Labour: What it Is and How to Know When You’re Going into It
It’s the moment you’ve dreamt about, talked about, and asked your obstetrician about time and time again: the very start of your childbirth.
For millions of mothers, the moment when their pregnancy finally comes to an end and their new life begins is incredibly exciting, but it can also be a bit of a mystery. First-time mothers might not know what to expect, let alone when to expect it, leading them to develop some concerns regarding the experience.
Well, there’s nothing to fear; you don’t need to go into it blindly. To help you best understand what labour actually means for you and your child, let’s review some essential information.
What is Labour?
To put it simply, labour is the first step of childbirth that allows the fetus to move through and exit the birth canal. Still, as with most aspects of pregnancy, no two mothers will have the exact same experience. With that being said, there are a few “stages” of labour that will happen during the process.
Early Labour: This is when the mother begins to feel the first of her contractions and is usually the longest stage. The sensation is caused by the cervix growing softer, followed by an opening and shortening pattern, allowing the baby to begin moving through the birth canal. Mothers shouldn’t expect much discomfort, though the length of early labour can vary widely — from hours to days.
Active Labour: At this point, the mother’s contractions become much more intense, and her water may break. Pressure will increase in her back as some cramping occurs, which can be relieved with relaxation and breathing techniques. With a length between four and eight hours, it is also the stage when most mothers will head to a healthcare facility for guidance from a midwife or obstetrician.
Childbirth: Finally, it is time for the child to be born! Mothers will need to push their baby through the birth canal, which can also vary in length. Some might see their child within a few minutes, while others — especially first-time mothers — may need an hour or more.
Placenta Delivery: The moment everyone has looked forward to has finally arrived, but the childbirth process is still not done once the baby has been fully delivered. Afterwards, the mother will need to deliver the placenta, which usually takes no more than 30 minutes. She will also continue to have contractions, though much milder, while her healthcare provider oversees any final considerations such as stitching, medication, and more if necessary.
Exciting information, isn’t it? Of course, don’t be afraid to chat more with your obstetrician or midwife throughout your pregnancy to settle any unique concerns or questions you might have.
How Do I Know When I’m Going into Labour?
Now that you know more about the overall process of labour, you might still want to know how to determine when it is starting. Many expecting mothers can experience a “false labour” around the second trimester, which could make it difficult to know the true signs.
As such, there are a few main considerations that can help you separate the contractions of a true labour from a false alarm, including:
Timing: Regular intervals that grow closer over time.
Pain: Pressure that starts in the lower back and spreads into the belly.
Strength: Each sensation steadily increases in intensity.
Positioning: Contractions do not fade when you alter your position.
Water Breaking: Fluid discharges from the vagina, either in a trickle or a large gush. An obstetrician or midwife can perform a test to determine whether it is amniotic fluid. Labour usually begins with contractions first then water breaking later, however it can the other way around, with water breaking before the contraction begin.
If you’re experiencing the factors listed above, you’re most likely going into true labour. However, it’s always a good idea to call your hospital Birth Unit to let them know your symptoms, as they can provide additional guidance to help you know if your childbirth process is truly starting. Now, sit back, enjoy your pregnancy, and wait for this life-changing moment to arrive!
