
What happens during the second stage of Labor?
- Change positions
- Roll on a large rubber ball (birthing ball)
- Take a warm shower or bath
- Take a walk, stopping to breathe through contractions
- Have a gentle massage between contractions
How is the second stage of Labor characterized?
What are the Stages of Labor?
- First Stage: Early Labor begins with contractions that gain in intensity and regularity. ...
- Second Stage: During active labor, contractions are intense and painful. The second stage of labor, pushing, occurs after the cervix has fully dilated.
- Third Stage: The third and final stage of labor is the delivery of the placenta. ...
What is the second phase of Labor?
Want to Know More?
- First Stage of Labor
- What is an Epidural?
- Cord Blood Banking
How long does the second stage of Labor last?
Women stay home during the first stage of labor. The first stage of labor is the longest, typically lasting 20 hours if it's your first time giving birth and 14 hours otherwise. The second stage of labor, when you deliver the baby, lasts about two hours if it's your first time and one hour otherwise.

What are the phases of stage 2 labor?
The second stage of labor is when your baby moves through the birth canal. The second stage of labor begins when the cervix is completely dilated (open), and ends with the birth of your baby. Contractions push the baby down the birth canal, and you may feel intense pressure, similar to an urge to have a bowel movement.
What is the second phase of labor called?
The second stage of labor begins when the cervix is completely opened and ends with the delivery of the baby. The second stage is often referred to as the "pushing" stage. During the second stage, the woman becomes actively involved by pushing the baby through the birth canal to the outside world.
What are the 3 phases of the active phase of labor?
There are three stages of labor: contractions, childbirth, and delivery of the placenta. Pregnancy can be full of surprises, and labor is no different. Just how long or challenging giving birth may be varies greatly from person to person and from pregnancy to pregnancy.
What are the 4 phases of labor?
Labor happens in four stages:First stage: Dilation of the cervix (mouth of the uterus)Second stage: Delivery of the baby.Third stage: Afterbirth where you push out the placenta.Fourth stage: Recovery.
What is the second stage of pregnancy?
Each trimester is roughly 14 weeks long. When you enter your second trimester, you are around 14 weeks pregnant. This middle trimester will last from week 14 to the end of week 27. During your second trimester of pregnancy, you'll start looking and feeling more pregnant.
What are the different phases of labor and delivery?
That said, unless things are cut short by a C-section, all women go through three precise stages of labor and childbirth: labor itself (which includes early labor, active labor and transitional labor), pushing and delivering the baby, and delivering the placenta.
What is the 3rd stage of labor?
The third stage of labor is the time from the delivery of the infant until delivery of the maternal placenta. The natural course of this final stage of childbirth involves cessation of umbilical cord pulsation, separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, and passage of the placenta through the birth canal.
What is the third stage of labor called?
Third stage of labor: The part of labor from the birth of the baby until the placenta (afterbirth) and fetal membranes are delivered. The third stage of labor is also called the placental stage.
What is active phase of labor?
Active labor. During active labor, your cervix will dilate from 6 centimeters (cm) to 10 cm. Your contractions will become stronger, closer together and regular. Your legs might cramp, and you might feel nauseated.
What are the 5 P's of labor?
There are five essential factors that affect the process of labor and delivery. They are easily remembered as the five Ps (passenger, passage, powers, placenta, and psychology).
Which event occurs during Stage 2 of a normal labor quizlet?
Stage 2: The second stage of labor begins when the baby's head moves through the cervix and into the birth canal. This stage ends with the delivery of the baby.
Stage 1: Early Labor and Active Labor
The first stage of labor and birth occurs when you begin to feel regular contractions, which cause the cervix to open (dilate) and soften, shorten...
Stage 2: The Birth of Your Baby
It's time! You'll deliver your baby during the second stage of labor.How long it lasts: It can take from a few minutes up to a few hours or more to...
Stage 3: Delivery of The Placenta
After your baby is born, you'll likely feel a great sense of relief. You might hold the baby in your arms or on your abdomen. Cherish the moment. B...
What happens during the second stage of labor?
What happens in the second stage of labour? During the second stage of labour, you will push your baby down and out of your vagina (the birth canal), and meet him or her for the first time.
How long does it take for a baby to go through the second stage?
If you've had a baby before, the second stage may only take five minutes or 10 minutes. Though if this is your first baby, it may take several hours. . It can also take longer if your baby needs to change position slightly, so that the smallest diameter of his head is presenting. .
How long does it take for a midwife to push a baby?
. Many epidurals will still give you some mobility. . If you've had a baby before, the second stage may only take five minutes or 10 minutes.
What is the baby's head during the pushing stage?
Your midwife may also support your baby's head during the pushing stage. . Your baby's head is likely to be born first, unless he is breech. His shoulders and the rest of his body will follow at the next contraction, often with a gush of amniotic fluid and sometimes some blood too.
