While labor and delivery happen in a matter of days or even hours, pregnancy takes nine months to grow a full-term baby, but it’s the labor and delivery process that tends to occupy expectant parents’ minds the most.

Signs of labor

If you experience any of the following signs, labor has begun or will soon begin:

• the uterus is under more pressure
• a shift in the amount of energy
• a bloody mucus discharge

When contractions start to occur regularly and hurt, real labor has probably started.

Braxton Hicks contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as irregular contractions, are common after 20 weeks of pregnancy and are often painless or only mildly uncomfortable.

Nobody fully understands the function of Braxton Hicks contractions during pregnancy, but they can occasionally be brought on by an increase in either mother or baby’s activity, or by a full bladder.

They might enhance blood flow, assist in preserving uterine health throughout pregnancy, or get the uterus ready for labor.

First stage of labor

The first stage of labor, which includes the beginning of labor and the cervix’s full dilation, is divided into three stages, and this stage is then further broken down into stages two through three.

Early labor

Early labor, also known as the latent phase of labor, is characterized by the thinning and dilation of the cervix to 3-4 cm and can last for days, weeks, or even just a few short hours. It is typically the longest and least intense phase of labor.

Other symptoms during this phase can include backache, cramps, and a bloody mucus discharge. Contractions vary during this phase and can range from light to strong, occurring at regular or irregular intervals.

Although many women will visit the hospital or birthing facility while they are still in early labor, most women will be prepared to leave for the hospital when early labor has ended.

Active labor

Contractions intensify, there may be back pain, and the cervix dilates from 3-4 cm to 7 cm, marking the beginning of the second stage of the first stage of labor.

Transitional labor

The contractions intensify dramatically during this stage of labor, averaging 60 to 90 seconds long, happening two to three minutes apart, and the final 3 cm of dilation usually happens in a matter of minutes.

Second stage of labor

Delivery

The cervix is fully dilated during the second stage, and while the baby may still be high in the pelvis for some women, others may feel the urge to push immediately or shortly after they are fully dilated.

To the point where the mother can begin pushing, the baby may need some time to descend with the contractions.

Without an epidural, women frequently experience a strong urge to push or, if the baby is positioned low enough in the pelvis, significant rectal pressure.

Although usually not as intensely, women who have received an epidural may still experience the urge to push, rectal pressure, burning or stinging as the baby’s head crowns, and some degree of vaginal discomfort.

Your labor coach or doula can be very helpful at this point. It’s important to try to remain at ease and get some sleep in between contractions.

Third stage of labor

Delivery of the placenta

Mild contractions will assist in separating the placenta from the uterine wall and moving it down towards the vagina during the delivery of the placenta, which will be followed by an episiotomy (sewing to close a tear or surgical cut) and stitching to close the placenta.

Homoeopathic Medicine for Pregnancy and Delivery Support

Arnica

This remedy is frequently recommended for the treatment of soreness caused by strenuous physical activity and muscle tension, as well as for the treatment of hemorrhoids that develop after childbirth and postpartum soreness.

Calcarea phosphorica

Some women who need this remedy find only “junk food” appealing during pregnancy, or have cravings for smoked and salty food. A history of easy tooth decay and aching bones and joints can also suggest a need for this remedy. This remedy can help to strengthen a woman who tends toward easy tiredness, poor digestion, cold hands and feet, and poor absorption of nutrients.Calc phosis frequently agitated due to exhaustion, and they may long for a vacation or a change of scenery.

Caulophyllum

The woman may experience erratic pains like sticking needles, or episodes of contracting pain. She usually feels nervous, shaky, and trembling (sometimes irritable, as well). This remedy may be helpful to women with weak muscle tone in the uterus. A history of irregular periods, slow and difficult labor with previous deliveries, or weakness of the cervix may bring this remedy to mind.

Carbo vegetabilis

This remedy can help a woman who experiences frequent digestive upsets with burning pain and a tendency to belch, as well as poor circulation, a general feeling of coldness, and a desire for fresh or moving air while pregnant. A woman who is extremely exhausted from overwork, multiple pregnancies close together, or a previous illness may regain some strength with this remedy.Carbo vegetabilis.

Cimicifuga (also called Actaea racemosa)

These women may become overly anxious and fear a miscarriage, sometimes experiencing pains that feel like labor pains too early or pains that shoot from hip to hip and down the thighs. This remedy can be helpful for women who are anxious, talkative, with a tendency to feel fearful and gloomy during pregnancy.

Ferrum metallicum

This remedy may be helpful for a woman with a strong build who appears pale and exhausted and flushes red when she is upset or anxious.Ferrumis frequently beneficial in reversing tendencies toward anemia.

Ferrum phosphoricum

Women who need this remedy typically have a slender build and may experience frequent neck and shoulder stiffness. This remedy can be helpful for anxious, sensitive women who frequently feel weak or tired, with easy flushing of the face and a tendency toward anemia.

Nux vomica

The woman who needs this remedy is typically agitated, chilly, and experiences heartburn, indigestion, stomach pain, and constipation during pregnancy.

Pulsatilla

This remedy is frequently beneficial during periods of significant hormonal change, especially for moody, emotional women who crave sweets or butter and may overeat, which can result in indigestion and nausea or excessive weight gain. Pregnant women who require this remedy feel uncomfortable in hot weather and in stuffy rooms, and feel better after light outdoor exercise.

Sepia

Other indications for this remedy include poor circulation, nausea, constipation, a tendency toward accidental urine loss, a feeling of sagging or weakness in the pelvic floor, an energy boost from exercise, and women who feel tired, dragged out, and irritable during pregnancy (feeling overburdened by demands of family members, or with little enthusiasm for the pregnancy).Sepia.e.t.c