Belly Picture

Braxton-Hicks Contractions (false labor)Energy spurts 1-2 days beforeIncrease vaginal mucusLoose stool, diarheaLightening (2-4 week before)

Loss of mucus plug- seals cervix to prevent bacteria from entering uterus. Blood or a pink stain occurs when it dissolves.

Water breaks- amniotic sac holding amniotic fluid ruptures or “breaks”

Contractions begin

Longest StageContractions

60 seconds/ 5-6 minutes apart Effacement –cervix becomes paper thinCervix must dilate to 10 cm (4inches)

Duration will last about 8-12 hours

Your cervix dilate to 3 cm

Contractions will last about 30-45 seconds, 5-30 minutes of rest in between contractions

Contractions may feel like aching in your lower back, menstrual cramps, and pressure or tightening in the pelvis area

Duration will last about 3-5 hours Your cervix will dilate from 3cm to 7cm Contractions about 45-60 seconds with 3-5

minutes rest in between (This is usually the time that you head to the

hospital)

30 min-2 hrs

It becomes fully dilated. Your cervix will dilate from 7cm to 10cm. (4 inches)

Contractions about 60-90 seconds with a 30 second-2 minute rest in between

This is the hardest phase but thankfully the shortest.

You may experience hot flashes, chills, nausea, vomiting, or gas

Baby’s head appears at opening of birth canal.

Contractions move baby out

Can be 3 minutes to 3 hours

Pelvis and vagina stretches due to hormones (Relaxin)

Cutting the perineum, to prevent the vagina from tearing.

Specialized tongs, molded to fit baby’s head.Helps baby to emerge more quickly or slowly

Dr. Attempt to shift its position by applying pressure to your abdominal wall.

Most circumstances, it's considered safer to deliver a breech baby by c-section.

Delivery of the placenta10-30 minutes