Onset of Labour

Question 1

When do labour and delivery normally occur?

Answer 1

Labour and delivery normally occur between 37 and 42 weeks gestation.

Question 2

What are the stages of labour?

Answer 2

First stage – from the onset of labour (true contractions) until 10cm cervical dilatation

Second stage – from 10cm cervical dilatation until delivery of the baby

Third stage – from delivery of the baby until delivery of the placenta

Question 3

What is the first stage of labour?

What does it involve?

Answer 3

The first stage of labour is from the onset of labour (true contractions) until the cervix is fully dilated to 10cm.

It involves cervical dilation and effacement (getting thinner). The “show” refers to the mucus plug in the cervix (which prevents bacteria from entering the uterus during pregnancy) falling out and creating space for the baby to pass through.

Question 4

What are the phases of the first stage of labour?

Answer 4

The first stage has three phases:

Latent phase – from 0 to 3cm dilation of the cervix. This progresses at around 0.5cm per hour. There are irregular contractions.

Active phase – from 3cm to 7cm dilation of the cervix. This progresses at around 1cm per hour, and there are regular contractions.

Transition phase – from 7cm to 10cm dilation of the cervix. This progresses at around 1cm per hour, and there are strong and regular contractions.

Question 5

What are Braxton-Hicks contractions?

What can be done to prevent these?

Answer 5

Braxton-Hicks contractions are occasional irregular contractions of the uterus. They are usually felt during the second and third trimester. Women can experience temporary and irregular tightening or mild cramping in the abdomen. These are not true contractions, and they do not indicate the onset of labour. They do not progress or become regular.

Staying hydrated and relaxing can help reduce Braxton-Hicks contractions.

Question 6

What are the sings of labour?

Answer 6

The signs of labour are:

Show (mucus plug from the cervix)
Rupture of membranes
Regular, painful contractions
Dilating cervix on examination

Question 7

Latent vs established first stage?

Answer 7

The established first stage of labour is when there are both:

Regular, painful contractions
Dilatation of the cervix from 4cm onwards