how long can a woman be in labor

Can A Woman Push For Too Long During Labor? An OB-GYN Weighs In

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Workers is a natural process. Here's what to expect during the three stages of labor and delivery -. And what can you do to promote comfort

Each woman's labor is unique, even from one pregnancy to the next. Sometimes the more labor in a matter of hours. In other cases, workers test the physical and emotional stamina mother.

You will not know how labor and delivery will be revealed to happen. You can prepare However, by understanding the typical sequence of events.

cervical thinning and dilation

During the first stage of labor, the cervix is ​​open (dilate) and thinning out (effaces) to allow the baby to move into the birth canal. In figure A and B, the cervix is ​​tightly closed. In the image C, the cervix is ​​60 percent were eliminated and 1 to 2 cm wide. In the image D, the cervix is ​​90 percent were eliminated and 4 to 5 cm wide. 100 percent of the cervix should be abolished and 10 centimeters before normal delivery.

The first stage of labor and delivery occur when you start feeling regular contractions that cause the cervix to open (dilate) and soften, shorten and thin (deletion). This allows the baby to move into the birth canal. The first stage is the longest of the three stages. This is actually divided into two phases alone -. Early labor (latent phase) and active labor

During early labor, cervical dilation and effaces. You will feel lighter, irregular contractions.

As you begin to open the cervix, you may see a discharge of clear, pink or slightly bleeding from your vagina. This may be a plug of mucus that blocks the cervical opening during pregnancy

How long it lasts. Initial workforce can not be predicted. For first time mothers, the average length varies from hours to days. It is often shorter for subsequent delivery

What can you do :. Until your contractions increase in frequency and intensity, it is up to you. For many women, early delivery is not too comfortable. Try to stay relaxed

To promote comfort during early labor :.

The doctor will instruct you about when to leave the hospital or birthing center. If your water breaks or you experience a significant vaginal bleeding, contact your doctor immediately.

Now it's time for the real work to begin. During active labor, your cervix will dilate from 6 centimeters (cm) to 10 cm. Your contractions will be stronger, closer together and organized. Your legs may cramp, and you may feel nauseous. You may feel your water break - if it has not already - and experience increased pressure on your back. If you are not heading to maternity facilities you have not, now is the time.

Do not be surprised if the initial excitement is reduced as the labor progress and intensify the pain. Ask for pain medication or anesthesia if you want it. Your health care team will partner with you to make the best choice for you and your baby. Remember, you are the only one who can assess your need for pain relief

How long it lasts. Active labor often lasts 4-8 hours or more. On average, your cervix will grow about one centimeter per hour

What can you do :. Check coach workforce and your health care team for encouragement and support. Try breathing and relaxation techniques to combat the growing inconvenience you. Using what you learned in childbirth classes or ask your health care team for advice.

Unless you need to be in a certain position to allow close monitoring of you and your baby, consider ways to promote comfort during active labor:

If you need to have a C-section , have food in your stomach can cause complications. If the health care provider you think you may need a C-section, she may recommend a small amount of clear liquids, such as water, ice cubes, popsicles and juice, instead of large, dense foods.

The last part of the active labor - often referred to as a transition - can be very intense and painful. Contractions will come closer together and can last 60 to 90 seconds. You will be more pressure on the lower back and rectum. Tell your doctor if you feel the urge to push.

If you want to push but you're not fully dilated, your healthcare provider may ask you to hold. Pushing too soon can make you tired and cause your cervix to swell, which may delay the delivery. Pant or blow your way through contractions. Transition usually lasts 15 to 60 minutes.

This is the time! You will give birth to your baby during the second stage of labor

How long it lasts. This can take from several minutes to several hours or more to push your baby into the world. Might take longer for the first time mothers and women who have had an epidural

What can you do :. Push! The doctor will ask you to bear down during each contraction or tell you when to push. Or you may be asked to push when you feel the need.

When you push, do not hold tension in your face. Bear down and concentrate on pushing where it counts. If possible, experiment with different positions until you find one that feels best. You can drive while squatting, sitting, kneeling -. Even on your hands and knees

At some point, you may be asked to push more gently - or not at all. Slowing gives you the time to vaginal tissues to stretch rather than tear. To stay motivated, you may be asked to feel the baby's head between your legs or see it in the mirror.

Once your baby's head is delivered, the rest of the baby's body will follow soon. His airway will be deleted if necessary. Your health care provider or labor coach will cut the umbilical cord.

Once your baby is born, you may feel a sense of relief. You may hold the baby in your arms or stomach. Enjoy the moment. But many are still going on. During the third stage of labor, you will give the placenta

How long it lasts .. The placenta is usually delivered within five to 30 minutes, but the process can take an hour

What can you do: Relax! Now the focus has tended to shift to your baby. You may not be aware of what is going on around you. If you want, try feeding your baby.

You will continue to have mild contractions. They are close together and less painful. You will be asked to push again to deliver the placenta. You may be given medication before or after the placenta to promote uterine contractions and minimize bleeding.

The doctor will examine the placenta to make sure it was still intact. Each fragment that remains must be removed from the womb to prevent bleeding and infection. If you're interested, ask to see the placenta.

Once you provide a placenta, your uterus will continue to contract to help it return to normal size.

A member of your health care team will rub your abdomen to make sure the womb feels strong.

doctor will determine if you need stitches or repair of tears of your vaginal area. If you do not have anesthesia, you will receive an injection of local anesthetic in the area to be sewn.

Benefits of this special time with your baby. Your preparation, pain and effort have paid off. Revel in the wonder of birth.

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