The Vaginal Birthing Process

The Vaginal Birthing Process

One of the most commonly overlooked body functions of a woman is the birthing process. The mucous plug being released signals the beginning of the birth process. The mucous plug closes up the cervix to protect the fetus from organisms in the vagina. There may also be a slow leak or a gush of amniotic fluid. Irregular contractions of the uterus will begin and stimulation from the prostaglandin may initiate labor.
Labor is divided into four sections. The first stage begins when uterine contractions become regular. At this point, the stage proceeds to cervical dilation and effacement, thinning out of the cervix during labor. In order to deliver a baby, the cervix must be dilated to ten centimeters, or four inches, in diameter. Contractions increase in frequency and intensity until they become very strong, uncomfortable and exhausting. The first stage of labor lasts between 2 and 24 hours. The average time of labor for a first pregnancy ...