Childbirth is the most important and wonderful event in a woman’s life, marking the beginning of a new life.
We will briefly describe the process and stages of childbirth so that a woman can come to the maternity hospital without fear, but with conscious, competent knowledge and a love for participating in the birthing process.
The entire labor process is divided into three stages:
Stage 1 – contractions.
Contractions are regular contractions of the uterine muscle, with pauses between them. During contractions, the cervix dilates.
This stage is the longest and requires patience. For first-borns, it is slightly longer than for twins, and depends on the individual’s capabilities.
During this phase, with proper breathing and the right mindset, the pain is calmer and more tolerable. This is considered natural pain relief.
Stage 2 – contractions.
Contractions begin after the cervix is fully dilated, during which the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall join in, and the fetus exits the uterus through the pelvic floor.
The duration of this period is shorter and depends on the woman’s individual circumstances. After contractions end, the baby is born, and the woman can witness her miracle. The first skin-to-skin contact occurs, and the newborn is latched onto the breast for the first time.
The third stage is called the placental stage.
During this period, the placenta is expelled from the uterine cavity. This stage is the shortest and most rapid, after which the doctor checks the integrity of the placenta and the condition of the birth canal.
After delivery, for the first two hours, known as the early postpartum period, the woman remains in the maternity ward under the direct supervision of a doctor, after which she is transferred to the newborn’s room.
This is how labor ends and a new life begins.
The mission of the specialists at the Eden Medical Center is to help you navigate these important stages correctly and as easily as possible.
