Signs and stages of labour

• A show


  As cervix dilates, plug of mucus that has sealed off the uterus comes away - can be stained with blood
• Waters breaking

  • The amniotic sac around the baby bursts
  • can be a trickle or a gush
  • Go to hospital or chosen birth plan as risk of infection increases
• Contractions start


  Uterus muscles contract and release - gradually increase in strength and frequency
• Stage One of Labour

  • Longest stage
  • Cervix softens and opens
  • Often takes around 8-12 hours with first pregnancy
  • Baby’s head will engage into Mother’s pelvis -midwifes will speed this up by breaking the waters or by using a drip
• Stage two of labour

  • Begins when cervix becomes fully dilated (10cm) - creates a birth canal
  • The mother pushes with each contraction to move baby
  • When baby’s head can be seen this is known as crowning- mother stops pushing and is asked to pant
  • Baby’s body is turned so shoulders are eased out
  • The umbilical cord will be clamped and cut - sometimes done by father
• Stage three of labour

  • The delivery of the placenta
  • Shortest stage of labour - 20-60 minutes
  • To sped up midwife may give an injection of syntocinon which cause uterus to contract