Checklist – before baby arrives

You are making a life-changing decision to get pregnant.

In a normal, uncomplicated labour and delivery, the use of medication is not always necessary. Your own resources are often enough.

Labour support is a concept that has been around for thousands of years. Throughout human history and across many cultures, women in labour have been assisted by the companionship and aid of another person. The type and amount of support will vary from woman to woman, but every woman can benefit from focused, individualised attention and sensitive nurturing during labour.

This stage begins when the cervix reaches complete dilation and effacement, and it ends with the birth of the baby.
Cervical effacement and complete dilation at second stage of labour.

This stage lasts from the birth of the baby until the placenta is delivered, usually from 5–20 minutes.

During the first stage, also known as the dilation stage, your cervix will dilate and efface from 0–10 cm.

The following signs of labour may occur in any order.1. Progressive contractionsA contraction is the periodic, wave-like tightening and relaxing of the uterine muscles. The abdomen will become very hard to the touch as the uterus contracts and reaches its peak and then, as it begins to fade, it softens.Timespan of a contraction, from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next.

As labour starts, a mother’s mood changes and she becomes less aware of what is happening outside her body, and more aware of what is happening inside her body.