For anyone who has not been through it, knowing what childbirth is like is something that can create a lot of curiosity. Although it can be said that each birth is totally different, unique and special, there are certain coincidences that are shared in a general way. The most important is that without a doubt, the moment of delivery is the most important appointment in life of any woman, because when you finish, you will meet the most important person in your life.
Labor can be very long or very short, you never know and therefore it is best not to have high expectations. You can make a plan, you can think about how you would like it to be, talk to your gynecologist and draw up a possible plan to have everything a little more under control. But the truth is that once the time has come, everything can change suddenly, so it is essential that you are prepared for any circumstance that can be given.
What does childbirth consist of
Labor is divided into three phases that are, dilation, the second stage and delivery. The process can take many, many hours, although it is not a rule, since in each case the circumstances will be totally different. In any case begins with dilation of the cervix, which occurs when labor contractions occur.
Although you may expect to break waters like in the movies, this is not always the trigger for labor, although it does condition it. That is, once the amniotic sac ruptures and fluid begins to leak, the baby stops receiving nutrients. On the other hand, the amniotic sac can rupture or suffer a fissure long before the baby is ready to be born. And that is why at that time you should go to the hospital for specialists to assess whether it is necessary to start labor or not.
Therefore, labor begins with contractions and widening or dilation of the cervix and ends with the delivery of the placenta. In between all this process, the time will come to bring the baby into the world and it will end with the delivery. Do you want to know more about what happens in each of the phases of labor? We tell you everything so that you can get a slight idea of what your delivery will be like.
The period of dilation
This is the longest phase of the entire labor, in most cases. The period of dilation can last for many hours, because it is necessary that the cervix dilates up to 10 centimeters so that the baby's head has a chance to come out. Your doctor will give you instructions on how and when you should go to the hospital once the contractions begin, therefore, it is very important to perform the maternal education course.
The expulsion phase
After a lot of effort, pain from contractions and a generally long process, the most special moment of the entire delivery arrives. The expulsion phase or the pushing to give birth. At this time you will already be dilated by 10 centimeters and you'll be ready to start pushing. The gynecologist or midwife will be who determines if the time has come and will explain how you have to do it.
Delivery
Labor ends with delivery, which is known as the process of expulsion of the placenta, the remains of the cord and the membranes that attached the amniotic sac to your body. The delivery begins when the baby is born and ends when your body expels everything mentioned. This process can still take a long time, although If the labor is going normally, you will probably spend it with your baby to help your body continue with the expulsive phase. Something that happens thanks to oxytocin, which is the hormone that produces contractions.
These are the phases of labor and how the process usually goes from the beginning of labor contractions, until the end of delivery. Although it is normal to generate concern and fear, you must trust the capacity of your body, which will undoubtedly surprise you.