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Second Stage: Pushing

The second stage, which is the final descent and birth of the baby, begins when the cervix is fully dilated. The baby’s descent may be gradual or rapid. With each contraction, the force of the uterus and your abdominal muscles when pushing will move the baby down the birth canal.

When the baby’s scalp becomes visible, the urge to push will become more compelling. The baby’s head will continue to advance until it “crowns” – the time the widest part of the head is visible.

After the head fully emerges, the doctor or nurse will suction her mouth and nose and check to make sure the umbilical cord is not wrapped around the baby’s neck. With the next contractions, the baby’s shoulders and then body should emerge.

As soon as the baby is fully emerged, she will be wiped off with a towel and the umbilical cord clamped off.

This second stage can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

Third Stage: Delivering the placenta

The uterus will begin to contract immediately after giving birth. At this time the placenta will separate from the uterine wall and be expelled. This stage typically takes five to ten minutes, but can last up to thirty minutes.

After delivering the placenta, the uterus should contract and become firm again.

First Stage: Early Labor

Early labor begins after the contractions are coming at regular intervals and the cervix begins to dilate and efface. The contractions will get stronger and closer together, but should not be as painful as those later on during the labor process. You will probably be able to still walk around or do light chores.

It is normal to have a mucousy vaginal discharge tinged with blood, but if there is more than a slight trace of blood call your doctor. Also call if your water breaks, even if you are not having contractions yet.

It is difficult to predict how long this phase will last. There are different variables that can affect how much time this process takes. Early labor ends when your cervix is 3 to 4 centimeters dilated.

First Stage: Active Labor

During active labor the contractions become more frequent and stronger. As a rule, you should call your doctor when you have had regular, painful contractions every five minutes for an hour.
Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can help you through this stage.

Although you may want to walk, you will probably have to stop and lean against something when you are having a contraction.
This phase averages about 6 hours, but varies widely with each individual.

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Having a Baby covers: 1. Planning To Conceive 2. Stages of Pregnancy 3. Pregnancy Terms 4. Labor and Birth 5. Postpartum	Categories Sub-Index » Any number you select from left is listed on right column » Every category you select contains Sub-Topics.	4. Labor and Birth » Sub-topics: » First Stage A (Early Labor) » First Stage B (Active Labor) » Second Stage (Pushing) » Third Stage (Delivering the Placenta)

		Labor and Birth The process of labor and childbirth can be divided into three stages: The first stage consists of Early Labor, Active Labor and Transition. The second stage consists of Pushing and Delivery. The third stage is Delivering the Placenta. The length of time for each labor and delivery varies not only from woman to woman, but also each time a particular woman goes through this process. The average length of time is fifteen hours for first-time moms and eight hours for those who have had previous deliveries.