What to expect during labor
I recommend a birth doula who can help you navigate the process of labor. A birth doula assists parents as they prepare for their baby’s due date, keeping them informed with the birth process and fully prepared to stay as comfortable as possible.
Stage 1: Starts when labor begins and ends with full cervical dilation and effacement
“Effacement is the thinning and shortening of the cervix. Dilation is when your cervix opens and is measured in centimeters. If your cervix is completely closed, you’re 0 centimeters (cm) dilated. As you get closer to delivery, your uterine muscles will contract to help drop or engage your baby’s head into your pelvis. By the time your cervix is fully effaced, it’s as thin as a piece of paper.
You’re fully dilated once your cervix is 10 cm wide. At 10 cm, your cervix is as wide as a small cantaloupe. During pregnancy, your cervix has been plugged by a glob-like piece of mucus called your mucus plug. As your cervix stretches and thins, your mucus plug is loosened and passes through your vagina. Your mucus plug may be tinged with blood and may contain your bloody show. All of these signs mean labor will begin soon.”
Stage 2: Begins with complete cervical dilation and ends with delivery
The movements where the baby shifts themselves into position during labor are known as the cardinal movements. Becoming familiarized with the labor process and the cardinal movements can help mothers prepare comfort measures for their delivery.
ENGAGEMENT is when the baby’s head moves into the mother’s pelvic cavity
*Move hips while sitting on a birthing ball
DESCENT/Flexion is when the baby drops deep into the pelvic cavity, head/neck flexion
*Squat or sit, can use ball or low stool to assist
Internal Rotation: baby’s head rotates as it reaches pelvic floor to accommodate changes in anatomy of pelvis
*Modified standing (hands on table/counter top)
Extension: head passes through pelvis, exposing head and neck outside of the mother’s body
*Contractions doing most of the work
External Rotation: shoulders passing through pelvis, baby turns to alleviate stress on neck
*Focus on breath work and comfort
EXPULSION: shoulders pass through pelvis, perineum stretches (possible tears)
Stage 3: Begins once the baby is delivered and ends when the placenta is delivered!
References
Brasenell, P. (2020, August 7). Cardinal movements of Labor. Doulas of Austin - Birth Postpartum - Classes. https://www.doulasofaustin.com/blog/cardinal-movements-of-labor
professional, C. C. medical. (2023b, May 12). Cervical effacement: Causes, measuring & what it means. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23156-effacement#:~:text=Effacement%20is%20the%20thinning%20and,effaced%20for%20a%20vaginal%20delivery