Labour

Labour

Labour refers to the process of childbirth, during which a baby is delivered from the uterus through the vagina. Labour is a complex physiological process that involves a series of coordinated events leading to the birth of a baby. It is typically divided into three stages: the first stage (dilation), the second stage (expulsion), and the third stage (placental).

Stages of Labour

First Stage

The first stage of labour is characterized by the dilation of the cervix. This stage is further divided into two phases: the latent phase and the active phase. During the latent phase, contractions are mild and irregular, and the cervix begins to efface and dilate. In the active phase, contractions become more regular, intense, and frequent, leading to further dilation of the cervix up to 10 centimeters.

Second Stage

The second stage of labour begins when the cervix is fully dilated and ends with the delivery of the baby. This stage involves the descent of the baby through the birth canal, aided by maternal pushing efforts and uterine contractions. The second stage can last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on various factors such as the position of the baby and the strength of the contractions.

Third Stage

The third stage of labour involves the delivery of the placenta. After the baby is born, the uterus continues to contract, which helps to detach the placenta from the uterine wall and expel it through the vagina. This stage typically lasts between 5 to 30 minutes.

Pain Management

Labour can be a painful process, and various pain management options are available to help women cope with the discomfort. These options include epidural anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, narcotic analgesics, and non-pharmacological methods such as breathing techniques, hydrotherapy, and massage.

Complications

While most labours progress without significant issues, complications can arise. Some common complications include preterm labour, prolonged labour, fetal distress, and shoulder dystocia. Medical interventions such as cesarean section, forceps delivery, or vacuum extraction may be necessary to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.

Related Pages

• Childbirth
• Pregnancy
• Midwifery
• Obstetrics
• Neonatology
• Postpartum period

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