Labour, Delivery, and Postpartum Period
Topic Overview
Is this topic for you?
This topic provides basic information about normal labour and delivery, and the postpartum period. If you need information on pregnancy or other types of childbirth, see the following topics:
- Pregnancy
- Preterm Labour
- Caesarean Section
- Breech Position and Breech Birth
- Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC)
What is labour and delivery?
At the end of the third trimester of pregnancy, your body will begin to show signs that it is time for your baby to be born. The process that leads to the birth of your baby is called labour and delivery. Every labour and delivery includes certain stages, but each birth is unique. Even if you have had a baby before, the next time will be different.
Giving birth to a baby is hard work. That’s why it’s called labour. It can also be scary, thrilling, and unpredictable. Learning all you can ahead of time will help you be ready when your time comes.
What are the stages of labour?
Labour is divided into two phases: early labour and active labour. Delivery is part of active labour.
During early labour, the muscles of the uterus start to tighten (contract) and then relax. These contractions help to thin (efface) and open (dilate) the cervix so the baby can pass through the birth canal. (See a picture of cervical effacement
.) Early contractions are usually irregular, spaced from 5 to 20 minutes apart, and last less than a minute.
Early labour can be uncomfortable and long, sometimes lasting 2 or 3 days. Walking, watching TV, listening to music, or taking a warm shower may help you manage the discomfort.
During the first stage of active labour, contractions become strong and regular. They happen every 2 or 3 minutes and last longer than a minute. This is the time to go to the hospital or birthing centre.
The pain of contractions may be moderate or intense. Having a support person, trying different positions, or using breathing exercises may help you cope. Many women ask for pain medicine during this time. Even if you plan on natural childbirth, it can be comforting to know that you can get pain relief if you want it.
Once the cervix is fully effaced and dilated, your body changes to "push" mode. During this second stage of active labour, the baby is born. Pushing to deliver the baby may take from a few minutes to several hours. It is likely to be faster if you have had a baby before. Contractions continue until the placenta is delivered.
What can I expect after childbirth (postpartum period)?
Now you get to hold and look at your baby for the first time. It is common to feel excited, tired, and amazed all at once.
If you plan to breast-feed, you may start to introduce the baby to the breast soon after birth. Don't be surprised if you have some trouble at first. Breast-feeding is something you and your baby have to learn together. You will get better with practise. If you need help getting started, ask a nurse or breast-feeding specialist (lactation consultant).
In the hours after delivery, you may feel sore and need help going to the bathroom. Especially if you have given birth before, you may have sharp, painful contractions called afterpains for several days as your uterus shrinks in size.
During the first weeks after giving birth (called the postpartum period), your body begins to heal and adjust to not being pregnant. It's easy to get overtired and overwhelmed. Take good care of yourself. Make sure you get as much rest and help as you can.
- Try to sleep when your baby does.
- Let family and friends bring you meals or do chores.
- Eat healthy meals to build up your strength.
- Drink extra fluids if you are breast-feeding.
It is common to feel very emotional during the postpartum period. But if you have "baby blues" that last more than a few days or you have thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, call your doctor right away. Postpartum depression needs to be treated at once.
Your doctor or registered midwife will want to see you for a checkup 2 to 6 weeks after delivery. This is a good time to discuss any concerns, such as birth control. If you do not want to become pregnant right away, use birth control every time you have sex, even if you are breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor about which type is best for you.
How can I prepare for labour and delivery?
Getting regular exercise during pregnancy will help you handle the physical demands of labour and delivery. Try adding Kegel exercises to your daily routine. They strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. This helps prevent a long period of pushing during labour.
In your sixth or seventh month of pregnancy, consider taking a childbirth education class with your husband, partner, or support person. A class can reduce your stress both before and during labour and delivery by preparing you to deal with what might happen. It can teach you ways to relax and the best ways for your support person to help you.
There are many decisions to make about labour and delivery, so it is a good idea to write a birth plan before your baby is due. It is not possible to predict exactly what will happen during labour and delivery. But a birth plan gives you a chance to state how you would most like things to be handled. You can change your mind at any time.
Things to put in a birth plan include:
- Where you want to have your baby. Most women choose to work with a doctor and have their baby delivered in a hospital. Hospitals offer experienced staff in case problems arise and also a wide range of pain relief options.
- Who you want to be with you. You may want to have family and friends around you or only the baby’s other parent or another support person.
- Who you want to be with you. You may want to have family and friends around you or only the baby’s other parent or another support person.
- Your preferences for medical treatments. You can state what type of pain medicines you would prefer and your feelings about having an episiotomy, which is a cut sometimes done to widen the birth canal. It is a good idea to learn about the medical options, although you may not always get to choose.
- How your baby will be cared for after delivery. This might include having your baby stay in the room with you rather than going to the nursery, delaying some tests and procedures, and not giving the baby water or formula right away if you plan to breast-feed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW Carrie Henley | Last Updated: March 10, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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