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Labor and Delivery
The labor and delivery of a baby can be very nerve-racking, but also
very exciting for parents. This is considered a very personal event, so
DeEtte Reel will be there to help evaluate your progress and to provide
physical and emotional support.
There are three stages of delivery, and
the process can take anywhere between 12 to 24 hours or more for the first
birth.
Stage 1
This is the longest stage of labor and delivery, and usually lasts
up to 20 hours. This stage begins when the cervix begins to dilate and
finishes when it is completely open, which is 10 centimeters apart. The
first phase of this stage is called the latent phase. During this phase,
the mother will experience mild contractions, which are 15 to 20 minutes
apart and usually last 60-90 seconds. Once the cervix becomes 4 to 8 centimeters dilated,
the mother will enter the active phase. During this phase, contractions
will become more regular lasting 45 seconds and usually are about 3 minutes
apart. This phase also comes with increased bleeding and more severe backaches.
Towards the end of this phase the mother’s water could “break,” resulting
in stronger contractions. These are 2 to 3 minutes apart and last about
one minute.
Stage 2
This stage occurs when the mother
becomes fully dilated and can last for two hours or more. This stage
continues as the baby passes through the birth canal, on through the vagina,
until the baby is born.
At the beginning of stage two, the contractions will begin to feel different.
At this point, the contractions will slow to 2 to 5 minutes apart, lasting
60-90 seconds. While the urge to push will be very strong, the mother should
only do so when instructed to do so by the OB/GYN or mid-wife.
Stage 3
This stage begins after the baby is
born and ends when the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus and
passes through the vagina. This stage can last anywhere from 3 to 20 minutes. During
this time the mother may experience contractions, but they will be less
painful. If a tear or episiotomy occurred during the birthing, this will
be sutured
after delivery.
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