IndiaParenting.com - The Third Stage of Labour

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The Third Stage of Labour - Delivery of Placenta

Summary - The advanced stage of labour

The third phase is probably the most demanding, intense and exhausting phase, mentally and physically. This is called the transitional or active phase, where the contractions come 2 or 3 minutes apart and last between 60 - 90 seconds. The cervix has to dilate by another 3 cms and this can take place anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. At this point you will find it difficult to relax between the contractions.

You will most likely feel a strong pressure in the lower back or perineum and your legs will tremble and cramp. You could experience nausea, vomiting and may break out in a cold sweat. You may feel chilly or experience hot flushes. Rectal pressure increases, but there is no urge to push and the bloody flow from the vagina will definitely get messy. You will be totally exhausted.

If you feel the urge to push, and your cervix is not fully dilated to 10 cms, it is better to pant and blow instead. Use your breathing techniques and try to relax between contractions. By the end of this phase, your cervix will be fully dilated and you will begin to push your baby out.

What happens in the third stage of childbirth

During the last and final stage of childbirth, the placenta, which has acted as your baby's life support system until now, will be delivered. It could take about 5 minutes to half and hour, in which time you will be expected to help expel the placenta by pushing when directed. You might experience mild contractions of about 60 seconds as the uterus squeezes out the placenta from the uterine wall and moves it down so that you can push it out.

What happens after the delivery of placenta

Once it is delivered, your doctor might need to take care of any tears or lacerations that have happened during delivery or stitch up an epsiotomy.

What will I experience after this stage ends

Some women experience chills and waves of hunger and thirst. You will get a heavy, bloody, vaginal discharge (lochia) like a menstrual flow. The worst is over. You now have your baby in your arms. Take pride in your accomplishment.

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