The labour process is unique for every birthing person and their family.
Understanding what to expect during the stages of birth can help you process your emotions and know that what you are feeling is normal.
See below for some examples of what you might be feeling physically and emotionally, and how that might relate to what stage of labour you are at.
Early Phase of Labour
If you are feeling these emotions:
- Excitement
- Worry, fear, or anxiousness
- Anticipation of labour
- Fully aware
- Talkative and social
This might mean you are in the ‘early phase.’ This takes place when you are 0-4 cm dilated. Contractions are irregular and usually last less than one minute. This phase generally lasts 6-8 hours but, in some cases, can last 12 hours or longer.
Active Phase of Labour
If you are feeling these emotions:
- You might not be as social or talkative
- More serious, and not as aware of surroundings
- May need support and encouragement from partner
- Focusing on relaxation, comfort measures, and getting through each contraction
This might mean you are in the ‘active phase.’ This takes place when you are 4-8 cm dilated and lasts an average of 4-6 hours. Contractions are stronger, more regular, and last a minute or more.
Transition Phase
If you are feeling these emotions:
- Intense emotions
- Frustration
- Moaning, yelling, crying or screaming
- Asking for help
- Feeling out of control and not able to focus on contractions
- Modesty may go ‘out the window’ (and that is okay!)
This might mean you are in the ‘transition phase.’ This takes place when you are 8-10 cm dilated and lasts an average of a few minutes to a couple of hours.
Ready to Give Birth
If you are feeling these emotions:
- Burst of adrenaline and energy
- That it is almost over and there is a light at the end of the tunnel
- Pushing may feel good at this stage, or it may still feel uncomfortable
- Shaking and exhausted
- Possibly passing gas or stool
This might mean you are ready to give birth. This is when the cervix is completely dilated, and the baby is born. It can last from a few minutes to a couple of hours.
Using Birth Affirmations
It is amazing how much your thoughts and words impact how you feel. The purpose of affirmations is to help to uplift your mindset and help you maintain a positive outlook or mood during the birth process. You can repeat the affirmations in your mind, or out loud. Try out the birth affirmations below that resonate with you.
- “I trust my body”
- “I am strong and capable”
- “Birth is miraculous”
- “I was made to do this”
- “My baby gives me the strength to do anything”
- “Each contraction is just one minute to get through”
- “I am calm”
- “My body knows how to birth”
Services related to this information:
- Contact your Public Health Nurse for immunizations and other prenatal support.
- 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555
Eastern Zones:
