this life–changing event, women typically undergo medical and nesting preparations to ensure they are equipped before, during, and after delivery.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, during labour, the uterus contracts continuously and with increasing force, facilitating cervical dilation and effacement (thinning). This enables the fetus to
pass through the birth canal. Labour typically begins two weeks before or after the expected
delivery date. However, the exact trigger for labour’s onset remains unknown.
Every woman’s labour experience is distinct, and some common labour signs are:
●Bloody show: A small amount of mucus, slightly mixed with blood, may be expelled from
the vagina.
●Contractions: Uterine muscle spasms that occur at intervals of less than 10 minutes may
signify that labour has started. These may become more frequent and severe as labour
progresses.
● Rupture of the amniotic sac (bag of water): Most women experience labour a few hours
after the rupture of the amniotic sac. Your amniotic sac may rupture, and if labour does not
start right away, you will be given medication to start labour. This action is frequently
performed to avoid infection and other issues related to delivery.
There are typically three stages of labour, as identified by Johns Hopkins Medicine, the National
Women’s Health, the American Pregnancy Association, and other reputable medical professionals
and researchers.
● First stage: During the onset of labour, your cervix will complete dilation. Early in this
stage, you may not recognise that you are in labour if your contractions are mild and
irregular.
● Second stage: Often referred to as the pushing stage of labour, this stage starts when your
cervix is completely opened and ends with the delivery of your baby. During the second
stage, you become actively involved by pushing the baby through the birth canal. Crowning
occurs when your baby’s head is visible at the opening of the vagina. The second stage is
usually shorter than the first stage and may take between 30 minutes and three hours for
your first pregnancy.
● Third stage. After your baby is delivered, you will enter the third and final stage of labour.
This stage involves the passage of the placenta (the organ that nourished your baby inside
of the uterus) out of the uterus and through the vagina. The delivery of the placenta may
take up to 30 minutes.
Photo Credit: Freepik
There are several reasons why medical professionals recommend caesarean delivery. While some
caesarean sections are performed in emergencies, others are planned to prevent complications.
Common indications for cesarean delivery include; multiple births, fetal distress, diabetes, active
genital herpes and uterine rupture among others.
Here are some myths about childbirth checked and verified:
Labour is quicker after your first child– True
Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery asserts that “Every labour experience is different, but the
averages win out with this one. Labor with a first child typically takes 12–24 hours. With
subsequent children, most women average 8–10 hours.”
In the same vein, the NHS states that “In a 1st pregnancy, the time from the start of established
labour to being fully dilated is usually 8 to 18 hours. It’s often quicker (around 5 to 12 hours), in a
2nd or 3rd pregnancy.”
According to Fatima Aliyu Musa, a registered nurse in Nigeria, “It is true that every experience of
labour is different for all women. Most times it is usually easier after the first one. Women explain
to us that their subsequent labours after the first is usually easier.”
Once you have a C–section, you can’t give birth naturally– Misleading
Holistic OB/GYN states that “More than 60–80% of women are able to give birth vaginally after having their first baby delivered via C–section. However, there are some factors that influence this chance, such as the incision site of the first C–section, the health of the mother and baby, and the point in the pregnancy in which labour begins.” In line with this, Aliyu Musa says that “Vaginal birth after caesarean section can be achieved successfully. Although there are exceptions where the C–section can be repeated. For some after their first childbirth, they continue to deliver successfully without the C–section.”
There is one ‘right’ way to give birth– False
Contrary to popular belief, natural delivery is not the only acceptable way to give birth.
Unfortunately, women who undergo cesarean sections (C–sections) are often stigmatised, with
some even being made to feel less of a woman. However, experts affirm that this notion is
entirely false.
According to OB/GYN Associates of Marietta “Many women have preconceived expectations
about labour and delivery. Maybe your mom and sisters all had C–sections, so that’s what you’re
expecting. Or maybe you’re hoping for a natural, drug–free delivery experience. It’s OK to have
expectations, but there’s not a one–size–fits–all solution for giving birth. Your medical history and
your body are unique, and your needs might dictate one method of delivery over another.”
According to Aliyu Musa, “Even though vaginal birth is the safest, C–section is also safe too. Both
are methods that have worked well for women. Some women have even experienced both due to
certain circumstances.”
Delivery is over when your baby is born– False
OB/GYN Associates of Marietta report shows that, “Nothing can compare to the moment you first see and hear your baby. It’s a common misconception that labour and delivery end when your baby is put into your arms. The placenta is an organ that forms in your uterus when you’re pregnant. It gives your baby oxygen and nutrients, but once they’re born, it’s no longer needed.
You will continue experiencing contractions after your baby is born until you deliver the placenta. This takes
anywhere from 5–30 minutes, but the contractions are mild and you may only need to push one more time.”
“This is a false myth. There is more to delivery. There are other components in the third stage
which are equally important such as the release of the placenta and membrane. This stage requires
proper monitoring to ensure that both mother and baby are healthy enough to continue living a
good life”, according to Aliyu Musa. Every woman’s body is unique, and childbirth experiences vary. Despite this, myths persist, particularly in areas with limited awareness about labour. Fortunately, medical experts provide evidence–based information to debunk these myths, reducing the risk of birth complications.
Childbirth is an important stage in pregnancy, and labour is its most crucial aspect. To prepare for