Going into labour is never an easy thing and takes a lot of careful planning and understanding to get through the process. For this to happen, an expectant mother must know her facts right and ensure that she’s well equipped to deal with the situation when it eventually arises.
So, let’s answer some questions about going into labour:
Some people mistake experiencing their first contraction or the breaking of their water as signals of the beginning of labour. However, scientifically the labour period begins only when your cervix has dilated 3 cm to 4 cm. This is called the “active” phase or the beginning phase of your labour.
It is important to note that you might experience painful contractions a day or night before this phase, which is completely normal and nothing to be alarmed about.
There is no amount of time for labour that is set in stone, but the usual duration lasts up to eight hours or shorter, depending on numerous factors. The maximum that a first-time active labour can last for is roughly 18 hours. First-time moms usually have it harder, since it is an entirely new process for their bodies. On the other hand, mothers who have given birth previously might experience labour pains for 4-5 hours, lasting up to a maximum of 12 hours only.
The length of active labour doesn’t necessarily determine how smooth or rough the delivery is going to be. A very short active labour duration might be too taxing for the mother’s body while a slow and delayed labour period could only exhaust and tire the mother.
Over a 4-hour period, a normal labour would indicate dilation at the rate of 0.5 cm per hour. If it dilates at a lesser rate than this, it is considered as slow labour. Doctors usually give you a 4-hour window before determining whether your labour is slow. Anything more would require inducing labour or even a C-section delivery. This is because the process can be slightly slow for everyone in the first hour or two and then usually picks up the pace in the next 2 hours.
In some cases, dilation at the rate of 1 cm per hour is considered healthy and normal. However, one must consider that each woman’s labour process is unique to their body and therefore, the mother’s permission must be taken before any decision is made.
Labour becoming slow doesn’t necessarily need to have an underlying cause. Sometimes, labour slows down naturally and sometimes labour can be quick and painless. It all depends entirely on the mother and her body’s responses.
On the other hand, there are times when there are actual reasons for slow labour:
Speeding up the process of labour is not a harmful or unnecessary option and can actually aide with having a smooth delivery. These are simple but effective ways that you can adopt to make your labour process faster and more effective.
When your labour process is just beginning, sometimes you’re not sure if it’s going to be a normal or a slow labour. Breaking your water isn’t recommended and might just count as an unnecessary and hasty step. Once the active stage of labour has settled in and you know that your labour is going to be a slow one, breaking waters is a suitable option. This can help with speeding up active labour.
This process is done professionally by the doctor or nurses and should not be done without supervision. Although quite uncomfortable, the process isn’t painful and will surely contribute to a smoother delivery. The doctors will make sure to check that your baby hasn’t been disturbed by this process and it should be noted that after the waters breaks, the contractions become noticeably painful. You will need some form of medicinal relief at this point.
Sometimes breaking water, or active movement are not enough to tackle slow labour. The doctor would suggest a hormone drip containing syntocinon. This is nothing but an artificial but effective form of oxytocin.
A hormone drip actively elevates the hormone levels in your body. This leads to considerably painful contractions that need to be monitored and relieved as much as possible. Not just this, even your baby’s heartbeat and health need to be monitored to avoid any complications. For these reasons, doctors usually suggest taking an epidural before starting a hormone drip.
What is an epidural?
It is a system through which painkillers are induced into the body through a thin tube, that is attached to the spine. This painkiller preps the body and your lower abdomen to deal with any painful contractions.
If you’re thinking “How can I speed up labour myself?”, or “Are there any natural ways to speed up labour?”, here’s how:
Long labour can be unnerving and quite exhausting. So, here are a few tips to help you deal with it better:
Whatever the situation may be, just make sure that you are well informed, fully prepared and have done your research. Either way, never hesitate to stay in touch with your doctor and take all the necessary precautions to welcome your little one the right way!