by Patricia Hughes
Knowing what to expect in labor helps reduce fear and stress. There are three stages of labor and delivery. All women go through these stages, but each at her own pace. Some move quickly through the stages. Others linger in one stage before moving on to the next. The time it takes will vary from woman to woman. The average length of a first time labor is between ten and twenty hours. Subsequent labors are often faster, but not always.
The First Stage
The first stage of labor breaks down into three parts, early, active and transition phases. In early labor, you may not be sure if you are actually in labor. Contractions may be irregular in the beginning, with more than ten minutes between contractions. The pain isn’t too intense and you may not be sure if these are real contractions. Gradually, the pains get longer and stronger, indicating real labor. More on Stages of Labor
The first stage of labor breaks down into three parts, early, active and transition phases. In early labor, you may not be sure if you are actually in labor. Contractions may be irregular in the beginning, with more than ten minutes between contractions. The pain isn’t too intense and you may not be sure if these are real contractions. Gradually, the pains get longer and stronger, indicating real labor. More on Stages of Labor
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by Patricia Hughes
How to Write a Birth Plan
A birth plan is a basic statement of what you want and do not want in your birth experience. Writing a plan helps you consider what you want for labor, delivery and after the baby is born. It can help you communicate with your doctor and hospital staff. Give a copy to your doctor, have one in your file at the hospital and pack a copy in your bag for the hospital. More on How to Write a Birth Plan
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