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!