First phase of labour: Step-by-step explanation and tips

Your first stage of pregnancy starts with dilation and softening of your cervix and then starts the infamous labour pains. Read more to know how you can deal with the same and what happens within.

By: Debjani Arora | | Updated: November 2, 2015 6:54 pm

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Labour is not all about pain. In fact the process starts much before the pains hit you. Your body readies itself and a lot of changes happen to make childbirth smooth and safe. The entire process of labour is divided into three phases. Here is a rundown of what happens during the first phase of labour. Also Read - Late Pregnancy: Planning to get pregnant in 40s? Here are the probable complications

The first stage of labour

This stage of labour is usually the longest and the most intense one too. It starts with the dilation of the cervix and subsequent thinning of the same. This dilation and the thinning of cervix happen to help your baby come into the world smoothly through the birth canal.

What to expect

Opening of the cervix: The cervix remains closed and plugged with mucus during the entire course of your pregnancy. This keeps your baby safe in the womb and also prevents infections. The mouth of the cervix is slightly placed towards the back. The opening of the cervix can take up to hours, sometimes even a day. This is considered to be the longest phase of labour. When the cervix is around 3 cm dilated it marks the start of the labour process and the contractions set in. While this happens the mouth of the cervix moves from the back to the front to align itself with the vaginal opening. It is during this phase that the mucus plug gives away and your water also breaks.

Regular contractions: The contractions vary from person to person, but they usually come within a gap of 10 or 25 minutes and may last for 30 to 40 seconds. When the contractions set in, the pains starts, and are usually gone as the contraction fades out. In between the contractions you are fine and can walk around or be normal.

Other symptoms: Pain during labour does not start with a bang, instead it’s a dull ache that starts from your lower abdomen. As the contractions become more intense there would be a backache and pain like menstrual cramps all mixed in one. Also this phase can be marked with heartburn, diarrhea (your systems getting cleaned for the birthing process ahead), spotting, along with a warm feeling on the abdomen. Your water can also break at this point of time. Also read signs that say you are labour ready.

What you can do

Get help fast: It advisable that as soon as you feel the contractions call for help immediately. Though the first phase of the labour is usually long, that doesn’t mean you have time to spare.

Get comfortable: You can try a warm shower or listen to relaxing music if you are at home and readying to leave the hospital. Yes you can still indulge in those luxuries without fearing that your birthing process will begin. There is still time for it.

Get a massage: Ask your partner or you mum for a relaxing back massage to ease your pain. This can help to deal with the contractions better. Also read on ways to deal with back pain during labour.

Practice deep breathing: You might have learnt the techniques during your antenatal classes, if you have not, don’t panic just take a deep breath expanding your abdomen a little more and exhale out slowly. Keep doing this till the end of your labour. The reason being intake of oxygen would up the level of your energy and help to deal with pain and the strains of labour better.

Eat light snacks: If you feel tired and weak try having some light foods to up your energy levels. All you can have is nuts, fruits, soup or juices.

Try some exercise: Labour squats and exercises can help in further dilation of the cervix and make the transition from first stage to the second stage smooth.

Get going to the hospital: You can choose to stay back at your place when the labour starts but once the contractions set in a synchronized phase and return back at regular intervals it is time for you to head to the hospital.

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Published : June 11, 2014 3:10 pm | Updated:November 2, 2015 6:54 pm

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