Stages of your Birthing Time: First Stage (Part 1)

The crazy thing about labor is that every single woman's birthing of her child is unique and different, just like every pregnancy is not the same. When I speak about the different stages of birthing time, I am generally speaking about it since not every birth experience will be the same. Generally speaking, when everything goes smoothly, the stages of labor unfold in three distinct parts.

Since I never experienced any of the first stage in a normal fashion I find it all very interesting. (I didn't experience early labor or even active labor - I went straight from feeling nothing, to moderate pain, to extreme contractions within 10 minutes after receiving a higher dosage of pitocin... Instead of gradually building to the transformation stage where the contractions are close together I went through that in the very beginning... My body didn't handle it well, so it will be interesting to see if we will be able to experience childbirth naturally this time and see how my body handles it without medicine to promote contractions...

First Stage:
The first stage of labor occurs when the cervix opens (dilates) and thins out (effaces) to allow the baby to move into the birth canal. This is the longest stage of labor. It's actually divided into three phases of its own — early labor, active labor and transition.

Early First Stage:
During early first stage, your cervix will dilate from 0 centimeters to about 3 - 4 centimeters. You may feel mild to moderately strong pressure waves during this stage of birth. They may last 30 to 60 seconds and come every five to 20 minutes.

You may notice a thick, stringy, blood-tinged discharge from your vagina as the cervix begins to open. This is known as a bloody show. You may also experience a backache, upset stomach and, possibly, diarrhea. Some women report a sensation of warmth in the abdomen as labor begins.

How long it lasts: You may need to be patient. Early labor is unpredictable. It may last for hours or even days, especially for first-time moms. It's often much shorter for subsequent deliveries.

What you can do: Until your contractions increase in frequency and intensity, it's up to you. For many women, early labor isn't particularly uncomfortable. The biggest problem may be anxiety as you anticipate active labor. Choose comfortable activities that help distract you from the contractions. You may feel like doing household chores, taking a walk or watching a movie. Or you might simply continue your daily activities. Mild activity and periods of rest during this time will help you remain relaxed and confident.

It may also help to:

• Take a shower or bath.
• Listen to relaxing music.
• Have a gentle massage.
• Try slow, deep breathing.
• Change positions.
• Drink water, juice or other clear liquids.
• Eat light, healthy snacks. Avoid greasy foods, which can cause nausea.
• Apply ice packs or heat to your lower back.

Mid to Late First Stage
During this phase, the cervix dilates from around 4 to 7 centimeters. Pressure waves will become stronger and progressively longer and closer together, lasting 40 to 60 seconds or more and coming every 2 to 6 minutes apart. You may feel increasing pressure in your back as well. If you haven't headed to your labor and delivery facility yet, now's the time.

How long it lasts: On average, active labor lasts between three and eight hours. For some women it's a lot shorter — especially those who've had a previous vaginal delivery.

What you can do: Look to your labor coach and health care team for encouragement and support. Try breathing and relaxation techniques to combat your growing discomfort. Use what you learned in childbirth class or ask your health care team for suggestions. My childbirth class recommended:

• Rock in a rocking chair.
• Roll on a birthing ball.
• Take a warm shower or bath.
• Change positions.
• Standing
  
• Take a walk, stopping to breathe through contractions.

When trying a new position or activity, try it for at least three contractions. It might take that long for your baby and body to settle into it. Vary the comfort measures often as your labor progresses. All these ways can be used as excellent ways to use the force of gravity to help in descent and positioning of your baby.

Transformation Stage
The last phase of the first stage of labor — when your cervix dilates from 7 centimeters to 10 centimeters — is called transformation (or transition). This is when your pressure waves are changing from dilating to pushing and is a much shorter phase. Some women can experience transformation anywhere from 4 cm on and the rest of their dilation may go very quickly.

During transition, your contractions will increase in strength and frequency. You may have time for only a hurried breath between contractions. Your contractions may reach peak intensity almost immediately and last up to 90 seconds. It may feel as though the contractions never completely disappear. You may also feel plenty of pressure in your lower back and rectum. You may feel hot and sweaty one minute, cold and chilled the next.

How long it lasts: On average, transition lasts between 15 minutes and three hours. It's more likely to be quick if you've already had a vaginal delivery.

What you can do: Concentrate on getting through one contraction at a time. You may not want anything to distract you at this point, such as the radio, television or conversation in the room.

It may also help to:

• Change positions.
• Place a cool, damp cloth on your forehead.
• Have a massage between contractions.

If you feel the urge to push, try to hold back until you've been told you're fully dilated and it's time to push. It may help to pant or blow. Pushing too soon may cause your cervix to tear or swell, which can delay delivery or cause troublesome bleeding.