Labour is the process of giving birth, it occurs in 3 stages
The first stage is from the start of labour till the mouth of your womb is fully opened (measured when a doctor/midwife insert his/her hand into the vaginal). The cervix is fully opened when the dilation is 10cm. The first stage often last 10 to 15 hours, but longer in first timers.

During this stage, it is advised that you:

–          Lie on your side

–          Keep a pad on your vagina

–          Take regular deep breaths

The second stage starts when the mouth of your womb is fully opened. At this stage, you may feel intense low back pain or urge to poo. During this stage, lie on your side, take deep breaths, and do not push until the midwife tells you to. When asked to push, make the effort when you feel the tummy is tightening (at the height of contraction).

The third stage is from the time baby is delivered to when the placenta is delivered. The stage often lasts 15-20 minutes. Once the placenta is out, you will be examined for any source of bleeding and tears. The tears and episoiotomies will be repaired (stitched), your vital signs (pulse, respiration, blood pressure and temperature) will be checked. If stable, you will then be moved out of the labour room.