How Will Labour Progress?

For some women, labour may begin with:

• the rupture of membranes

• the appearance of "show"

• with contractions

As varied as the onset of labour is, the progress of labour and delivery is even more individual.

The birth of each baby is a unique event but all labour and delivery experiences do share some common features.  The following information will describe an average first-time labour and delivery and methods for coping.

Labour strives to make changes to the bottom of the uterus and the cervix which will allow baby to move out of the uterus, down through the vagina and into the waiting arms of family.

Contracting muscles of the uterus accomplishes these changes:

 1) thins and shortens or “effaces” the long, thick cervix

 2) opens or dilates the cervix which is tightly closed during pregnancy.  

Changes to the cervix can be assessed during a vaginal exam; effacement is described as a percent and dilation is measured in centimetres. Full dilation is about 10 centimetres.

Dilation of Cervix Begins

How Will The Labouring Woman Feel?

• contractions may be felt as cramping, stretching, tightening or burning in the abdomen, back or thighs

• at first irregular, the contractions will become stronger, longer and more frequent; developing into a regular pattern

• the labouring woman may experience loose bowel movements

• she may notice bloody show or loss of the mucous plug and

• it is possible that the amniotic sac may rupture

How Will She Feel Emotionally?

• excitement and joy

• relief

• confidence

• impatience and

• energy

How Can She Cope With Labour?

• the labouring woman should carry on with her regular activities, dependent on the time of day

• if labour begins in the middle of the night, she should try to return to sleep; during the day she can remain active, but should include periods of rest and relaxation

• because a full bladder may slow labour, she should frequently empty her bladder every 1-2 hours

• she should have something light to eat and drink

• if the amniotic sac has not ruptured, she may bathe

• a shower is recommended if the membranes have ruptured-with this layer of protection absent, immersing her body in water poses a risk of infection to baby

• the labouring woman may find it helpful to begin slow rhythmical breathing when unable to walk, talk, or sit comfortably through a contraction

How Can The Birth Partner Help Her Cope?

• pass the time with walking, talking, music, TV, or games

• time and record the contractions; timing from the beginning of a contraction until its end and from the beginning of one contraction until the beginning of the next contraction

• suggest coping strategies such as massage, relaxation, breathing, and rocking

Dilation of Cervix Continues

How Will The Labouring Woman Feel Physically?

• contractions are more intense, closer together, and longer

• the membranes may rupture or continue to leak fluid and

• the labouring woman will notice increased bloody show 

How Will She Feel Emotionally?

• tired

• quiet

• serious

• preoccupied

• lacking confidence and

• self-doubting

How Can She Cope With Labour?

• the labouring woman should continue to alternate rest and activity every 30 minutes

• as well as walking and rocking she should include more restful positions such as side-lying or reclining in bed

• she needs to continue to drink liquids, chew or suck on ice chips, or suck on a damp cloth

• she also needs to remember to frequently empty her bladder

• if she finds the slow Rhythmical Breathing no longer effective, she may try Shallow Breathing

• relaxation is a valuable complement to her breathing and

• the labouring woman can contact her doctor or midwife at the point in her labour which they have previously determined

How Can The Birth Partner Help Her Cope? 

• help her to change positions or walk

• help her to relax and use breathing techniques

• hold her hand, stroke her cheek or brow and massage her back or legs

• give encouragement

• offer ice or liquids and

• apply cool cloths

Full Dilation of Cervix

How Will The Labouring Woman Feel Physically? 

• during this stage known as "Transition", contractions are strong, very close together, and may have double peaks

• the labouring woman may feel pressure on the vagina and rectum

• she may also experience nausea and vomiting, leg cramps, or shaking

• she may feel cold and chilled or hot and perspiring and

• the amniotic sac may rupture or continue to leak fluid

How Will She Feel Emotionally?

• restless

• irritable

• frustrated

• forgetful

• fearful

• exhausted

• overwhelmed

How Can She Cope With Labour?

• during this short but difficult stage, the labouring woman can best cope by taking contractions one at a time

• she may find it necessary to begin Pant-Blow Breathing

• concentrating on a focal point complements her breathing techniques

• she may again find comfort in measures such as massage, a hand-held shower, and hair brushing

• position changes such as leaning over a chair back or squatting continue to be beneficial for her

• she still needs fluids or ice chips and

• she should alert her nurse or midwife if she feels an urge to push; if not fully dilated she may use Pant-Blow Breathing to resist the urge

How Can The Birth Partner Help Her Cope?

• give clear and simple directions

• reassure and encourage her

• help her to move

• continue comfort measures such as massage and touch

• supply ice chips or liquids

• again help her to relax and use breathing techniques and

• comfort her during the difficult symptoms of transition

• stretch a cramped muscle

• cover her with warm blankets if chilled

• use cool cloths if hot and perspiring