This slide presentation covers how to know labor is beginning, the three parts of the first stage, the second stage, third stage, and what to expect immediately postpartum

1. Stages of Child Birth
By: Kristen Burgess

2. Signs Your Birthing Day
Has Arrived…

3. Be patient and grateful…

4. Dilation and effacement are poor indicators
of either when your birthing time will
begin or how quickly things will progress.

5. Strong, close contractions that
don’t stop when you change activities.

6. Contractions that steadily build
and come at regular intervals.

7. Water breaking. It may take time for
contractions to start or become regular.

8. Slow Build-Up?
It’s possible that you won’t have the clear signs;
things may start to happen slowly for you,
over a few days or even weeks.
The term “prodromal labor” is used
when things seem to get started, then putter out.
This usually happens in the evening.

9. Rest, relax, take it easy, and honor yourself..

10. Baby “drops” – called lightening.
This usually happens a couple of weeks before
labor in first-time moms, and just before or
during labor for subsequent babies.

11. Strong nesting urge (don’t wear yourself out!)

12. Losing the mucus plug, or having a “bloody show” –
mucus streaks or a glob of pink or red tinged mucus.

13. Feeling slightly crampy, like period cramps.

14. Persistent lower back-ache, especially
if it’s radiating around to your front.

15. Braxton-hicks become regular and frequent.

16. Loose bowels.

17. First Stage: Early First Stage
At this point things are starting to get regular and
established. You feel excitement and anticipation
because “this is it!”
Usually things are light and regular as
your birthing wave pattern establishes.

18. First Stage: Early First Stage
This is time to go about normal activities!
 Eat
 Nap
 Read, watch a movie, etc.
 LIGHT cleaning or “nesting” (don’t
wear yourself out!)
 Check over your bags or birth supplies
 Take a bath / shower
 Have your husband check the car for
gas

19. First Stage: Early First Stage
General guideline is rushes about 5 minutes apart
and 40-60 seconds each.
This stage lasts up to 4 centimeters dilation.

20. First Stage: Active Birthing
Regular birthing waves get stronger and closer together.
Usually things are light and regular as
your birthing wave pattern establishes.

21. First Stage: Active Birthing
Effacement is happening, meaning your cervix is
flattening out. Measured in percentages to 100% effaced.
Dilation is happening, meaning your cervix is opening.
Measured in centimeters to 10cms dilated.

22. At this point you’re using your skills to work
with your body and your baby.
Ask yourself:
How open am I?
 Am I keeping my muscles soft & relaxed?
 Are things progressing?
 Can I / Should Should I make changes?
Ex. Go for a walk, change
positions, use a specific skill to create
more room in your pelvis
First Stage: Active Birthing

23. First Stage: Transition
This is usually considered the
most intense part of birthing, but at this point
you’re very close to meeting your baby!
 From 8-10cms dilation
 You’re really working to open the rest of the
way and position your baby for a smooth trip
through the birth canal.
 Very close to being done!

24. Second Stage: Pushing
You’re fully dilated and effaced, and your body
will soon begin to push on its own!
It’s time to meet your baby :D

25. Second Stage: Pushing
 Water breaking (usually happens
late in the first stage or early in the
second stage)
 Birthing waves space out a little –
enjoy the rest in between!
 First babies usually take longer to
push. Anything from 1-2 pushes to
a few hours is normal.
 Wait and push with your body – the urge usually becomes undeniable
 You can feel / see your baby (feel with your hand; your nurse or midwife may hold
up a mirror)
 It’s normal for your baby to move forward, then back a little bit – this gives your
tissues time to stretch!

26. Second Stage: Crowning & Birth
Crowning is when your baby’s head is just
about to be born – it’s sitting on your perineum.

27.  Focus on softening / releasing muscles and tissues
 Your midwife or nurse may use warm compresses above
and below baby’s head to help your tissues stretch.
 Once your baby’s head is born, his or her body will
rotate and prepare for birth.
 Your baby’s body may come right away, or require
additional pushes.
 Once your baby’s body is born, baby is ready to come
up to your chest!!
 Your baby’s cord can be checked, but it doesn’t need
cutting at this point. Unwind baby or pull the cord over
his/her head and bring your baby up to your chest!
Second Stage: Crowning & Birth

28.  The placenta detaches naturally and
you push it out. This usually happens
within 5-10 minutes but up to about an
hour is normal
 It feels a little odd, but it’s simple since
it has no bones!
 Avoid having cord traction or harsh uterine massage/compression unless it’s an
emergency situation.
Third Stage: The Placenta is Born
At this point your baby is in your arms, but you’re not quite
finished. You still need to push out the placenta!

29. Surprise Unassisted Birth?
 Place baby on your chest
 Bundle Mama, Baby, and placenta up
together with blankets while you wait for
assistance or head to the hospital. Mom
can sit on towels and should stay hydrated.

30. Immediate Postpartum: You
 You’re covered in blankets to relax with your baby
 You may have shakes or shivers (this can happen
during labor, too) and is the result of hormones
 Your midwife or doctor will monitor you closely
They’ll assess bleeding
 Keep you warm
 Keep you hydrated
 Check your perineum

31. Immediate Postpartum: Baby
 Baby doesn’t need suctioning immediately unless
he/she is having trouble breathing
 Some gurgling is normal, you go with your comfort level
 Baby will be snuggled to your chest, under blankets
 Baby may have a lot of creamy coating, called vernix
 Gently rub this in and pat baby dry – no need for
vigorous rubbing
 Baby is generally very alert and aware

32. Immediate Postpartum: Baby
 May or may not latch on right away. Some
babies just want to check things out!
 Usually latches on within about half an hour
 Talk to and snuggle with your baby!
 Baby’s heart rate, breathing, and
temperature are monitored
 All other checks (weight, length, etc.) can
wait for awhile while you two bond!

33. Click Here to get more info on
preparing for childbirth:
NaturalBirthAndBabyCare.com