💚STAGES OF LABOR💚 Labor simply put, is your body’s natural process of childbirth. WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF LABOR?🤰 There are basically 3 stages of labour you would go through. They include : 1️⃣. The first stage of labor ; This occurs when you begin to feel persistent contractions. These contractions become stronger, more regular and more frequent over time. They cause the cervix to open (dilate and efface) to allow your baby to move into your birth canal. The first stage is the longest of the three stages. It's actually divided into two phases - Early labor : During early labor, your cervix dilates and effaces up to 5cm. You'll likely feel mild, irregular contractions. You might notice a clear pink or slightly bloody discharge from your vagina. Early labor is unpredictable. The average duration varies from hours to days. -Active labor ; During active labor, your cervix will dilate from 6 centimeters (cm) to 10 cm. Your contractions will become stronger, closer together and regular. Your legs might cramp, and you might feel nauseated. You might feel your water break and experience increasing pressure in your back. Now is the best time to be at your labor and delivery facility. Active labor often lasts 4 to 8 hours or more. 2️⃣. The second stage of labor : This covers the time during which your baby is delivered with the help of your health care provider(s). It can take from a few minutes to a few hours or more to push your baby into the world. It might take longer for first-time moms and moms who've had an epidural. 3️⃣. Third stage of labor : During the third stage of labor, you will deliver the placenta. The placenta is usually delivered with the help of your health care provider by a process known as controlled cord traction (careful pulling of the umbilical cord). Congratulations you are now a Mother to a lovely baby🤱🏿 Here at Healthiermoms we believe it is helpful to attend some birth classes if you can as they can be helpful in preparing your for the birth experience.🤰💚 How long did your labor last?💚🤱🏼 . Caption : @healthiermoms 🎥Tiktok : femometer_life