Childbirth labor is a unique and unrepeatable experience, every pregnant woman experiences the moment of labor in a different way, but it is important to know the physiological functioning in order to better deal with labor.

What are the stages of labor?

During labor there are several stages, it is divided into four stages.

The first phase of labor is called the prodromal period or prodrome of labor, it precedes the set of signs and symptoms that precedes the onset of actual labor. It exists in the period of time in which the first involuntary contractions continue in an irregular way, with variability in intensity, frequency and duration.

The second phase of childbirth labor is called the dilating phase or first stage, it is the moment when the pregnant woman gets more tired, feels the most intense and close contractions, last about 60-90 seconds each and occur every 30 -90 seconds.

The third phase of labor is called the expulsive phase or second stage, it is the time when the dilation of the cervix increases and the contractions become longer, In this phase the newborn presses to come out of the womb.

The last stage of labor is called the afterbirth or third stage. It is the moment when the placenta is expelled and uterine contractility is restored.

Symptoms of labor of childbirth

The symptoms of labor are very subjective, but they are certainly very painful for all pregnant women, the symptoms of labor tend to occur earlier than the time of delivery, some pregnant women notice a small weight loss before labor. some women lose up to 500g, hormonal changes that reduce fluid retention cause weight loss, they also complain of lower back pain and almost all premenstrual symptoms. One of the very common symptoms in the weeks leading up to labor are contractions, the uterus begins to prepare for delivery, with a series of weak contractions that you may not even feel. These contractions often last around 30 seconds and come and go at irregular intervals.