First Stage Labor is the initial phase of childbirth, which commences with the onset of regular contractions and ends when the cervix is fully dilated at 10 cm. It is pronounced [fɜrst steɪdʒ ˈleɪbər] using IPA phonetic transcription. The word "first" is pronounced as [fɜrst], with an emphasis on the first syllable, and the word "stage" is pronounced as [steɪdʒ], with a long "a" sound. The word "labor" is pronounced as [ˈleɪbər], with a short "a" sound in the first syllable followed by the schwa sound.
First stage labor refers to the initial phase of childbirth during which the cervix gradually opens (dilates) and thins out (effaces) to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. It can be further divided into early and active stages.
During the early phase of first stage labor, the woman may experience irregular contractions that are relatively mild and may last anywhere between 30 to 90 seconds. The cervix gradually begins to dilate up to approximately 3-4 centimeters. This phase typically lasts the longest and can range from a few hours to a couple of days.
As the early phase transitions into the active phase, the contractions become more regular, intense, and frequent, reaching a duration of around 45-60 seconds and occurring every 3-4 minutes. The cervix continues to dilate further, from about 4-7 centimeters. The woman may experience increased pressure and discomfort in the pelvic area as the baby's head descends into the birth canal. This stage usually lasts for a few hours, but can vary between individuals.
First stage labor is a crucial stage in the process of childbirth and marks the beginning of the active birthing process. It is accompanied by physiological changes such as effacement and dilation of the cervix, as well as the progression of contractions and the descent of the baby's head. It is essential for healthcare professionals and support persons to monitor the woman's progress, provide emotional support, pain relief measures, and ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby throughout the process of first stage labor.