What Does Natural Labor and Delivery Feel Like?
Birth Information for Moms Curious About Labor Without an Epidural
Apr 29, 2009
There are many reasons women balk at the thought of an epidural during labor and delivery. Some dislike large needles, some worry about the very real possibility of lasting side affects, some want to experience the entire process of birth, and some dislike the thought of exposing their new baby to drugs during the birth. These women may be toying with the idea of going natural, but probably want to know what they’re in for first.
Birth Information, the First Stage of Labor
Labor usually begins without much intensity as the uterine muscles start the work of opening the cervix. The sensation differs from woman to woman, but most describe contractions as being similar to menstrual cramps.
Many women are offered pitocin to speed up their labor, but the addition of pitocin notably intensifies contractions. Women who allow labor to progress at its own pace are likely to find the cramping sensation entirely manageable. The contractions will increase in duration and will come more frequently. The cramping feeling will spread until contractions are felt across the abdomen and possibly in the lower back. The intensity of the sensation increases throughout the process, but without an epidural, women can pass the time walking or relaxing in a warm shower .
Birth Information, Transition
The very last part of the first stage of labor is called transition. It is the body’s final work to open the cervix and make way for the baby to enter the world. During transition, contractions come one on top of the other without the break women have grown accustomed to during previous labor. Transition is undeniably the most difficult part of birth. Thankfully, it’s usually brief.
It’s important to know the signs of transition labor well. Coaches who recognize the end of the first stage can assure their partners that the worst is nearly over. If an epidural is administered at this point, it may not even have time to take effect before the baby arrives. Easily identifiable signs of transition include intense and rapid contractions, shivering, and nausea.
Most women hoping to have a natural birth give up during transition. The signs of transition are easily overlooked by those new to the experience, and women who believe the labor will steadily grow more intense are bound to want relief. Fortunately, once the cervix is completely open, most women enjoy a needed break before the second stage begins.
Birth Information, the Second Stage of Labor
The second stage of labor involves the uterus contracting to push the baby through the birth canal. Many women who experience this stage without an epidural agree that the sensation is not so much painful as incredibly exhausting.
Some women experience a burning sensation as the baby is born. But usually, the body has naturally numbed the area so that most women won’t even feel their episiotomy.
Pushing is much smoother without an epidural. Some women complete this stage in less than ten minutes while others work for an hour or more. The contractions during the second stage of labor are not as intense and offer long breaks in between.
Birth Information, the Third Stage of Labor
The third stage of labor is fairly anticlimactic. The baby is already born and being checked out by a team of nurses and doctors. Sometime during all this excitement, women will feel contractions begin again and will push the placenta out of their uterus.
This stage is slightly uncomfortable because women are so exhausted from the previous stages. But it is over quickly and hardly even memorable.
It sounds cliché, but even moments after labor and delivery most women have a difficult time remembering the exact sensations accompanying birth. And women who experienced birth naturally can be up and about to rejuvenate with a long shower and then start taking care of their new baby.
Knowing what to expect will help women feel more relaxed when the big day arrives. They also may want to check out articles on choosing a doctor, hospital, and child birth class, packing a labor bag, and tips for making it all the way if they’re hoping for a natural birth.
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