The adrenaline release and shutdown of labour is a protective mechanism, which has been necessary for the evolution of species. The contractions can become strong and too painful to cope with, or more usually, weak and ineffective. Labour begins to falter and doesn’t progress. Our brains cannot differentiate between a real threat (sabre tooth tiger) and an imagined one (noisy staff), so they begin to initiate the process of ‘fight or flight’. The big difference is most of us give birth under bright lights, observation and constant disruption. Humans have exactly the same stress response as other mammals. In the wild, if a labouring mammal is threatened during the first stage of labour, adrenaline is released, stopping labour so the mother is able to get away to a safe place. During sex, orgasm, labour, birth, and breastfeeding, oxytocin release can be inhibited if our sense of being watched is triggered, or if there are bright lights or a high levels of noise. Oxytocin release is enhanced in environments which include privacy, safety and support.
The third stage follows, which is the expulsion of the placenta and membranes (bag of waters).Īll three stages of labour are dependent on the release of the hormone oxytocin occurring as and when it should.
The second stage refers to the process of the baby being pushed out. The first stage occurs as the cervix dilates and opens. The process of labour is spoken of in three stages: first, second and third. Or do you think labour should be a long and painful grueling marathon – ending in exhaustion and weary joy as you hold your brand new baby? The Process Of Labour What if birth was an experience women enjoyed?Ĭan you imagine smiling and laughing during contractions, feeling your body working hard? Things such as making noises they didn’t know they were capable of, acting like a woman possessed during transition, and suddenly feeling the need to poo when they are pushing out their baby.īeing told to leave your dignity at the door is common, and yet it detracts from the amazing and awe inspiring process which takes place within your body. Pregnant women are often told to expect certain things to happen during labour.
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