LABOUR - Normal Delivery

STAGES OF LABOUR

Stage 1 – This is the longest stage of labour. For first time mothers, it can last 12 to 14 hours, but shorter for subsequent pregnancies.

It is characterized by increased contractions that are radiating to the back, and with time the frequency increases. Membranes holding the amniotic fluid also rupture on their own or done artificially by a midwife or gynecologist.

Stage 2 – This is also known as the active phase and is characterized by the fully opening of the cervix, to allow the head to pass through the birth canal. The following activities take place;

• The mother about to give birth is encouraged to push the baby downwards – as if passing stool
• The baby’s head crowns and comes out when the midwife is supporting the perineum (muscles around the vagina)
• The midwife suctions or removes any fluid from the baby’s nostrils to clear the airway for baby to breathe once out.
• Then the head is supported to aid the birth of both shoulders, each at a time
• Finally the rest of the body is born and baby cries

Stage 3 – In this stage, the placenta is removed with a specific technique, clots expelled, episiotomy and or tears sutured (if any).

Oxytocin injection is given intramuscularly to the mother to prevent excessive bleeding.

Mum is left comfortable and transferred to a post-natal bed, and baby is dried and kept warm