The 3 Stages of Labour in Uganda
Labour is the natural physical process that brings your baby into the world. During this time, the uterus contracts, and the cervix opens to allow the baby’s arrival. While each woman’s labour experience varies and timing can be unpredictable, all mothers go through three key stages of labour.
First Stage of Labour
The first stage of labour is often the longest, especially for first-time mothers. It consists of three phases: early, active, and transitional. During these phases, contractions gradually dilate the cervix to a full 10 centimetres.
Signs of Labour in Uganda In early labour, common signs include:
- Nausea or feeling sick
- Tightening or cramping in the abdomen
- Urgency to use the toilet due to the baby’s head pressing on the bowel or bladder
- Lower abdominal or back pain
- Diarrhoea
- Contractions
- Waters breaking
For many, early labour feels like period cramps, with pain in the lower back or abdomen. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea may also accompany these signs. For questions or concerns about whether labour has begun, reach out to your local maternity unit. Uganda’s Health Centre Levels II, III, and IV are staffed with knowledgeable professionals who are ready to guide and support you and your baby.
During early labour, you may have little appetite, but light meals like soup, cereal, or toast can help maintain energy levels. Hydration is essential, so continue drinking water. Discomfort may start mildly but will intensify into contractions, growing more regular and stronger over time.
Cervical Dilation Guide Dilation is a primary way that health professionals measure progress:
- Early/Latent Labour Phase: Painful, irregular contractions until the cervix dilates to 4 cm.
- Established Labour Phase: Contractions become more regular as the cervix dilates from 4 cm to 7 cm.
- Transitional Labour Phase: This phase can vary, with some mothers experiencing it at 10 cm dilation.
The release of the mucus plug, known as “a show,” indicates that the cervix is beginning to open. This mucus acts as a natural barrier against bacteria throughout pregnancy and is often released shortly before labour begins, although timing varies.
Waters Breaking The amniotic sac, or “waters,” cushions and protects the baby. When labour begins, these waters may break, either as a trickle or a gush. If you’re unsure whether your waters have broken, note that amniotic fluid is typically clear or pale straw-colored, and sometimes tinged with blood initially. If this happens, contact your maternity unit to confirm next steps and reduce any risk of infection by maintaining hygiene.
Second Stage of Labour The second stage begins when the cervix is fully dilated at 10 cm and continues until the baby is born. In first-time births, this stage may last an hour or longer, while for mothers with previous births, it can be much shorter.
Your body will naturally urge you to push when the time is right. As your baby’s head becomes visible, the midwife may ask you to slow down to help prevent tearing, using panting techniques. At last, your baby is born, and you’ll likely be encouraged to have skin-to-skin contact, helping to bond with your newborn.
Third Stage of Labour
After the birth, the final stage is delivering the placenta. Your midwife may offer an injection to help with this, speeding up delivery to within 30 minutes, although natural delivery can take up to an hour. Contractions resume as the placenta is pushed out, and your midwife will check to ensure the uterus contracts properly and that the placenta is delivered completely.
Breastfeeding may be initiated immediately after birth, encouraging bonding and benefiting the mother’s and baby’s health.
Contractions and Timing As pregnancy nears its end, it’s normal to wonder about every sensation. Contractions in labour are distinct from Braxton Hicks and will grow stronger, longer, and more regular. To monitor your progress, time your contractions using a clock or stopwatch and note both the duration and the intervals between them.
In the early phase, contractions may last around 40 seconds and occur every 10 minutes. By active labour, they will become more frequent, lasting about a minute with two-minute intervals.
Handling Slow Labour
If labour progresses slowly, it’s not uncommon. A slow labour is defined as dilation at less than 0.5 cm per hour over a four-hour period. Midwives and healthcare professionals at Uganda’s Health Centre Levels II, III, and IV are equipped to manage this with guidance and, if needed, assistance from an obstetrician.
Uganda’s Health Centres and maternity units are essential resources for expectant mothers, providing support at every labour stage and ensuring that you and your baby receive the best care possible.
