Normal Delivery

The stages of normal delivery

1. First stage

Labour and effacement of the cervix

During the first stage of normal delivery, contractions dilate, soften, and stretch the cervix to make it easier for the baby to be delivered. A woman’s first delivery can take up to 13 hours, and subsequent deliveries can take up to 7-8 hours.

The first stage is divided into three parts:

• Early labour: As contractions occur every 3 to 5 minutes, the mother becomes aware of them. During pregnancy, the cervix can dilate up to 4 centimetres. Mothers can give birth at home during early labour. However, they should inform the doctor.

• Active labour: When contractions become stronger and more frequent, the mother enters the active phase. Approximately every 3-4 minutes, they last about a minute each. The cervix expands by 7 centimetres. The woman must be taken to the hospital for delivery. During this stage, the woman’s water breaks. Contractions then intensify.

• The transition phase: At about 10 centimetres, the cervix is at its fullest dilation and is the most painful phase. There are painful, strong contractions every 2-3 minutes, and each lasts 60-90 seconds.

2.  Stage

Pushing and birth of the baby

Following the complete dilation of the cervix, this stage begins. The baby is being pushed through the birth canal headfirst by intense contractions. With every contraction, the mother is expected to push, and she may become highly fatigued as a result. While the baby is pushing its way out, she may also experience severe pain at the vaginal opening. If the doctor decides to do an episiotomy at this stage, he can widen the opening of the vaginal canal so the baby can be delivered easily. In order for the baby to finally be born, the mother must continue to push.

3. Third Stage

The Placenta Is Pushed Out

The entire placenta is expelled through the vaginal canal during this final stage of normal delivery called the ‘afterbirth’. The placenta is typically delivered within 10 minutes to 30 minutes of the baby’s birth. Massage of the lower abdomen may assist in the delivery process.

The benefits of Normal Delivery

Vaginal delivery has the following benefits:

• Lowers the risk of infection for both mother and child.

• Recovery is quicker for the mother and she stays in the hospital for a shorter amount of time (24-48 hours rather than 3 days to a week after a caesarean).

• A baby's immune system is boosted by the natural bacteria and microbes contained in the vagina, which come from the mother to the child, getting them ready for life out of the womb.

• Labour contractions help prepare the baby’s lungs for breathing, so the baby is less likely to develop respiratory problems

• During delivery, a number of natural mothering hormones are released. These hormones stimulate lactation.