1st stage of labour

Fast-track

Fast-track provides a condensed version of all the information available in the previous sections that specifically relate to labour, birth and your newborn baby. It is designed for people who do not have the time (or pehaps inclination) to read all the other sections, or parents expecting a second or subsequent baby who just want a refresher. You may also wish to use Fast-track to revise the major points covered within the previous sections.

We provide an overview of the different stages and phases of labour and birth, the pain of labour as well as support tools and strategies for the woman, her partner and/or support people.

Prelabour

Prelabour looks at how labour may start and identifies some of physical signs and emotional reactions the woman may experience.

1st stage of labour

The 1st stage of labour outlines some possible physical signs and emotional reactions that may be experienced in the various phases of first stage. It also describes how your baby is negotiating their journey throughout this phase of labour.

2nd stage of labour

The 2nd stage of labour provides information describing the different phases a woman may experience during second stage and explores the physical signs and emotional reactions that may occur. It also describes how your baby negotiates their path to birth.

3rd and 4th stages of labour

The 3rd stage of labour describes how the placenta and membranes (or afterbirth) separate from the uterus and are delivered and explains the use of the Syntocinon injection for the woman. It also explores the physical signs and emotional reactions experienced during the first hour after the birth, sometimes referred to as the 4th stage of labour.

Pain relief

Pain relief lists the various medical and natural forms of pain relief available to the woman for labour. We explore the emotional concerns for the woman and her partner (or support person) and explore some strategies to help you deal positively with these emotions.

Baby soon after birth

The newborn baby describes your baby's physical transition to life soon after birth, the Apgar score and the administration of Vitamin K, as well as your baby's first hour of life outside the womb.

Finally we answer some Frequently Asked Questions relating to labour and birth, specifically looking at what to pack for the birth, if your baby is born before you arrive at the hospital (or before your caregiver arrives, if a homebirth) and what is involved if the woman or baby need to be transferred to another hospital.

After completing this section you should be able to:

	Understand the different ways labour can start and the overall birth process.
	Identify some of the physical signs and emotional reactions pertaining to the various phases and stages of labour.
	Be aware of the emotional reactions to labour pain and some support strategies, as well as possible pain relief options.
	Identify some appropriate physical and emotional support strategies for the different stages of the labour that the woman can use herself, and/or partners or support people can use to help the labouring woman.
	Have a concept of the baby's journey during the labour process.

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1st stage of labour

Labour & Birth

Inducing labour

Caesarean

Reference

1st stage of labour

Birth tools and resources

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