Understanding Labor Progression: 6 Important Things Every Expectant Parent Should Know
As expectant parents eagerly anticipate the arrival of their little one, understanding the process of labor progression becomes essential. From the initial signs of readiness to the momentous finale of childbirth, each stage brings its own unique milestones and challenges. Understanding the 6 ways labor progresses can help you feel more at ease and confident as you await the arrival of your new baby. Below you will find more information on the 6 ways labor progresses:
1. Cervical Position:
The cervix, the lower part of the uterus, plays a pivotal role in childbirth. As labor approaches, the cervix begins to soften, thin out, and move forward (anterior position). This shift in position allows the cervix to gradually open up, paving the way for the baby's journey through the birth canal.
2. Softening/Ripening:
In the final days of pregnancy and during the early stages of labor, the cervix undergoes a process known as "ripening" or softening. This softening is crucial as it allows the cervix to become more flexible and stretchable, facilitating the passage of the baby during childbirth. At the end of your pregnancy, your body will release the hormone known as prostaglandin which settles into the cervical mucous and begins the process of softening and ripening the cervix. Prostaglandins are also found in semen which is one of the reasons having intercourse is recommended to “help get things going”. While there isn’t any one thing that is known to definitively kickstart labor, having sex helps to prime the body for when labor does start.
3. Thinning/Effacement:
Effacement refers to the thinning and shortening of the cervix as it prepares for childbirth. Measured in percentages, effacement indicates how much the cervix has thinned out. As labor progresses, the cervix effaces completely, reaching 100% effacement, signaling that the body is ready for the next stage. Prostaglandins and uterine contractions help facilitate this process.
4. Dilation:
Dilation refers to the opening of the cervix in preparation for childbirth. It is measured in centimeters, with full dilation typically reaching 10 centimeters. As contractions intensify, the cervix gradually dilates to allow the baby's head to pass through the birth canal. Early labor is 0-6cm (typically the longest most unpredictable stage of labor), active labor is 6-8cm (things are getting more intense and contractions are forming a predictable pattern), and transition is 8-10cm (most intense part of labor with contractions every 1.5-2 min apart and lasting for 1.5-2 min each). With each contraction, your body is expanding and opening for baby. This is a great way to frame it in your mind to help you cope during labor.
5. Baby's Station:
The station refers to the position of the baby's head in relation to the pelvis during labor. It is measured in centimeters above or below the ischial spines of the pelvis. A station of -3 indicates that the baby's head is still floating above the pelvis, while a station of +3 signifies that the baby's head is crowning. Strong contractions and movement during labor helps baby move down and through the pelvis.
6. Baby's Rotation:
As the baby navigates through the birth canal, they may undergo rotational movements to adapt to the curves and contours of the pelvis. These rotational movements, often referred to as "fetal positioning," play a crucial role in facilitating a smooth and efficient delivery. The baby makes 7 cardinal movements to help them navigate the pelvis. The path baby takes is not straight. Understanding this process and the things you can do to support it, is very important to how you feel as you navigate your birth.
Understanding the six key ways labor progresses empowers expectant parents to actively participate in their childbirth journey. By recognizing the signs and milestones of labor, parents can make informed decisions, communicate effectively with their healthcare providers, and embrace the miraculous journey of bringing new life into the world.
Key Takeaways:
While these are measurable ways to determine labor progress, knowing where you are in labor isn’t always necessary or even helpful. We like to teach about labor progress so that you can better understand the normal physiological birth process and feel more at ease and confident as you give birth. But you don’t need to “diagnose” or “analyize” each part of birth in order to have a safe and healthy birth. Honestly, surrendering to the process is often the key to a smooth and efficient birth that is safe and healthy for you and baby. You have to get out of your thinking brain and surrender to your primal brain.
About cervical exams during labor: Your cervix is not a crystal ball and doesn’t tell you when your baby is going to be born. A cervical exam tells you where your cervix is at that exact moment in time. It is a way to gather information if and when you need to make a decision alongside your care provider about possible intervention.
No matter where you are in your journey, every step brings you closer to the moment you’ve been eagerly awaiting—the arrival of your precious bundle of joy. As the journey unfolds, remember to cherish each moment and trust in the remarkable strength of the human body.
Understanding the benefits of childbirth education:
Our comprehensive childbirth education classes teach about normal physiological birth including the ways labor progresses and stages of labor. The research tells us that women who took an out-of-hospital childbirth education class were less likely to be induced, had lower use of pain medications during labor., and experienced fewer interventions (NCBI). The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology state that taking a childbirth education class is likely to reduce the rates of adverse delivery outcomes.
In episode 50 of the Aligned Birth Podcast, Dr. Shannon O’Brien and Doula Rachael discuss the key differences in hospital-based and independent childbirth education classes. This episode highlights how childbirth education is integral in preparing for giving birth but women sometimes feel overwhelmed by all the options available.
Research shows that how women feel about their control over the decisions made during their births impacts how they reflect on their birth experiences, and when women come out of their births feeling like they were in control, they have an easier time integrating the experience into their postpartum reality and transitioning into the new role of mothering (Pathways to Family Wellness).
North Atlanta Birth Services Offers the Following Childbirth Classes:
Lamaze Method (6 Healthy Birth Practices)
Hypnobabies Childbirth Education
Whatever you choose, we want you to have the childbirth education class that meets your needs! And if it isn’t any of our classes, that’s OK too! We encourage you to do you your own research and find the class that suits you best! If you have any questions about our offerings, please feel free to email us at: info@northatlantabirth.com