Just as every person is unique, every birth is unique and announces itself in different ways. A natural birth always goes through four stages: The cervix dilates during the opening stage and the baby turns into the starting position during the transition stage. During the expulsion stage, the baby is finally born and the placenta and amniotic sac separate from the body during the afterbirth stage. We will describe the stages in more detail below.
Natural childbirth and its stages
Birth refers to the expulsion of the baby from the uterus. Certain signs precede the onset of labor. The following signs indicate that labor is beginning:
bleeding
a mucus plug comes away from the cervix
Amniotic fluid, which either trickles out drop by drop or gushes out
Labor begins when regular contractions start. As soon as contractions occur every 5-10 minutes, the mother-to-be should go to a hospital or other facility where the baby will be delivered. Thanks to modern technology, there are now only minor risks for mother and child. This is because pregnancy and birth monitoring is very good in Europe.
The natural way in which a baby is delivered into the world is referred to as spontaneous birth . However, it is impossible to predict exactly how a normal vaginal birth will proceed. In some cases, the mechanics of birth can cause damage to the pelvic floor, but in other cases, prolapse of the uterus or vagina or injuries to the perineum may occur.
Normally, labor lasts between four and 18 hours. It proceeds in four stages:
opening phase
transition period
expulsion phase
postpartum period
Phase 1: Opening phase
The opening phase begins when regular, strong contractions occur at short intervals. With each contraction, the uterus contracts. This pushes the baby's head deeper into the pelvis. Gradually, the cervix opens under this pressure. This continues until it is wide enough for the baby's head to pass through. This can take several hours.
For first-time mothers, this phase lasts an average of 8-14 hours. Mothers who have already given birth to a child are expected to take around 6 hours.
Phase 2: Transition phase
During the transition phase , the baby turns several times on its way through the birth canal. During the first phase, the dilation phase, the head slides sideways into the pelvic girdle. This causes the baby to look to the side. However, for the birth, the child must face the mother's coccyx, i.e., look backward. This is because the widest part of the baby, its shoulder girdle, must also be able to enter the pelvis.
The transition phase is a very intense but short part of labor. During this phase, contractions become irregular and intense.
Phase 3: Expulsion phase
Strong contractions slowly push the baby out during the expulsion phase. Since the birth canal is winding and narrow, the baby has to turn again. Otherwise, it would not fit through. This causes the cervix and perineum to stretch extremely. Many mothers describe the expulsion phase as the most painful phase of labor.
The mother involuntarily pushes the baby down with her abdominal muscles. First the head appears, then the shoulders and the rest of the body. To enable the baby to breathe properly, the doctor or midwife clears the mucus from the newborn's face. Now the umbilical cord can be cut and the baby can have its first skin-to-skin contact with its mother.
The expulsion phase may only last a few contractions, but for first-time mothers, it can take up to 2 hours for the birth to be complete.
4th stage: Postpartum stage
Shortly after birth, the uterus begins to contract again. During this period, the placenta detaches from the uterine wall. Together with the remains of the amniotic sac, it forms the afterbirth. It is expelled with a few strong contractions, and the midwife or doctor will check whether it has been completely delivered. If any remains are left in the uterus, this can cause infections or severe bleeding. If necessary, the remains of the afterbirth are removed from the uterus by hand.
Alternative cesarean section
A cesarean section is a surgical procedure that has been established in medicine for many years. In this case, the baby is removed from the mother's body through the abdomen. A cesarean section is usually planned in advance, so there is a set date on which the cesarean section will be performed. However, sometimes a cesarean section is also performed due to emergencies during natural childbirth. Indicators for this can include:
The size of the baby and the mother's pelvis are not compatible
Placental abruption or placenta previa
Multiple cesarean sections in the past
Transverse position of the baby or breech presentation
Recovery of the mother after childbirth
After giving birth , the uterus remains enlarged for some time until it almost reaches the size it had before pregnancy. This process is accelerated by vaginal delivery and breastfeeding. A hormone released during breastfeeding stimulates uterine muscle contractions. Therefore, it is possible that breastfeeding may cause pain in the lower abdomen.
Lochia follows childbirth. It is a discharge of mucus, blood, and uterine tissue. About 6-8 weeks after giving birth, the inner layer of the uterus is completely healed. Once all the emotional stresses of childbirth are over, a wonderful time begins for mother and child. Happy parents can use birth announcement cards to inform their friends and relatives.
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