Stages of Labor and Delivery: Second Stage of Labor
In the second stage of the stages of labor and delivery, your baby will be in focus. This stage involves the pushing and delivery of your baby outside your womb. Now that your cervix is fully dilated, it’s time to put in the work to push your baby out.
This stage lasts anywhere between 20 minutes to 2 hours and contractions will last 45 to 90 seconds at intervals of 3 to 5 minutes. Your body will have a natural urge to push and you’ll feel strong pressure in your pelvic area.
It’s completely normal to have minor bowel or urination accidents throughout this phase. You will also feel a burning or stinging sensation once you are crowning.
What happens then with your baby is that they will turn to one side. At the same time, they will automatically tuck their chin on their chest so that the back of their head will come out first. This is what is referred to as “crowning.”
The baby’s head will lead the way and the body twists so that it’s easier for the baby to slip out.
Third Stage: Afterbirth
Of the stages of labor and delivery, the third stage, or the “afterbirth,” is the easiest and shortest. This is the stage wherein the placenta is delivered. Mothers often say it feels like an intesne version of menstruation.
This phase can last between 5 and 30 minutes long and occurs after the baby is delivered. Contractions will signal the separation of your placenta from the uterine wall and that means that it is ready to be delivered.
It’s likely that your uterus may be massaged or the umbilical cord could be pulled gently to aid in delivering the placenta.
Fourth Stage: Recovery
The stages of labor and delivery have now come to an end. After delivering the placenta, it’s likely for you to feel chills and shivers. Once this entire process is over, you will be monitored to make sure that you’re not bleeding excessively. Doctors will also ensure that contractions in your uterus continue until all of the uterine lining is shed.
Learn more about Giving Birth here.
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