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Labor and Birth : An Overview

The Stages of Labor
Labor is divided into three stages , each with unique characteristics .
First Stage Labor Cervical Dilation
Second Stage Labor Pushing
Third Stage Placenta
First stage is usually the longest part of labor . It begins with regular contractions that change the cervix . It ends when the cervix is completely dilated . First stage may last anywhere from a few hours up to 24 hours or more .
Second stage begins when the cervix is completely dilated and the mother begins pushing . It ends with the birth of the baby . Second stage may last from a few minutes to five hours or more . It is usually longer for first babies .
Third stage begins once the baby is born . Contractions continue that cause the placenta to detach . It ends once the mother had pushed the placenta out . Third stage may last a few minutes to 30 minutes or more .
Prelabor vs . Labor
It is common for women to experience contractions in late pregnancy called prelabor ( or Braxton-Hicks , “ warm-up ” or “ false ” labor ). These characteristics will help you determine whether your contractions are prelabor or real . Prelabor contractions may occur any time in the weeks or days prior to birth . This is different from preterm labor ( labor prior to 37 weeks ), which needs medical attention .
Prelabor Contractions
• May be regular or irregular , predictable or unpredictable , vary in frequency or length .
• Do not get closer , stronger or longer .
• Slow down or stop with a change in activity , such as resting , eating or drinking .
• Are felt primarily in the front , or on just one part of the belly ( sometimes just one half ).
Labor Contractions
• Are usually regular and predictable .
• Get steadily closer , stronger and longer .
• Do not lessen with activity or eating / drinking but may increase in intensity by being active .
• Are often felt in the front and back ; if just front or just back , contractions are usually symmetric on both sides .
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