Stages of Labor II: Active Phase

A lot happens during the active phase of labor. The most noticable difference will be contractions happening every 3-4 minutes that last for about a minute. Again, these contractions will begin in your lower back and work their way around into your pelvis. Your cervix will now dialate from 3 centimeters to 8 over the span of about 4 hours. Wow! That is a lot of dialation.

Obviously mommy won't be the most comfortable person in the world. Here are some helpful techniques for coping with this discomfort.

1. When contractions become uncomfortable, try changing positions.
2. Try to get movement in sync with music and breathing. In other words use music to help relax your breathing and putting some small body movements along with smooth rythmatic breathing will help relax your body and mind.
3. You may use verbal affirmations to reinforce a determined well being. Use smooth, even breathing to say "I can have this baby. I am relaxed."

Much of the discomfort will begin in the active phase and for good reason. Your body is stretching and squeezing in order to prepare to squeeze your 9lb baby out... Okay hopefully your baby is not 9lb but i'm sure it does happen. Look at this! Baby Chun Chun was born at 15lbs. I would not envy that woman.

It is a fact that child birth is painful. There is no getting around that. There are tools however, that may help alleviate this pain and discomfort. Whether it is an epidural, breathing techniques, body positioning etc... Talk about these options you have with your partner and come up with a birthing plan unique to what you want during this wonderful time.