First-time mums usually take around 10 hours to fully dilate.
When the uterus is fully dilated, you might feel like you need to go to the toilet. This is called the urge to push. The uterus is slowly pushing the baby down by contracting. The uterus’ contractions and your force pushes the baby further into the vagina, and the baby will gradually be born. This second stage of labour is also called “expulsion”. This can take one hour for first babies.
The birth of the baby does not signify the end of labour. The placenta still needs to be expelled. This is the organ containing the membranes that housed the baby. It needs to be expelled one hour after the birth of the baby.
From stitching and washing to pure joy!
Most women need stitches after giving birth. During delivery the vagina usually tears slightly or the midwife might have to make a small cut. Suturing is generally done by a midwife. Local anaesthesia will of course be used during the procedure.
When this is done, you can enjoy a nice shower. If you are unable to walk to the shower due to dizziness or blood loss, the maternity assistant or hospital nurse will wash you in bed. Your bed will also be changed.
You can then get back into bed, fully refreshed, to relax and enjoy your new baby.
Childbirth takes approximately twelve hours in total. For some women this is much shorter, and for some much longer. The main thing is that your labour progresses, that you receive proper guidance and that you are in a place where you feel safe.
Relaxation will help your labour progress!