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Contractions
Contractions officially begin the first stage of labor, they pull on the muscles of the uterus which allows the cervix to begin opening. -
Period: to
Labor to Birth
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Active Labor
Contractions will progress in time and strngth through out labor. When contractions last about 60 seconds and are 2 to 5 minutes apart active labor starts. -
Transition
The first stage ends with period called transition. Transition is when the cervix becomes fully dilated to 20 centimeters. Strong contractions that last up to 90 seconds and are 2 to 3 minutes apart occur in this period. The women needs lots of encouragement during this period because it can be more painful and difficult. -
More Productive Contractions
This is where the second stage begins. Contrations here are more prodctive, pushing the baby through the pelvie and out of the birth canal. -
Pushing
It is safe for a woman to push during the second stage of labor. Pushing uses the mothers muscles to expell the baby. A hormone called relaxin allows the tissues in the birth canal to stretch, helping the baby come out. -
Helping Deliver the Baby
Sometimes the mother needs help to deliver the baby. A doctor can use surgical tongs or a vacuum extractor to get the baby out. Once the baby is born, the second stage is over. -
Delivering the Placenta
After the baby is born, the mother may feel a few gentle contractions. This means that the placenta is ready to be expelled. They help the placenta detatch from the uterine wal. Once the placenta is delivered the third and final stage of birth is complete. -
Cord Blood
The blood from the umbillical cord comtains stem cells. These stem cells can be used to treat many serious blood-related illnesses in the baby or other family members. Many parents choose to save their childs cord blood.
