How long does the second stage of labor take?

Mothers who have given birth know that there are three main processes from the beginning of labor to the completion of delivery. This is called the trilogy of labor. It mainly refers to the time from when the cervix opens to the size of ten fingers, which is the first stage of labor, followed by the second stage. Generally speaking, the second stage of labor takes about 1 to 2 hours, followed by the third stage of labor. Let’s take a look at this aspect.

How long does the second stage of labor take?

Generally speaking, if the mother has a normal delivery, the time required for the second stage of labor will vary depending on whether she is a primipara or a multipara. If it is a first-time mother, the second stage of labor will take 1 to 2 hours. For a multipara, it will be much faster, usually within an hour, and some may only take a few minutes. Generally speaking, the first stage of labor relies on the persistence and endurance of the mother, while the second stage becomes a matter of cooperation. The doctor plays a major role in the second stage of labor. During this stage, the doctor will guide the expectant mother to push or breathe out according to the baby's delivery, so as to avoid damage and laceration to the soft birth canal caused by too rapid delivery of the fetus.

Clinical manifestations of the second stage of labor

The clinical manifestations of the second stage of labor are different from those of the first stage. At this time, the cervix opens, the amniotic fluid ruptures, and you will feel a warm liquid flowing out of the vagina. At this time, uterine contractions are more frequent, about once every 1-2 minutes, and each contraction can last up to 1 minute. When the fetal head descends to the pelvic outlet, the perineum gradually swells and thins, the anus is pressed open, and the fetal head gradually becomes visible at the vaginal opening. The fetal head should descend to the pelvic floor and compress the rectum, making the mother feel like having a bowel movement and involuntarily push down and hold her breath. When the fetal head is delivered, it turns back and rotates outward. At this time, the fetal shoulder reaches the vaginal opening, and then the front shoulder, posterior shoulder and fetal body are delivered one after another, and the amniotic fluid flows out. The mother will feel relaxed and happy after the baby is delivered.

The main process of entering the second stage of labor

Because the second stage of labor mainly involves cooperating with the doctor, most of the time you have to listen to the doctor and follow the process.

Usually, the doctor begins by performing a vaginal examination to determine the fetal position and instructs the woman to hold her breath during each contraction so that the fetal head gradually descends through the pelvic cavity and gradually expands the vaginal opening. During uterine contractions, the midwife places her left palm on the fetal head to control the speed of its advancement. Bend the fingers of your right hand to protect the perineum and assist in the delivery of the fetus. After the fetal head is delivered, the fetal body rotates and the shoulders are located at the anterior-posterior diameter of the outlet. The fetal head is gently pressed and the anterior shoulders are delivered from under the pubic arch. The fetal head is slightly raised, the posterior shoulders are delivered from the perineum, and finally the fetal body is delivered one after another.

In general, you should just listen to your doctor when entering the second stage of labor. After all, doctors have several years of delivery experience before they dare to serve as the attending physician. When you hear your baby's first cry in this world, it means the second stage of labor is over.