Labor Hormones
Prostaglandins do this
help soften and ripen the cervix and stimulate uterine contractions.
Side note: They work alongside oxytocin to ensure labor progresses efficiently
Dilation refers to the opening of the
cervix
Active labor ends when the cervix reaches this measurement
10cm
These irregular contractions are often called "practice" contractions
Braxton Hicks
Why Let labor begin on its own
Induction interrupts the coordination of hormones, going into labor naturally ensures their Body and Baby are ready
Normal pregnancy is 38-42 weeks
The "love" hormone that is CENTRAL to labor
Oxytocin
Dilation allows the baby to move through this passage during birth
The birth canal
Active labor begins when the cervix reaches approximately this many cm dilated.
6 cm
Braxton hicks contractions usually become less noticeable or stop when you do these things
Change positions, rest, drink cold water
Why Walk, Move, Change positions in labor?
Help the uterus work more efficiently, Use gravity to pull baby down, being responsive to their body increases their confidence and be more efficient
The natural pain-relieving hormone that rises in labor
Endorphins
Effacement is measured using this
Percentage
During active labor contractions often occur every 2-5 mins about how many seconds
60 seconds (or longer)
True labor contractions cause this change in the cervix
Dilation and effacement
Why bring a loved one, doula or friend for continuous support?
Decreases stress, fear, and pain, informational support increases confidence and informed decision making. Better birth outcomes
Prolactin does this
prepares the breast for milk production and supports maternal caregiving behaviors
Negative station numbers mean the baby is this
Higher in the pelvis
Labor stalls are likely due to this
position of the baby
This type of labor can feel very real but may start and stop for days or weeks and not cause cervical change or progress.
Prodromal labor
Labor works best when the birthing person feels
Called "fight or flight" stress hormones. They can stop labor or give a burst of energy and help push a baby out.
Catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) are stress hormones that spike significantly during labor and delivery for both the mother and the baby. In mothers, they can either slow or dramatically speed up labor, while in newborns, they are essential for clearing lung fluid and development and maintaining vital signs.
Engagement or this station is when baby's presenting part reaches the ischial spines
Station 0
A common sign that labor is moving from early labor into active labor that a doula will be able to recognize over a phone call
Talking through contractions become difficult
During true labor, contractions generally become longer, stronger and this.
Closer together
The 6 Healthy Birth Practices are the core principals for a safe and healthy birth experience and were adapted from the
World Health Organization (WHO)