Being afraid of giving birth is understandable—especially if you’ve seen movies or heard stories depicting birth as a painful process.
However, while labor and delivery can cause varying levels of pain depending on your unique threshold, understanding what to expect and creating a birth plan accordingly can help you feel more prepared for the big day.
This article will highlight the essentials you need to know. If you want to talk to someone in person about your pregnancy or learn more about free early pregnancy services that are here to help, contact Avenue Women’s Center to schedule a free, confidential appointment.
Understanding Labor and Delivery
Labor and delivery can be broken down into the following stages:
1: Early and Active Labor
The first stage of labor begins with contractions and is divided into early labor and active labor.
- Early Labor: Contractions are mild and irregular, gradually becoming more regular and intense. During this phase, the cervix dilates to 6 centimeters. This stage can last several hours to days, especially for first-time mothers.
- Active Labor: Contractions become stronger and more frequent, with the cervix dilating from 6 to 10 centimeters. This phase typically lasts 4 to 8 hours or more. As the cervix reaches full dilation, the baby moves down the birth canal, and the body prepares for delivery.
2: Pushing and Delivery
Once the cervix is fully dilated, the second stage begins, lasting from a few minutes to several hours.
- Pushing: With each contraction, you push to help move the baby through the birth canal. Guidance from your healthcare provider helps ensure effective pushing.
- Delivery: The baby’s head crowns (becomes visible), followed by the rest of the body. After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut, and you can hold your newborn.
Stage 3: Delivery of the Placenta
The final stage involves delivering the placenta.
- Placenta Delivery: Mild contractions continue, helping to expel the placenta. This usually occurs within 30 minutes of the baby’s birth or longer. Your healthcare provider will ensure the placenta is delivered intact to prevent complications.
Creating a Birth Plan
While the stages of labor and delivery can be painful, it’s important to keep in mind that the pain has a purpose. Every contraction is your body’s way of moving the baby from your uterus and out through your vagina.
Creating a birth plan can help you feel more prepared to handle the pain. A birth plan is essentially an outline of what you want to happen and how you might respond if birth and delivery don’t go according to plan.
Things to think through include:
- What types of pain management do I prefer? (Massage, breathing techniques, epidural, water birth, etc.)
- What can I bring to the hospital to make myself feel more comfortable? (Your favorite music, blanket, robe, magazines, book, etc.)
- If I have to get a C-section, who do I want with me in the operating room?
We’re Here for You
Being afraid to give birth is normal, but you’re not alone in this. At Avenue Women’s Center, we’re here for you.
Contact us today to learn about all the ways we’re here to help.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.