There are four stages of labor.

First stage: Thinning (effacement) and opening (dilation) of the cervix

During the first stage of labor, contractions help your cervix to thin and begin to open. This is called effacement and dilation. In this stage, your cervix will widen to about 10 centimeters.

Second stage: Your baby moves through the birth canal

The second stage of labor begins when the cervix is completely dilated and closes after the birth of your baby. Contractions push the baby down the birth canal, and you may feel intense pressure, like an urge to have a bowel movement.

Third stage: Afterbirth

The contraction of your uterus continues even after the birth of your child to push out the placenta. The takes about 5 to 15 minutes for the placenta to deliver after the baby arrives.

Fourth Stage: Recovery

It is highly recommended for you to start nursing after you have delivered your baby as early nursing may help you to decrease the amount of bleeding.

There are various risks involved even after successful completion of pregnancy period.

Following are the possible causes of failure during birthing.

1. Fetal Distress

Fetal distress term is often used to describe the slow heart rate of a baby that does not get back to normal after the contraction.

2. Breech Position

It is where the baby is positioned in the uterus head up, bottom down; sideways; or feet first.

3. Placenta Previa

It is when the placenta is covering the cervix.

4. Meconium Aspiration

Meconium is present in amniotic fluid the baby has inhaled. This can cause breathing complications.

5. Nuchal Cord

The umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck.

6. Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD)

The baby’s head is too big to pass through the mother’s pelvis, resulting in failure to progress.

Any such risk involved during the procedure leads to immediate caesarian section.

Vaginal births and Cesarean births are the only two ways to deliver a baby, but there are variations on each. While some mothers opt for water births. Whether this is an option for you depends on your health, as well as your baby’s health. In some cases, your doctor will recommend you the procedure most suitable for your baby and you.

Birthing is not that difficult in case of twins as you may feel. It completely depends on the type of procedure your doctor feels is more comfortable for you. Most twin births are done by Cesarean section, and you will be given medication to help with the pain. A natural, vaginal childbirth can be twice as painful but still, vary from patient to patient.

Not necessarily, but it is never a bad idea to have one. Birth plans are designed to help an expectant mother keep control of a potentially unexpected situation. It gives everyone, including family, friends, doctors, and other medical personnel, an idea what you want before, during, and after labor.

• Why Haven’t We Been Able to Conceive Yet?
• What Treatment Do You Recommend First, and How Long Will We Try This?
• Are There Side Effects to This Treatment?
• What is Your Success Rate With This Treatment

There are several different positions you can be in during labor and birth to help you relieve pain and discomfort. These positions include lying on your back, lying on your side, sitting, standing upright, squatting, or on your hands and knees.