Navigating Early Labor Stages

When you think of labor, what comes to mind? Normally the first thing to pop into our heads when thinking about labor is the end, pushing. This is thought of as the most intense part of labor, but there are normally many steps that happen before it is time to push! This week we are going to talk about navigating early labor stages: early, transitional, and active labor.

What are the labor stages?

There are three stages of labor: the beginning of labor to full dilation, pushing, and the final stage is the birth of the placenta. During the first stage of labor, there is early labor, active labor, and transitional labor. Below we will break down what classifies each step and explain further. Please keep in mind that all births look different. Today we are talking about the progression of vaginal birth without intervention.

1) Early labor

Early labor is considered to be the first part of labor. A few early labor signs may be; regular contractions lasting between thirty to sixty seconds, and your cervix beginning to dilate and soften. You may also lose your mucus plug during this time. You may also have loose stools or nausea.

What should I try during early labor?

Early labor is a great time to rest, walk, and eat! Early labor is usually an exciting time as you are closer to meeting your baby! This time also may bring up many other emotions. You may also be anxious or eager for what is ahead. We encourage our clients to rest as much as possible during early labor. If you need a distraction calling a friend, organizing your baby’s nursery, or watching a movie are all great ways to pass some time!

2) Active labor

Active labor may be the time you decide to transition from home to your delivering birthing center or hospital (unless of course, you are having a home birth). During active labor, contractions become more regular and are last closer to sixty seconds each. The cervix is typically dilated to 4-7 centimeters during this time.

Changes during active labor

Active labor is typically when the laboring person will begin to focus all their energy on what’s happening during each contraction. The room’s energy will become more focused, and most likely small chit-chat and distractions are no longer wanted. This labor stage is much more intense than early labor. At this point, all energy will be focused on getting through each contraction. During active labor, comfort measures like a hot shower, changing positions, breathing techniques, hypnobirthing, and chewing on ice chips between contractions can be used as comfort measures. If you are working with a labor doula, this is usually when they are called to come and help.

3) Transitional labor

Transitional labor is the last stage of labor. This part of the delivery is shorter than the other two but intense! This stage of labor typically begins when the birthing person is 7-10 centimeters dilated. Contractions are now about two minutes apart and lasting anywhere from 60-90 seconds.

Getting through transitional labor

By the time transitional labor starts, many feel very tired and ready for labor to be over all together. This is a great time for your partner or doula to help with comfort measures, breathing techniques, and encouraging words. It is great to have ice chips next to you in between contractions. Most prefer their support people to stay by their side for the remaining labor duration.

Be sure to tune in next week!

Thank you for reading this weeks blog; ” navigating early labor stages”. We hope this information has given you a better understanding of the progression of labor from the beginning of labor all the way up until pushing. Be sure to tune into next week’s blog where we will go over Pushing and the birth of the placenta!

For more helpful tips on all things pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenthood be sure to check out our weekly blog.