EARLY LABOUR:
0cm - 3cm dialated
Usually the longest phase of labour - serveral hours
Shorter irregular surges as the cervix begins to soften and open
WHAT TO DO:
Sleep
Relax
Drink plenty of water
Eat to fuel your body
Have a bath
If your surges start at night try to stay comfortable and relaxed
If your surges start in the daytime, try to stay upright and
gently active to hep the cervix dilate
Practise your relaxations
Begin to use your UP/calm breathing when you feel you need to
Prepare your environment
Start timing surges as they become more regular
ESTABLISHED LABOUR
4cm - 10cm dilated
Approximately 8-12 hours for first pregnancies or 5 hours for second pregnancies (NHS)
The cervix is softening and opening to full dilation to
allow for your baby to pass down for birth
When you reach the end of the first stage you may feel the urge to push
WHAT TO DO
Drink plenty of water
Find a position that is comfortable for you
Contact your midwife when surges are 3 in 10 minutes
Try to keep gently moving and upright
Prepare your birthing environment
Use your UP/calm breathing during surges
Use relaxation techniques
TRANSITION
7cm - 10cm dilated
Contractions every 60-90 seconds
Surges are often strongest during this phase
You may notice a small spike in adrenaline
WHAT TO DO
Rely upon your birth partner and practise
Use your UP/calm breathing techniques
Positive Affirmations
Try changing positions, keeping upright, forward and open
Use a birth pool
Relaxation techniques
Remain calm - each surge brings your closer to your baby
Trust your instinct/intuition
SECOND STAGE OF LABOUR
10cm approximately
The cervix is fully dilated
Surges may space out a bit giving you the ability to relax or rest a little bit between bearing downwards
Push during surges whenever you feel the urge
First baby is usually no longer than 3 hours and subsequent babies
no longer than 2 hours (NHS)
Your babies head will be born with their body following
in the next 1 or 2 surges
WHAT TO DO
Communicate with your birth partner where necessary
Use relaxation techniques to remain calm
Positive Affirmations
Down breathing
THIRD STAGE OF LABOUR
Active or physiological management of the third stage of labour
Optimal cord clamping
Skin to Skin with your baby
Usually 5 - 30 minutes after your baby is born you will have another
surge and give birth to your placenta
WHAT TO DO
Enjoy your baby
Wait for the surge to birth your placenta (usually up to 30 minutes)
A midwife will ask to assess for any perineal tears
Note any special requests for your placenta
Vitamin K preferences for baby
