Transition can be a unique phase within the 1st stage of a woman's labour, because of its often classic, and dramatic, physical changes. The woman's body usually undergoes a conversion from the 'dilating stage' of 1st stage, to the 'pushing stage' of the 2nd stage. The Macquarie Dictionary defines transition as
'a passing from one position, state, stage and so on, to another'. This is exactly what is happening.
Transition may be brief for some women, possibly only one to two contractions, or prolonged for others, up to 1-2 hours. Not everyone experiences a defined transition, and if you have had pain relief (such as an epidural), your body will change, but most of the signs, or behaviours, will not be exhibited.
The following are some signs you may notice at the end of 1
st stage. They can include:
Frequently feeling hot and cold
Involuntary shaking
Feeling nauseated and / or vomiting
Feeling tired or exhausted as your body releases endorphins
Starting to make noises
Heavy bright blood stained vaginal loss
Feeling confused because you have an overwhelming feeling that you want to open your bowels
Frequently feeling hot and cold. Feeling cold one minute, (and wanting to be covered in blankets), then feeling hot the next, (wanting all your clothes off) is commonly experienced by many women during transition. Make sure you are able to manipulate your environment. Heaters, fans, iced face washers, warm blankets. Woolly socks can also be important! (Labouring women get cold feet, even though the rest of them can be naked! - No pun intended.)
Involuntary shaking. It is not unusual for women to get 'the shakes' in transition, without actually being cold. The woman's body is working very hard, a little like running a marathon, with her muscles quivering in response. Shaking can also be caused by an epidural. It is one of the side effects of the medications used.
Feeling nauseated and / or vomiting.