The 3 Stages of Labor
By: Haley Starnes
First Stage:
The first stage is the dilation stage
- Cervix begin to dilate
- Vaginal discharge
- Contractions become more sever and closer
- The first stage ends when cervix has dilated to 4 centimeters
- False Labor or Braxton Hicks Contractions
- Longest stage of labor
Second Stage:
- Contractions are closer together
- May feel the need to start pushing
- This stage can last from a few minutes up to 24 hours
-Your baby is born in this stage
Cutting the umbilical cord
Cleaning off a newborn
Third Stage:
- The uterus begins to contract
- Placenta separates
- Caregiver will see signs of separation
- You will push lightly to deliver the placenta
- This is the shortest stage of labor