Pregnancy and the Birth for a First Time Mum. pregnancy | Page 14

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Birth can be split into stages.
At the end of pregnancy, usually around 38-42 weeks, oestrogen receptors on the uterine wall bind oxytocin, which triggers the uterine muscles into contracting thereby following
the delivery of the baby. As contractions occur, they cause an influx of more oxytocin which in
turn strengthens and progresses contractions. These contractions are a sign of labour.
During the first stage of labour, the contractions strengthen and the passage of the baby into
the birth canal opens. The cervix will also dilate up to 10cm and there is thinning also that will
occur.
During the second stage of labour, the baby makes its way down the birth canal and
out of the vagina. In this stage, there is the expulsion of foetus from the woman’s womb.
During the third stage of labour, the placenta is born in approximately 10-15minutes after the
baby is out.
When the baby begins suckling from the mother's breast after delivery, prolactin signals
the release of milk from the mammary glands. This is the start of the recovery stage wherein it
normally occurs few hours after delivery. (Boundless.com 2016)

( pixabay.com 2014)

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