First Stage of Labour

8/8/2019 First Stage of Labour

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The first stage of labor is the longest and is

broken down into three phases:Latent phase: Starts from the onset of

labor until the cervix is dilated to 3 cm.

Active labor phase: Continues until thecervix is dilated to 7 cm.

Transition phase: Continues until the

cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm.


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Note: Each phase is full of

different emotions and

physical challenges. It is one

big adventure you are aboutto take and we would like to

give you a guide for it.


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LATENT PHASE

The latent or preparatoryphase begins at the onset ofregularly perceived uterine

contractions and ends whenrapid cervical dilatationbegins.


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Contractions will last about 20-40 seconds

giving you 5-30 minutes of rest in between

contractions Contractions are typically mild somewhat

irregular, but progressively stronger and closer

together Contractions may feel like aching in your lower

back, menstrual cramps, and pressure or

tightening in the pelvis area


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WHEN MONITORING

CONTRACTIONS OBSERVE THE

FOLLOWING:

Growing more intense

Following a regular pattern

Lasting longer

Becoming closer together


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Note: How to Time a Contraction

What you will need:A

watch with a secondhand Pad of paper Writing instrument Time

between the contractions is measured from

the beginning of one contraction to the

beginning of the next contraction. Length of

contraction is timed from the time you feel the

contraction starting until the time you feel it

finish.


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TIPS FOR EARLYLABOR:

Rest as much as possible.Stay away from meats, dairy or high

fat foods.

Foods that are good for you include:

Teas , Fruit Juice , Eggs , Toast and

Butter, Cooked Fruits


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SIGNS OF EARLYLABOR:

BackacheMenstrual like cramps

Indigestion

Diarrhea

Warm Sensation ofAbdomen

Bloody Show


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COPINGWITH EARLYLABOR:Warm bath

Heating pad for backache

Do NOT take aspirin as it increases

chances of complications with

bleeding.

Relaxation exercises


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Keeping busy with light activities

Sleep if it is night time

Activities to take your mind offof the labor like TV, games or

reading.


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TIPS FOR THE SUPPORT PERSON:

Practice timing contractions

Be a calming influence

Offer comfort, reassurance, and support

Suggest activities that will distract her .

Tell the client to keep up her own

strength.


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WHAT TO EXPECT:

Duration will last about 3 hours fornullipara and 2 hours for multipara

Your cervix will dilate from 4cm to 7cm

Contractions during this phase will last

about 40-60 seconds with 3-5

minutes rest in between


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Contractions will feel stronger and

longerShow (increased vaginal secretions)

and spontaneous rupture of

membrane may occur

This is usually the time that you head to

the hospital or birth center


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WHENAMNIOTIC SAC RUPTURES

NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

Color of fluid

Odor of fluid

Time rupture occurred


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INDICATIONS OF ACTIVE LABOR:

Increased back pain

Leg pains

More bloody show

Anxiety


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As contraction become more difficult to dealwith, you will probably become less aware ofyour surroundings and retreat with in yourselfto deal with the contractions. You willprobably end up talking less during thisstage.

As labor progresses, your membranes mayrupture and with this there is usually a gushof fluid. After the membranes break, yourcontractions will usually speed up andincrease in intensity after this point.


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TIPS FOR ACTIVE LABOR:

Slow breathing helps you throughcontractions.

Focus on positive images or relaxing music

Showering or bathing, changing positions,

massage and hot and cold compresses can

help relieve discomfort.


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Walking, standing and sitting upright will

help labor to progress.Relaxing during and between contractions

helps to save energy and helps the cervix

dilate.

Being very anxious or tense may slow down

the progress of your labor.


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Give your undivided attentionOffer verbal reassurance and

encouragement

Massage her abdomen and lower back

Keep track of contractions (if she is being

monitored, ask how the machine works)


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Go through the breathing techniques with

her

Help make her comfortable (prop pillows,

get her water, apply touch)

Remind her to change positions frequently

(take her for a walk or offer her a bath)

Continue with distractions (music, reading

a book, playing a simple card game)


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WHAT TO EXPECT:

Duration will last about 30 min-2 hrsYour cervix will dilate from 8cm to

10cm, there is full cervical dilatation.

Contractions during this phase will last

about 60-90 seconds with a 2-3

minutes rest in between


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Contractions are long, strong,

intense, and may overlap

This is the hardest phase but

thankfully the shortest

You may experience hot flashes,

chills, nausea, vomiting, or gas


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SIGNS OF TRANSITIONALLABOR:

Feel strong pressure in your back andagainst the perineum from the baby's head

Bloody vaginal show will increase

You may feel: Leg cramps , Nausea ,

Exhaustion , An overwhelming urge to push


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Offer lots of encouragement and praise Avoid small talk

Continue breathing with her

Help guide her through her contractions withencouragement

Encourage her to relax in between contractions

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First Stage of Labour