The normal delivery process experienced by every pregnant woman is different. However, basically there 3 stages process that pregnant women will go through, before finally meeting their beloved baby.
The first stage in the normal delivery process begins when the pregnant woman begins to experience uterine contractions. However, keep in mind, these contractions are different from false contractions. During the first stage, pregnant women will experience the opening of the cervix.
After that, the second stage begins when the opening is complete or reaches 10 cm, and the mother begins to push the baby until it is born into the world. Then the third or final stage occurs when the placenta is expelled from the uterus within a few minutes after the baby is born.
Stages of the Normal Childbirth Process
Towards the time of delivery, pregnant women will enter several stages or the normal delivery process, namely:
First Stage
At this stage you will experience 2 phases, namely the initial phase and the active phase. In the early stages of labor, you may experience the following:
- The cervix thins and begins to open. You will feel light contractions that last for 40–60 seconds. The longer, the contractions will be more regular and stronger, for example every 5 minutes.
- Over time, the cervix will begin to open little by little. Usually there will be mucus mixed with blood coming out of the vagina.
- The initial phase ends when the cervix dilates about 4 times. The time it takes to reach the dilatation varies from woman to woman.
If this is your first labour, this initial phase may take longer to around 8–12 hours. However, if you have previously given birth, this phase will usually take place more quickly.
After passing through the initial phase, you will enter an active phase in the labor process. Some signs of the active phase to know include:
1. Lthe cervix will dilate faster
The opening of the cervix in the active phase reaches 7 cm. Contractions in this phase will occur every 2-3 minutes lasting about 45-60 seconds, even longer it can happen for 60-90 seconds.
2. Contractions are stronger and feel uncomfortable
Contractions that come in the active phase will be stronger and more frequent. You begin to experience discomfort, ranging from leg cramps, pressure or back pain, and may feel nauseous.
3. Time to go to the hospital or give birth
As labor progresses, rupture of the amniotic fluid may also occur. When you are in labor and your water breaks or leaks, this is a sign that you need to rush to the maternity hospital or hospital immediately.
4. The intensity of the pain will increase
If you can't stand it, you can ask your midwife or doctor for pain reliever medication. The active phase usually lasts between 4–8 hours. However, if this is your first pregnancy, the active phase will last longer.
When the active phase ends, there is a period called the transition phase. Here the contractions will be stronger and longer, and the opening begins to widen from 7–10 cm. At this point you may feel exhausted, scared, or increasingly anxious.
At this time, generally mothers who give birth need a companion. However, there are also those who feel disturbed, if there are companions who try to help.
Second Stage
This stage is known as the process of pushing the baby out of your body. At this stage the cervical opening is full, which is 10 cm. It is at this stage that all your energies must be mobilized.
Here are some conditions that you will experience in the second stage of normal delivery:
1. Contractions are less frequent
You no longer feel the contractions like in the active phase. The distance between the contractions is not so close, so you have more time to rest before the next contraction appears.
2. The baby begins to descend into the birth canal
Gradually the position of your baby will be getting down to the birth canal. You are advised to be patient while waiting for the baby to come down and do not need to rush and deliberately push so that the baby comes out quickly.
Let the feeling of wanting to push come naturally and try to practice breathing and be patient so you can be more relaxed and less stressed.
3. Baby's scalp is starting to show
After a while, you will notice a bulge in your vagina when you push or try to push the baby. Soon, the baby's scalp will be visible. This process is called crowning. For a mother, this is a long-awaited moment. If you are curious, you can ask for a mirror to see the baby's scalp.
4. Start pushing for the birth of the baby
At this time the feeling of wanting to push will feel stronger. The pressure on your baby's head will also feel more intense, which may be accompanied by intense pain due to stretching of the tissue in the birth canal.
The more you push, the more your baby's head will be pushed out. Follow the instructions from the birth attendant, so that this process goes smoothly. With a good push, the baby's head will pop out all the way.
Once out, the baby's head will be sideways because his shoulders begin to rotate to get ready to come out of the birth canal. With a good push, the shoulders will pop out, then the body will follow. Congratulations, your baby is born.
5. Baby starts cleaning
The baby's mouth and nose will be cleaned for easy breathing. In addition, the mucus and blood attached to the body will be dried using a sterile towel by the midwife or doctor.
After the baby is born, the midwife or doctor will clamp the umbilical cord and cut it. Furthermore, if there are no complications, you can immediately meet your little one who has been pregnant for 9 months.
TThird stage
After the baby is born, you will feel relief and an unstoppable sense of happiness. You can hug and kiss your baby with great affection. However, the birthing process has not yet been completed, because there are several further processes in this third stage, namely:
1. Placenta comes out of the uterus
You still have to wait for the placenta to come out of the uterus. Usually the placenta will come out within 5-10 minutes after the baby is born. However, there are also new ones that come out after 30 minutes to 1 hour.
If the placenta does not come out or remains in the uterus, the doctor may need to perform a curettage to remove the remaining placenta. This is to prevent dangerous complications due to retained placenta, such as heavy bleeding after delivery.
2. Start breastfeeding your little one
If the delivery went smoothly and your baby's condition was healthy, then you can start giving early breastfeeding initiation (IMD) to your little one. IMD is very good for babies and also the process bonding between mother and child.
However, not all babies want to breastfeed immediately when they are born. Even so you do not despair, continue to bring the baby's lips to your breast until he sucks the nipple.
3. Undergo treatment for a torn birth canal
After the baby and placenta are born, the birth attendant will stitch up the tear in the birth canal. Suturing of the wound will also be performed on pregnant women undergoing an episiotomy. Before the birth canal is sutured, you will be given an injection of a local anesthetic to reduce pain.
For those of you who are giving birth for the first time, usually the entire process of giving birth can take 10-20 hours. The process of giving birth can be faster, if you have given birth vaginally before.
The stages of the normal childbirth process take time, energy, and thought. However, it is nothing compared to the results you get, which is meeting the Baby.
If you are already experiencing signs of a normal delivery, immediately go to the doctor or midwife, so that your normal delivery process can be properly monitored and assisted.