Bringing a baby into the world is a journey, and understanding the stages of labor can help you feel more prepared and confident. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the stages of labor from the onset of contractions to the moment of birth. We will break down each phase of labor, including early labor, early active labor, active labor, and transition, and we’ll share favorite coping techniques for each stage drawn from both personal and professional experiences. Key strategies for managing early labor include balancing rest and movement, hydration, and nutrition. As labor progresses into active labor and transition, effective comfort measures such as hip squeezes, hydrotherapy, and physical support are explored. Our discussion also covers mental strategies and practical tips to navigate the labor process confidently!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more weekly workouts and educational videos! We publish one new workout video and 2-3 educational videos a week on our channel.
Labor Timeline - The Phases of Labor
Stage One: The Longest Phase – Early and Active Labor
Early Labor
Early labor is the beginning of the childbirth process, where contractions start but may be irregular and mild. During this phase, the cervix dilates from 0 to about 6 centimeters. This stage can last several hours or even days, and it’s often described as the waiting game of labor.
How to Cope with Early Labor
- Balance Rest and Movement: If labor starts at night, try to sleep. If you wake up feeling rested, get up and move to help progress labor.
- Stay Nourished and Hydrated: Eating protein-rich meals can sustain your energy levels for the longer process ahead. Later in labor, you might not feel like eating, so fueling up early is essential.
- Try Distraction Techniques: Many find it helpful to distract themselves by packing their hospital bag, taking a shower, or watching a movie.
Early Active Labor
This is the in-between phase when contractions become stronger and require more focus, but you might not yet be in full active labor. Some people feel frustrated because they are experiencing intense contractions but still have a long way to go.
How to Cope with Early Active Labor
- Use Comfort Measures: Hip squeezes, counter-pressure, and TENS units can provide relief.
- Experiment with Different Positions: Standing, walking, or leaning on a partner can help ease discomfort.
- Hydrotherapy: A warm shower or bath can promote relaxation.
Active Labor
Active labor typically starts when the cervix is around 6 cm dilated and continues until full dilation at 10 cm. Contractions are more intense and frequent. This phase is often when most people head to their birthing location (if they haven’t already).
How to Cope with Active Labor
- Utilize Hydrotherapy: Showers and birth tubs can be game-changers for pain relief.
- Firm Pressure & Counter-Pressure: Hip squeezes, sacral pressure, and vigorous massage can help reduce the intensity of contractions.
- Supportive Presence: Some people prefer physical touch, while others just want their partner to be present without talking.
Stage Two: Pushing
The pushing stage begins when the cervix is fully dilated, and contractions help move the baby through the birth canal. This phase can last from just a few minutes to several hours.
How to Cope with Pushing
- Mentally Prepare for a Marathon: Expect pushing to last around three hours to help set realistic expectations, but be pleasantly surprised if it’s shorter.
- Use Gravity & Positioning: Upright positions, squatting, and hands-and-knees can make pushing more effective.
- Encouraging Support: Hearing affirmations like “You’re doing amazing” can provide motivation.
Stage Three: Delivering the Placenta
Once the baby is born, the final stage is delivering the placenta. This usually happens within 30 minutes and is much easier than delivering the baby.
How to Cope with Stage Three
- Skin-to-Skin Contact: Holding your baby immediately after birth can help release oxytocin, which assists with placenta delivery.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking fluids can help with postpartum recovery.
Final Thoughts
Every labor experience is unique, and flexibility is key. The most important thing is to listen to your body and use the coping techniques that work best for you. Preparation, whether through childbirth classes, practicing comfort techniques, or assembling a labor toolkit, can help you feel more empowered during labor.
For more guidance, check out MamasteFit’s childbirth education courses and use code STORY10 for 10% off.
Additional Resources
Prenatal Support Courses
Learn the science of pregnancy and birth to take the mystery of labor away! Understand why you are feeling what you feel, and learn strategies to confidently move through pregnancy and birth!
- 9h+ of Video
- Support Group
- Close Captioning
- 5 Workouts/Week
- Gym Workouts
- Self-Paced
Instructor
GINA
Workout on-demand with our prenatal fitness workout videos! Each workout is 30-40 minutes to follow along as you exercise at the same time!
- Birth Prep
- All Trimesters
- Mobility Work
Instructor
GINA
Find comfort and relief from pelvic girdle pain throughout your pregnancy and postpartum period! This program incorporates myofascial sling focused exercises to stabilize across the pelvic girdle joints.
- 3 Weeks
- On Demand Workout Videos to Follow