Does a baby move back after bearing down?
With every bout of bearing down, your baby will move through your pelvis a little, but by the end of the contraction, he'll probably slip back slightly. Don't despair. This is normal and gives the muscles of your pelvic floor time to stretch gradually. (Downe and Marshall 2014) .
What are the stages of labor and birth?
Stages of labor and birth: Baby, it's time! Labor is a natural process. Here's what to expect during the three stages of labor and birth — and what you can do to promote comfort. Every woman's labor is unique, even from one pregnancy to the next. Sometimes labor is over in a matter of hours.
How long does labor last?
How long it lasts: Active labor often lasts four to eight hours or more. On average, your cervix will dilate at approximately one centimeter per hour. What you can do: Look to your labor coach and health care team for encouragement and support. Try breathing and relaxation techniques to combat your growing discomfort.
What happens when you have a cervix?
Early labor. During early labor, your cervix dilates and effaces. You'll feel mild, irregular contractions. As your cervix begins to open, you might notice a clear, pink or slightly bloody discharge from your vagina. This is likely the mucus plug that blocks the cervical opening during pregnancy.
What is the name of the contraction that opens and thins out during labor?
Close. Cervical effacement and dilation. Cervical effacement and dilation. During the first stage of labor, the cervix opens (dilates) and thins out (effaces) to allow the baby to move into the birth canal. In figures A and B, the cervix is tightly closed.
How long does it take to get pregnant for a first time mom?
For first-time moms, the average length varies from hours to days. It's often shorter for subsequent deliveries. What you can do: Until your contractions increase in frequency and intensity, it's up to you. For many women, early labor isn't particularly uncomfortable.
How to stay motivated after delivery?
To stay motivated, you might ask to feel the baby's head between your legs or see it in a mirror. After your baby's head is delivered, the rest of the baby's body will follow shortly. His or her airway will be cleared if necessary. Your health care provider or labor coach will then cut the umbilical cord.
What do you feel after a baby is born?
After your baby is born, you'll likely feel a great sense of relief. You might hold the baby in your arms or on your abdomen. Cherish the moment. But a lot is still happening. During the third stage of labor, you will deliver the placenta.
What is the second stage of labor?
Once your cervix is fully dilated, you’re onto the second stage of labor: pushing and giving birth to your baby. After that, the third and final stage of labor is delivering the placenta (afterbirth), the organ that provides your developing child with oxygen and nourishment through the umbilical cord during pregnancy. 1.
What are the stages of labor?
First Stage of Labor. Second Stage of Labor. Third Stage of Labor. There are three stages of labor: contractions, childbirth, and delivery of the placenta. Pregnancy can be full of surprises, and labor is no different. Just how long or challenging giving birth may be varies greatly from person to person and from pregnancy to pregnancy.
What happens during labor?
First, a quick primer: During the first stage of labor, you begin to have increasingly strong and frequent contractions as the muscles in your uterus (womb) rhythmically tighten and release. These contractions help stretch, soften, and open, or efface and dilate, your cervix, the narrow passageway between your uterus and vagina, ...
How long does labor last?
When you begin early labor, also known as the latent phase, you can expect irregular mild to moderate contractions that last about 30–60 seconds every five to 20 minutes. Now is when your cervix—often long, thin, and hard—becomes softer and thinner to stretch to about 6 centimeters (just over 2 1/3 inches). 2
What to expect when you go into active labor?
7. Here’s what to expect: Intense contractions and a feeling of pressure in your back.
How long does it take to deliver a placenta?
After you’ve given birth, there’s just one last step—delivering the placenta. The third stage of labor is the shortest and usually takes about five to 30 minutes. Here’s what you may experience: Chills and trembling: In the wake of childbirth, it’s not unusual to get the chills or to tremble.
How long does it take for a baby to dilate?
Typically, this is the longest stage of labor. On average, it takes about 12–19 hours for your cervix to become fully dilated to 10 centimeters (or about 4 inches). 1 That said, this stage can take anywhere from many hours to days for first-time mothers.
What happens during the second stage of labour?
This stage is all about pushing your baby out into the world. This stage cannot begin until your cervix is fully dilated (about 10cm) to allow your baby to pass from the uterus down the birth canal.
How will I know that the second stage of labour has begun?
The key difference between the first and second stages of labour is usually thought to be the urge to push. Remember that some women feel this urge to push before they are fully dilated, in which case the midwife will tell you to try to resist until they are happy that the cervix is fully dilated.
How will I know when to push?
To push or not to push? If this is your first child then it can be very difficult to know when to start pushing. You must remember that your body will tell you when you need to start pushing. In fact, once you need to start pushing you probably won't be able to help yourself.
What does the second stage of labour feel like?
