Labor, also known as the human parturition, is the physiological process that results in birth of a baby, delivery of the placenta, and the signal for lactation to begin.
Human uterus consists of 3 main anatomical parts.
The fundus, body, and the cervix.
During labor, the uterus changes its nature from a state of relaxation to an active state of regular, strong, and frequent contractions to facilitate the passage of the fetus through the birth canal.
In addition, the cervix, which was initially long, firm, and closed with a protective mucus plug, will soften, shorten, and thin out for labor to progress.
Labor can be divided into 3 stages.
The first stage is the period from the diagnosis of labor to full dilation of the cervix.
Second stage is the period from full dilation of the cervix up to the delivery of the fetus or fetuses.
And the third and final stage is the period from the delivery of the fetus to the delivery of the placenta and membranes.
Usually, this stage does not last more than 30 minutes.
One of the earliest signs of labor is labor contractions.
Usually, they last for about 30 to 90 seconds, and with time, they become more intense, and more frequent.
At this time, the midwife, or a doctor will perform a vaginal examination and confirm labor.
However, it is important to differentiate between true and false labor contractions.
False labor contractions are also known as Braxton Hicks Contractions.
Unlike true contractions, these are less intense, and have an irregular nature.
They usually occur about once or twice per hour, and do not increase in frequency with time.
And they resolve with movements.
In addition, other signs of labor will not be there with Braxton Hicks Contractions.
Along with true labor contractions, individuals also experience an intense back pain, which radiates to the front of the abdomen.
They will also have a lower abdominal pain, and heaviness in the pelvis.
Around these events, the individual may have blood-stained vaginal discharge, also called the “Show”.
This is due to the dissolution of the cervical mucus that plugs the cervix during pregnancy.

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