Stages of Labor
Labor has three stages. Your healthcare provider may talk about the progress of your labor with certain words. One of these is your baby’s position. Another is your baby’s station. And the effacement and dilation of your cervix will be noted. Read below to learn about these terms and the three stages of labor.
Your Baby Moves into Position
Position is your baby’s placement in the uterus. Your baby may be facing left or right. He or she may be head first or feet first. Station refers to how far your baby has moved down into the pelvic cavity.
First Stage of Labor
During the first stage of labor, contractions of the uterus help your cervix thin (efface). They also help it widen (dilate). This will help your baby pass through the birth canal (vagina). At first your contractions will not come that often or last that long. But as time passes, they will come faster and last longer. They will then be 2-5 minutes apart. They will last about 45-60 seconds each.
Second Stage of Labor
In the second stage of labor, you will have stronger contractions of the uterus. They may happen every 2-3 minutes. They may last from 60-90 seconds each. Your baby will move down the birth canal. Your doctor will ask you to push with each contraction. Try to rest between the contractions if you can. Your baby is delivered at the end of this stage of labor.
Third Stage of Labor
The third stage of labor comes after your baby is born. This is when the afterbirth (placenta) comes out of the uterus. Your uterus will continue to have contractions. But they are much milder than before.