You can expect to feel some pain from the contractions, but probably not as much as during the first stage of labour. The urge to push should be regular and you will probably feel it as a downward pressure against your rectum. The level of this sensation, and the pain of contractions, will be significantly less if you have had an epidural.
What is the best way to get through the second stage of labour?
First of all, find a good position. You may have already considered this ahead of the birth, or you may want to ask you midwife's advice. While many women deliver in a semi-inclined position leaning backwards, it is considered fine and sometimes more comfortable to deliver on all-fours or in a squatting position.
Clamping or cutting the cord
Most hospitals will allow the birthing partner to cut the umbilical cord once the baby is born. You can encourage your partner to do this but don't pressure them if they aren't comfortable doing so. There are no nerves in the umbilical cord so do not worry about causing any pain to the baby.
How will I feel once the baby is born?
While your body will have gone through an awful lot, you will probably not be aware of any pain or discomfort as the adrenalin kicks in and the emotion of meeting your baby overwhelms you. Emotionally, every woman is different.
What is the second stage of labor?
The second stage of labour is the birth of your baby. The second stage of labour starts when your cervix is fully dilated, and you will usually have a strong urge to push because of the pressure your baby’s head is placing on your pelvic area. At this stage your baby is moving from your uterus into your vagina and out into the world.
How to help yourself during the second stage of a syringe?
Helping yourself during the second stage. Push when you have a contraction and relax in between. It is more effective to get two or three pushes in with each contraction, breathing in between, rather than one long push. Being upright allows gravity to help you.
Who uses glow antenatal education?
Queensland Health acknowledges the Metro North Hospital and Health Services, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, for permission to use the content of their GLOW antenatal education resource. Last updated: 18 May 2020.
What are the factors that affect the second stage of labor?
Several elements may influence the duration of the second stage of labor, including fetal factors such as fetal size and position, or maternal factors such as pelvis shape, the magnitude of expulsive efforts, comorbidities such as hypertension or diabetes, age, and history of previous deliveries. [8] .
How many stages of labor are there?
Labor is the process through which a fetus and placenta are delivered from the uterus through the vagina.[1] . Human labor divides into three stages. The first stage is further divided into two phases.
What is the first stage of labor?
Labor is a process that subdivides into three stages. The first stage starts when labor begins and ends with full cervical dilation and effacement. The second stage commences with complete cervical dilation and ends with the delivery of the fetus. The third stage initiates after the fetus is delivered and ends when the placenta is delivered.
What are the vital signs of a woman in labor?
When women first present to the labor and delivery unit, vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and blood pressure, should be obtained and reviewed for any abnormalities. The patient should be placed on continuous cardiotocographic monitoring to ensure fetal wellbeing.
What is the presenting part of labor?
The presenting fetal part also begins the process of engagement into the pelvis during the first stage. Throughout the first stage of labor, serial cervical exams are done to determine the position of the fetus, cervical dilation, and cervical effacement.
What are the factors that contribute to successful labor?
Successful labor involves three factors: maternal efforts and uterine contractions, fetal characteristics , and pelvic anatomy .[1] This triad is classically referred to as the passenger, power, and passage.[1] . Clinicians typically use multiple modalities to monitor labor.
What do nurses administer during labor?
Nurses administer and titrate medications during labor, such as oxytocin. Nurses monitor the vital signs, pain scores, and labor progression of women and fetuses closely and are responsible for recognizing and then notifying physicians and midwives when abnormalities arise. Continuing Education / Review Questions.

What Are The Stages of Labor?
The First Stage of Labor
- During the first stage of labor, your body prepares to give birth with contractions that help open up your cervix. Typically, this is the longest stage of labor. On average, it takes about 12–19 hours for your cervix to become fully dilated to 10 centimeters (or about 4 inches).1That said, this stage can take anywhere from many hours to days for first-time mothers. There are two phases to the …
The Second Stage of Labor
- During the second stage of labor, you bring your baby into the world. You might feel increased pressure on your rectum and the urge to push—which is good, because now’s the time to do just that. This stage can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. It tends to take longer for your first baby or if you've had an epidural.8 Here’s what come...
The Third Stage of Labor
- After you’ve given birth, there’s just one last step—delivering the placenta. The third stage of labor is the shortest and usually takes about five to 30 minutes. Here’s what you may experience: 1. Chills and trembling:In the wake of childbirth, it’s not unusual to get the chills or to tremble. 2. Delivery of the placenta: Next, the placenta detaches from the wall of your uterus and comes ou…
A Word from Verywell
- The time leading up to childbirth can be filled with a slew of different emotions, from excitement, anxiety, and joy to exhaustion, impatience, and fear. Whether you’re preparing to give birth or want to be as supportive as possible to your partner or loved one, knowing the three stages of labor and coming up with a game plan for each can help give you some peace of mind. You’ve got quite th…