Stages of Pregnancy Labor

Young pregnant mothers may have worries on how they would recognize that they are about to have labor. Therefore, it is necessary that pregnant women are knowledgeable on how to recognize possible labor. Pregnancy labor is characterized by abdominal discomfort, low backache and irregular tightening. The tightenings get progressively stronger and more painful. However, the experience varies from one woman to another.

When labor is established, there will be the dilatation of the cervix and the descent of the baby's leading part, usually the head, into the pelvis.

The first stage concludes once the cervix dilates to its maximum (10 cm). Here, the second stage commences. This stage, which should be much shorter than the first, includes maternal efforts for the first time, in the form of pushing and actual delivery. There is, of course, the third stage of labor, which is concluded by delivery of the placenta (afterbirth). (src.pregnancybliss.com)

Basically, the labor progresses this way, however, in the majority of instances, the difficulties are neither predicted nor anticipated. About 10 and 30 per cent of all pregnancies are delivered by cesarean section so it is better to be prepared of all the possibilities.