Understanding the stages of labor can help you feel more confident when giving birth

It’s common to have a lot of questions when you’re expecting. One of the most common ones focuses on what to expect from labor and delivery. While each person has a different experience, the stages of labor provide some general guidance.

Heights Obstetrics & Gynecology wants to empower you with information about the stages of giving birth. This knowledge can help ease fears and uncertainty, allowing you to focus on doing what’s best for you and your baby.

What are the stages of labor?

Labor begins when you first feel contractions and ends with the delivery of your baby and the placenta. Our San Antonio OBGYNs will guide you through each of the stages of labor.

• Stage one includes early labor and active labor.
• Stage two is the delivery of your baby.
• Stage three involves delivering the placenta.

We know that labor and delivery can be an emotional and overwhelming time. Throughout every step, our goal is to keep you informed and as comfortable as possible.

What is the first stage of labor?

Early labor and active labor make up the first stage of giving birth. While the experience can vary from patient to patient, you can generally expect the following to happen during this stage.

Early labor is when your cervix opens and softens. At this time, it is open less than six centimeters (cm). Contractions may be inconsistent and range from mild to more intense.

This stage of labor can last hours or days, and you may be able to spend most of early labor at home. However, your doctor will let you know what is best for you and your baby.

Active labor then occurs when the cervix opens from 6 cm to 10 cm. Contractions in active labor are more intense, consistent and closer together.

If you aren’t already, you should be at the hospital or the birthing center at this time. Note that you can ask for pain medications to help make you more comfortable during this stage.

What happens during the second stage of labor?

When thinking of the stages of labor, most people think of the second stage. This is when you deliver your baby.

Delivery of your baby can happen within just a few minutes, or it can take hours. It tends to take longer for first-time mothers and those who have had an epidural.

If you deliver your baby vaginally, you will need to push during contractions (or when your provider tells you to). When it’s time to push, you can try different positions to find the best one for you.

What is the third stage of giving birth?

Once your baby has entered the world, there’s still one more stage of labor. This involves delivering the placenta.

Delivery of the placenta typically occurs within 30 minutes of your baby’s birth. Some patients have mild contractions as the placenta moves through the birth canal. Others are so focused on their baby that they don’t notice much at all.

Our San Antonio OBGYNs examine the placenta to ensure it came out in one piece. If any pieces remain, it’s important to remove them to reduce the risk of infection and excessive bleeding.

Heights Obstetrics & Gynecology can guide you through the stages of labor

You don’t have to go through the stages of giving birth alone. At Heights Obstetrics & Gynecology, we will guide you from preconception to postpartum. Our goal is to help you feel healthy and empowered through every stage of your pregnancy and delivery.

If you have more questions about giving birth, contact us today.