Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : November 2, 2015 6:54 PM IST
The second phase of labour is usually called the 'active phase' and is shorter than the first phase. But the contractions are more intense and are shorter in duration now. On an average this phase lasts for about two to four hours. Here's a rundown on what happens during the second stage of labour.
What to expect
Shorter intense contractions: As you approach the second stage of your labour the contractions are longer and return more frequently. During this phase the cervix can dilate from 3 cm to around 7 cm. The pains can become really unbearable now. The cervix dilates and softens enough to mark the start of the baby's birth.
Constant monitoring: Once you reach the hospital, you would be monitored at regular intervals either by the doctor or the hospital staff. They would check for the maternal blood pressure, fetal heart rate, fetal movement and cervix dilation. Trouble suspected at this stage can lead to a C-section for the sake of the mother and the baby's wellbeing. Also read 12 reasons that could lead to a C-section.
Breathe right to push the baby: When the staff or the doctor checks you and feels that you have dilated enough i.e, your cervix has dilated from 7 cm to 10 cm, you would be asked to push your baby out. To push your baby, take a deep breath with each contraction and then gently blow out the air through the mouth trying to push down. Take more deep breaths if needed and keep pushing down till the contraction lasts. Never breathe in with your mouth as it will only make the entire process more tiring and tedious. Always remember to take enough rest in between your contractions.
Once your baby's head is visible through the birth canal your doctor might ask you to push with a little more vigor taking short breaths and blowing out through the mouth. This is advised so that the birth of your baby's head is gentle and doesn't tear your perineum leading to an episiotomy. Also know what is an episiotomy?
Birth of your baby: With the above mentioned breathing techniques and little effort from your side your baby's head would come out. Don't panic if the birthing of the head takes time. You might feel that with every push, as you feel your baby's head pop out it slips in too soon. This is normal and happens with every passing contraction, but as long as your baby's head moves down with each contraction, you can be sure that your labour is progressing into the right direction. Once your baby's head is out, you are over the most dreaded phase of labour and with few more pushes you can birth out the body quickly and gently. There you go, your bundle of joy is out in this world and now you can breathe easy.
What you can do
If you think there isn't much that you can do to help yourself when you reach the hospital and feel the intense labour pains due to the contractions, here are some tips you can try to make yourself a bit more comfortable.
Ask for pain relief: Your doctor might have already discussed the option with you during your antenatal visits. If you don't have a pain management plan in place or didn't want an epidural, you can ask for one now depending on the severity and your pain threshold. Other than epidural you can also opt for acupressure (provided you have someone with you who is an expert in it), cold compressor to ease back pain or ask your husband or labour support team for a gentle back massage.
Work on a comfortable position: The high labour-bed can be uncomfortable to be in with those intense contractions and unmanageable pain. Tell your doctor or your family about the same and work on a position that is most comfortable for you. Squat, use a birthing stool, get into the water pool (in case you have planned for a water birth), stand in between your contractions if your doctor allows you to do so, anything that helps you be at ease during this time. Alternatively you can also prop some pillows to elevate your back and ease yourself.
Keep breathing: At any point during your labour don't forget to take deep breaths. Oxygen intake helps your body to deal with the pains and the strains of labour better. It also helps in making the labour smooth and the contraction more bearable.
Recite your mantras: If you have attended your antenatal classes and practised garbhsanskar techniques during your pregnancy, you will know about the mantras that claim to help you during labour. If you have any energy left, then recite a few of them.
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