The process of childbirth that is commonly known as 'labour' is truly fascinating. Though each woman goes through a unique and special labour experience, the phases typically remain the same. What follows will give you a better understanding of the entire process of labour, and could probably help you handle childbirth without getting too flustered.

Early labour
This could extend from a few hours to several days. It starts with short, infrequent contractions that result in the cervix thinning (efface) and dilating. During this process, you body releases the hormone oxytocin to induce contractions.

First stage: Established labour
During this stage, your contractions become more rhythmic and intense - each lasting about 25-45 seconds and occurring at intervals of four minutes. Your cervix is about 4 cm dilated and the baby moves lower into the pelvis.

Transition
This is intermediate phase between the first part of labour where the cervix is dilating and the second stage where you have to push the baby out. This is considered to be a very exhausting and stressful period, as it demands tremendous energy and involves a lot of hard work. The best way to cope is to stay patient and calm.

Contractions are powerful and efficient now with virtually no gaps in between them. You may feel the urge to push, even though your cervix may not be completely dilated.

Second stage: Birth
The baby makes its way through the birth canal and this stage could last from just 15 minutes or to several hours! Your urge to push gets stronger as the baby descends. Each contraction will move the baby further down the birth canal and closer to being born. Eventually, the baby's head will 'crown', passing through the perineum as you feel an intense burning sensation. When the baby's head emerges, it turns to one side, allowing the shoulders to be delivered one by one, before the rest of the baby's body slips out. The feeling of relief is tremendous - with the pain stopping almost instantaneously. Once the baby is born, the cord will be clamped and cut.

Third stage: Delivery of the placenta
The placenta (or after-birth) now has to be pushed out and in most cases, this is quite uncomplicated. An injection of syntometrine is given to hasten delivery of the placenta (usually within five minutes of the birth). It just takes a few pushes before it's out, or your Doctor may gently pull the cord to help remove it while you relax your tummy.

Very rarely, the placenta (whole or part) is retained (known as retained placenta) causing heavy bleeding. It has to be removed through surgery.

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