens before active/established labour kicks in, and I’ll explain each stage during this blog post. Understanding these stages empowers you to navigate labour with more confidence. It may help you to recognise the shifts, celebrate milestones, and even estimate (with some flexibility, of course!) how soon you might be holding your baby. So, prepare to trade the waiting game for informed excitement as we delve deeper into each stage, exploring what to expect, how to manage, and when to get ready to welcome your little one with open arms (and maybe a few excited tears!)

The Latent Stage

Labour often gets portrayed in the movies as a sudden, dramatic event, but the reality is often very different to this with much more of a build-up. The latent stage is crucial for preparing your body for active/established labour and may potentially stop and start, it might help to think of this stage as a preparation stage. Your cervix begins to soften and thin (efface), gradually opening from its tightly closed state. You might experience irregular tightening’s of your uterus, every 15-20 minutes, or even longer apart. They may feel like period cramps or mild backaches, and their intensity and frequency can vary greatly.

This stage can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, especially if this is your 1^st labour. While it might be tempting to see it as a waiting game, remember, your body is working hard behind the scenes! During this preparation stage, it’s essential to stay calm and relaxed to encourage the shy oxytocin hormone which is easily scared away by adrenaline and stress. Here’s how to make the most of the latent phase:

• Rest and sleep: Your body needs energy for the marathon ahead. Prioritise sleep if you can, or nap when contractions allow, even is only short micro naps, they are still benefitting you greatly.
• Eat and drink normally: Keep yourself fuelled with light, nutritious meals and plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Move your body: Gentle walking, swaying, or using a birthing ball can help manage discomfort and encourage cervical changes.
• Warm baths or showers: Soaking in warm water can be incredibly soothing and help ease any aches.
• Relaxation techniques: Practice deep breathing exercises or hypnobirthing techniques to stay calm and focused.

Remember, the latent stage is your body’s way of preparing your body for established labour and each contraction is helping your body and baby. Embrace this time to prepare yourself physically and mentally, and soon you’ll be ready to move on to the next stage of labour.

How long does latent labour last?

Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to how long will the latent phase lasts! This stage can often be the longest chapter of your labour journey, ranging from a few hours to even a few days. If this is your 1^st labour you might experience a longer duration of the latent phase, while subsequent pregnancies tend to see a faster progression into established labour. Remember those practice contractions you might have felt throughout pregnancy? Those are called Braxton Hicks, and they can easily be mistaken for the start of latent labour. The key difference is their irregularity. Latent contractions may come and go in waves, whereas Braxton Hicks are typically short and inconsistent.

This stage of labour could be very stop/start and you may experience a few days of irregular contractions which then stop and then restart a week later. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to contact your midwife. We can help you to explore what you’re feeling and assess if you’re truly entering the exciting world of labour! More information about this stage of labour can be found in this blog post.

The first stage (established)

The first stage of labour, sometimes called established labour or active labour, marks the point where things start to ramp up.

Here’s what to expect:

• Contractions become more intense: Contractions become longer, stronger, and more regular, typically arriving every 5 minutes or so. Think of them as rhythmic waves, opening your cervix to create a pathway for your little one.
• Opening the gateway: During established labour, your cervix, the muscular entrance to your uterus, softens, thins, and opens, this stage will start when your cervix is about 4cm dilated and continues until it is fully dilated, about 10 It’s a gradual process, but each centimetre of cervical dilation brings you closer to meeting your baby.
• Time to head to the hospital… maybe: Many birth plans involve heading to the hospital once established labour kicks in. However, listen to your body and preferences. If you’re planning a home birth, your midwife will guide you on when to contact them.

Here’s your cue to reach out:

• Contractions become your guide: Once contractions settle into a regular pattern of every 5 minutes or less, it’s a good sign to get in touch with your hospital or midwife.
• Waters break?: A gush of fluid might happen at any point during labour, keep an eye on the colour and amount of fluid you are leaking and let your midwife know that your waters have gone.
• Pain relief?: If the contractions become overwhelming and you would like some pain relief then, don’t hesitate to reach out to your midwife for support.

Remember, the pace of labour varies for everyone. Embrace the journey, focus on your breath, and trust your body’s incredible capabilities. You’re in the thick of it now, and soon, you’ll be welcoming your little one into the world!

The second stage

Congratulations! You’ve conquered the first stage of labour, and your cervix is fully dilated, ready to welcome your little one. You’re now entering the second stage – the exciting (and sometimes intense) pushing phase!

So, how do you know you’re in the second stage? Here are the key signs:

• The urge to push: One of the biggest giveaways is an overwhelming desire to push. Your body will naturally start sending strong signals that it’s time to work with the contractions and help guide your baby down the birth canal. Listen to this urge and don’t fight it!
• Intensified pressure: You might feel intense pressure in your rectum and vagina, almost like your baby is pushing down from within. This pressure usually increases with each contraction.
• Crowning: As your baby descends further, their head might become partially visible at the vaginal opening – this is called crowning. This is a sign that you’re nearing the finish line, this stage is often short lasting and your midwife will guide you with breathing techniques such as panting/short breaths to help slow down this phase to help reduce any perineal trauma from this incredible stretch!
• Contractions shift gears: They might slow down and have longer gaps in between, slightly compared to the first stage, these contractions often become more intense and longer, typically lasting around 60-90 seconds.

Remember, every second stage is unique. Some women experience a quick pushing phase, while others might take more time. Trust your body’s rhythm and push at your own pace. Your midwife will be there to guide and support you throughout this intense yet amazing stage.

Here are some additional tips for navigating the second stage:

• Find a comfortable pushing position: Experiment with different positions like squatting, kneeling, or lying on your side to see what feels most natural and effective.
• Listen to your instincts: Don’t feel pressured to push. Listen to your body and push when you feel the urge.
• Embrace the support: Your birth team can be invaluable sources of encouragement and guidance during this intense phase.
• Stay hydrated and energized: Sipping water and having small, easily digestible snacks can help maintain your energy levels.

Remember, you’ve got this! The second stage might be intense, but it’s also a powerful and empowering experience. Focus on your breath, trust your body, and soon you’ll be holding your precious baby in your arms.

The third stage

Your precious bundle of joy has arrived! Congratulations! Your labour journey isn’t quite complete just yet though!. The third stage of labour is the final stage where your body delivers the placenta, the temporary organ that sustained your baby throughout pregnancy.

Unlike the intense contractions of the previous stages, this phase is usually calmer

Here’s what to expect:

Two paths to birthing the placenta:

• Active management: This approach involves injecting medication (oxytocin) to stimulate contractions and facilitate the delivery of the placenta within 15-30 minutes. This method can be helpful if there’s significant bleeding or concerns.
• Physiological management: This natural approach allows your body to expel the placenta at its own pace, typically taking within 30-60 minutes.

Embrace the golden hour:

The first hour after your baby’s arrival is truly precious, often referred to as the “golden hour.” During this magical time, you can:

• Skin-to-skin contact: Cuddle your newborn close, allowing skin-to-skin contact to regulate their temperature, promote bonding, and encourage breastfeeding.
• First feed: Your baby might instinctively root towards your breast, initiating the first breastfeeding attempt. This early latching can help establish breastfeeding and provide valuable colostrum, rich in nutrients and antibodies.
• Delayed/optimal cord clamping: This allows for the continued flow of blood from the placenta to baby.

Remember, the third stage is a time for relaxation, bonding, and enjoying the 1^st moments with your baby you’ve created. Whether you choose an active or physiological approach, trust your body and midwife to guide you through this final yet beautiful stage of your birthing journey.

Here, at Private Midwives we are very passionate about homebirth and labour and welcome discussing your options with you. If you would like to know more about your pregnancy and birth options feel free to call us on 0800 3800 579