Your Guide to Labour: 3 Stages & Comfort tips

The labouring process is different for every woman, and it can differ significantly even between pregnancies. A woman may occasionally only experience brief labour. Other times, labour may test a woman's mental and physical fortitude. 


You can assist yourself during the various stages of labour by using a variety of comfort measures to deal with whatever happens. They won't guarantee a pain-free delivery, but they can make you feel less uncomfortable, speed up the labour process, and have more control over the process. Here is a breakdown of the phases of labour and advice on how to cope with them.


Labour and delivery can be divided into three stages

The first stage:

This is the longest stage of labour and is characterized by the onset of contractions and the thinning and opening of the cervix. It can last for several hours or even days for some women. To cope with this stage, you should:

•    Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
•    Try to rest between contractions
•    Use relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises or visualization
•    Take a warm bath or shower to help ease discomfort
•    Move around and change positions to help manage pain and encourage labour progression
•    Consider using a birthing ball, massage or acupressure to ease the pain

 

The second stage:

This is the stage when the baby is born. The cervix is fully dilated, and the mother feels the urge to push. This stage can last from a few minutes to a few hours. To cope with this stage, you should:

•    Listen to your healthcare provider's instructions on how to push
•    Focus on breathing and pushing with each contraction
•    Try different positions to find what is most comfortable
•    Use a birthing ball or other tools to help with pushing
•    Have a supportive partner or a doula present

 

The third stage:

This is the stage when the placenta is delivered. This stage usually lasts between 5 to 30 minutes. To cope with this stage, you should:

•    Relax and let your body do its work
•    Focus on your breathing and your baby
•    Avoid pushing until your healthcare provider instructs you to
•    Bond with your baby during skin-to-skin contact

 

It's important to remember that every labour and delivery is different, and each woman copes with the process differently. It's essential to discuss your preferences and needs with your healthcare provider and support team beforehand to develop a personalized birth plan that takes your individual needs into account.

 

 

References:
1.    Artal-Mittelmark, R. (2021) Management of normal labor - gynecology and obstetrics, MSD Manual Professional Edition. MSD Manuals. Available at: https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/normal-labor-and-delivery/management-of-normal-labor (Accessed: March 20, 2023).
2.    Leeder, J. (2018) Giving birth: The four stages of labour, Today's Parent. Available at: https://www.todaysparent.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/the-stages-of-labour/ (Accessed: March 20, 2023).
3.    Naytal, K. (2022) Tips for coping with labour pain from a midwife, Naytal. Available at: https://naytal.uk/blog/coping-with-labour-pain-tips (Accessed: March 20, 2023).

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shop for related products

(Sale) Gerber Organic Cereal Oatmeal Banana 227g Container

RM39.90 crossed RM32.90
Buy Now

(Hot) (Sale) Gerber Multigrain Cereal 227g Container

(New) (Sale) Gerber® MultiGrain Cereal 454g

(New) (Sale) Gerber Single Grain Rice Cereal 454g

(Sale) Gerber Single Grain Cereal Oatmeal 227g Container

RM28.70 crossed RM24.90
Buy Now

(New) (Sale) Gerber Single Grain Cereal Oatmeal 454g

RM51.90 crossed RM42.90
Buy Now

(Hot) (Sale) Gerber Single Grain Cereal Rice 227g Container

RM28.70 crossed RM24.90
Buy Now

Featured Articles

Still Battling Eczema Flare-Ups? Here’s How to Prevent it

Still Battling Eczema Flare...

Learn effective prevention tips to manage and reduce flare-ups for healthier skin.

READ MORE
Eczema Flaring Up Again? These Triggers Might Be Why

Eczema Flaring Up Again? Th...

Discover the common triggers that cause eczema to reappear, including allergens, stress, and weather changes.

READ MORE
Struggling with gas during pregnancy? Try out these tips

Struggling with gas during ...

Discover safe and effective tips to relieve gas during pregnancy. Learn how fibre, gentle exercise,...

READ MORE
Pregnancy Gas? Here’s What’s Really Causing It

Pregnancy Gas? Here’s What’...

Discover the top causes of gas during pregnancy—from hormones to diet—and find proven tips to...

READ MORE