Patient Education Animation: Labor and Vaginal Birth

Understanding the Stages of Vaginal Childbirth

Stage One: Early Labor

• The first stage of labor lasts approximately 12 to 19 hours, beginning when the baby settles lower into the pelvis.

• During this phase, the cervix begins to efface (thin out) and dilate (widen), accompanied by strong contractions every 5 to 20 minutes.

• Expect lower back pain and cramping that persists, along with potential brownish or reddish mucus discharge indicating the mucus plug.

Stage Two: Active Labor

• The second stage starts when your water breaks, which can manifest as a large gush or a continuous trickle of fluid. Contact your doctor or midwife if these symptoms occur.

• This stage typically lasts from 20 minutes to 2 hours, during which the cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm and the baby's head moves into the birth canal.

Pushing Phase

• As active labor progresses, doctors instruct mothers on how to push during contractions while resting in between. The uterus has two segments: an active segment that contracts and a passive segment that stretches for delivery.

• When crowning occurs (the top of the baby's head appears), a small cut called an episiotomy may be made to enlarge the vaginal opening for easier delivery.

Delivery Process

• After exiting the birth canal, the baby's head molds into an elongated shape due to pressure but will return to normal within days as skull bones shift back.

• Following head delivery, shoulders rotate for passage through the birth canal; they are delivered one after another for successful childbirth.