Dilation in childbirth
How does childbirth actually happen? What is dilation of the cervix? Childbirth is a process that consists of several phases. The latent and active phase of dilation, the expulsion and the postpartum period. How quickly these phases succeed each other you never know in advance. You will reach the finish line no matter what, and we will help you with that. Do you have questions or experience symptoms that you do not recognize as described below? Then call the midwife on duty. She is there for you!
Hard bellies and pre contractions
Even earlier in pregnancy you may occasionally experience “hard bellies,” also called Braxton-Hicks contractions or exercise contractions. These can occur spontaneously, but can also be triggered by exertion, stress or as a result of the descent of the baby’s head. The uterus is preparing for labor. Characteristically, this often subsides (after a few minutes or hours) with rest and warmth. There is no rhythmic pattern to it yet. We do not see the transformation phase as part of childbirth. Sometimes it can gradually blend into this.
Latent phase
The latent phase is the first stage of labor. The contractions start, the contractions of your uterus get stronger and stronger and increase in frequency and duration. You can feel it in your back, (lower) abdomen and/or legs. Find relaxation again. Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible. The typical thing about a contraction is that there is also a pause in between. During this pause, try to find your relaxation and rest the body again. In the early stages, you can try different positions naturally. Be sure to rest sufficiently as well. So catch these contractions lying down then. When the contractions come more frequently, it is often most pleasant and beneficial to change more and adopt a vertical position. At this stage, dilation is not always to be expected. Initially, it causes the cervix to shorten and soften and come forward more. It may open up to 2-4 centimeters. Don’t really start timing contractions until you discover increasing regularity and need to pay more active attention to your breathing because of the strength of the contractions. Most likely, you will contact us at this stage. On the phone, the midwife who is there for you at that time will inquire about the situation before making a home visit. Should you wish to give birth in the hospital, again, you cannot leave too early at this stage. The body is still susceptible to outside stimuli. A change of environment can cause the contractions to subside again. For tips and information on different birthing positions, click on the button below.
Active phase
An acceleration of labor takes place. The contractions are now much more intense and painful, and you are forced to deal with their force more actively. Your partner and the midwife will help you with this and continuously guide you. On average the contractions come every 2-3 minutes and last for a good minute. You will notice that you turn more into yourself, that you get more into your own bubble. This is due to the hormones (endorphins). The body produces natural pain-relieving substances. The baby’s head is moving deeper and deeper into the pelvis and it is expected that there will be about 0.5 – 1 centimeter of dilation per hour progress. Especially if you have already given birth once, this may be faster.