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| |    The Emotional Stages of Labor by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. reviewed by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. I teach medical students, and in trying to help them understand the emotions that are commonly experienced in labor, I give them a quiz:
Particularly if you have chosen to have an unmedicated birth, you will most likely go through predictable emotional changes that are characteristic of each phase of labor. Pre-labor Before labor, and often in early labor, many women feel an urge that is sometimes called nesting. This usually involves activities such as cleaning, decorating, or doing other tasks that make your home more ready for a baby. Some women are able to use this urge as a marker for getting close to delivery, while others have it sporadically in the third trimester. Stage 1 of Labor: Latent Phase (0-about 4 centimeters dilated) Latent phase is the part of labor when you feel most like yourself. Your contractions may be painful, but you can manage, and in between contractions you are able to relax. Stage 1 of Labor: Active Phase (about 4-9 centimeters dilated) During active phase, your contractions are more frequent and more intense. You may find it more difficult to relax and may need your coach to help you to keep focused. When possible, water therapy in the form of a shower or bath can be helpful at this time. Many women are more comfortable when they move around. Stage 1 of Labor: Transition (about 9 centimeters dilated, sometimes less) Transition is the most emotionally challenging part of labor. Thankfully, it is also usually the shortest. Transition is usually characterized by a feeling of panic. This is the time many women feel that they cannot cope and ask for medications. It is crucial for your coach to understand the normalcy of your feelings, and the short time you will be feeling this bad. The end is in sight! Stage 2 of Labor: Pushing You have reached complete dilation and feel the urge to push. Usually you'll feel a sense of relief and some pleasure in taking a more active role. The panicky feelings of transition have abated, and you can focus on the work ahead. Some women develop pain as the baby's head descends, but take comfort that you can see the finish line and soon will have the baby in your arms. The Birth I don't have words to describe the range of feelings that new parents have at the moment of birth. One moment all you can focus on is how overwhelmed you feel and how much you want labor to be over. Then, all of a sudden, the pain is gone and the baby is there. P.S. The answer to the quiz is A. The woman in the description is in the latent phase of labor.
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