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14 Dec 2025

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Child Development GCSE: Understanding the Stages of Labour

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Tati @tatisotheraccount_

Childbirth involves three distinct stages that every expectant mother goes through. Understanding these stages helps you know what... Show more

The 3 Stages of Labour
Stage 1: Labour
Stage 2: Birth
Stage 3: Delivery of placenta and membranes
Stage 1:
Labour
Stage 2:
Birth of
Baby
Sta

The 3 Stages of Labour

Stage 1 kicks off when contractions begin, your waters break, or you have a 'show' (bloody mucus). Your cervix gradually dilates from closed to 10cm whilst contractions get stronger and more frequent. You'll likely want pain relief during this exhausting phase!

The most intense part is called transition - you might feel sick, sweaty, or shaky as your body prepares for birth. Some women even lose bladder control, which is completely normal.

Stage 2 starts when you're fully dilated at 10cm. Your cervix and vagina form the birth canal, and you'll push with each contraction to help baby move down. The baby's head appears first, then shoulders are delivered one at a time before the body slides out.

Quick Tip Doctors might perform an episiotomy (a small cut) to prevent natural tearing during delivery.

Stage 3 involves delivering the placenta after more contractions begin. You might receive a hormone injection to speed this up and reduce blood loss. Any tears get stitched up under local anaesthetic, and then labour is officially over!

The 3 Stages of Labour
Stage 1: Labour
Stage 2: Birth
Stage 3: Delivery of placenta and membranes
Stage 1:
Labour
Stage 2:
Birth of
Baby
Sta

When Labour Needs Extra Help

Sometimes things don't go to plan during childbirth. Assisted delivery becomes necessary if baby's heartbeat drops, they're in an awkward position, or mum becomes too exhausted to continue pushing effectively.

Forceps look like large tongs that grip baby's head to guide them out during contractions. Whilst effective, they can cause vaginal tearing for mum and facial bruising for baby that may need stitches.

Ventouse uses a suction cup attached to baby's head to gently pull them out with contractions. The main downside is temporary head deformation, though this usually corrects itself naturally or with a special helmet.

Remember These interventions might sound scary, but they're performed by skilled professionals to ensure both mum and baby stay safe.

A caesarean section involves surgically opening the abdomen to lift baby out when vaginal delivery isn't possible. Recovery takes about six weeks and can be quite painful, limiting your activities significantly compared to natural birth.

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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

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Sudenaz Ocak

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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Other

399

14 Dec 2025

2 pages

Child Development GCSE: Understanding the Stages of Labour

user profile picture

Tati

@tatisotheraccount_

Childbirth involves three distinct stages that every expectant mother goes through. Understanding these stages helps you know what to expect during labour and delivery, from the first contractions all the way to holding your new baby.

The 3 Stages of Labour
Stage 1: Labour
Stage 2: Birth
Stage 3: Delivery of placenta and membranes
Stage 1:
Labour
Stage 2:
Birth of
Baby
Sta

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

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Join milions of students

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The 3 Stages of Labour

Stage 1 kicks off when contractions begin, your waters break, or you have a 'show' (bloody mucus). Your cervix gradually dilates from closed to 10cm whilst contractions get stronger and more frequent. You'll likely want pain relief during this exhausting phase!

The most intense part is called transition - you might feel sick, sweaty, or shaky as your body prepares for birth. Some women even lose bladder control, which is completely normal.

Stage 2 starts when you're fully dilated at 10cm. Your cervix and vagina form the birth canal, and you'll push with each contraction to help baby move down. The baby's head appears first, then shoulders are delivered one at a time before the body slides out.

Quick Tip: Doctors might perform an episiotomy (a small cut) to prevent natural tearing during delivery.

Stage 3 involves delivering the placenta after more contractions begin. You might receive a hormone injection to speed this up and reduce blood loss. Any tears get stitched up under local anaesthetic, and then labour is officially over!

The 3 Stages of Labour
Stage 1: Labour
Stage 2: Birth
Stage 3: Delivery of placenta and membranes
Stage 1:
Labour
Stage 2:
Birth of
Baby
Sta

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

When Labour Needs Extra Help

Sometimes things don't go to plan during childbirth. Assisted delivery becomes necessary if baby's heartbeat drops, they're in an awkward position, or mum becomes too exhausted to continue pushing effectively.

Forceps look like large tongs that grip baby's head to guide them out during contractions. Whilst effective, they can cause vaginal tearing for mum and facial bruising for baby that may need stitches.

Ventouse uses a suction cup attached to baby's head to gently pull them out with contractions. The main downside is temporary head deformation, though this usually corrects itself naturally or with a special helmet.

Remember: These interventions might sound scary, but they're performed by skilled professionals to ensure both mum and baby stay safe.

A caesarean section involves surgically opening the abdomen to lift baby out when vaginal delivery isn't possible. Recovery takes about six weeks and can be quite painful, limiting your activities significantly compared to natural birth.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

5

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content in Other

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user