Getting a good understanding of what is happening in each stage of labour can make a big difference to how you navigate birth and how you can assist your body. Below is an outline of the stages of labour and what to do during each phase:

Pre-Labour (Hours, Days, Weeks)

Physical Indications

• Period pain
• Back pain
• Irregular contractions
• Mucus plug
• Waters breaking

What to Do

• Rest, Sleep, Conserve Energy
• Eat and drink
• Continue daily activities
• Ignore it as much as possible

 
First Stage - Early (10 – 20 Hours)

Physical Indications

• Contractions more regular
• Cervix is thinning
• Dilating 0 – 5 cm
• Waters may break or leak
• Increased mucus / bloody show

What to Do

• Conserve energy / pace yourself
• Don’t ‘overwork’ the contractions
• Eat and drink
• Rest where possible
• Use heat packs
• Call support people

 
First Stage - Active (2 – 12 Hours)

Physical Indications

• Cervix is dilating 5 – 9 cm
• Intense, regular contractions
• Contractions lasting approx 1 min
• Contractions occur 2 – 3 mins apart
• Need to focus and work with it
• Endorphin levels increase

What to Do

• Call midwife or go to hospital
• Use shower or bath
• Drink
• Surrender, go inward
• Visualize cervix opening
• Massage, hot packs
• Use breathing techniques and voice
• Regular toilet

 
Transition (approx  5 mins – 1 Hour)

Physical Indications

• Dilating 9 – 10 cm
• Baby starts to descend
• Increase of adrenalin
• Feelings of not wanting to continue, panic, fear or self doubt
• May experience urge to push
• Increased bowel pressure

What to Do

• Go with it – know you are close to meeting your baby
• Receive heaps of encouragement

Second Stage (10 Mins – 3 Hours)

Physical Indications

• Cervix is fully dilated 10 cm
• Baby descends
• Head crowns
• Head is born
• Baby is born!

What to Do

• Go with instincts in finding position (if possible)
• Stand, squat, hand and knees, birth stool
• Push with contractions
• Visualize baby coming down

 
Third Stage (approx 30 mins – 1 Hour)

Physical Indications

• Placenta peels away from uterus wall
• Placenta is born
• Uterus starts to contract
• Cord can pulse for up to 3 mins

What to Do

• Hold your baby skin-to-skin against breast
• Push when have urge
• Continue to hold baby near breast
• Stand or squat to aid expelling of placenta
• Assist with cutting of cord (optional)