HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

NOTES

DILATION IN TRANSITION PHASE OF LABOR

LABOR AND BIRTH

8 CM

9 CM

10 CM OPENED

POSITIONING OF BABY

MOOD

Cervix dilates from 8 to 10 centimeters

Relying on partner for support, intense emotions

COMFORT MEASURES

ROLE OF LABOR PARTNER

• Remember that the birth is near and offer encouragement • Realize that you may have difficulty helping during this phase • Stay together, reduce distractions (environmental or family) • Hold eye contact and use short, simple statements

• Try to rest between contractions • Keep using comfort measures that have been working for you • Shortest but most intense labor stage; you will be pushing soon • Rely on your labor partner as much as you need to • Breathing techniques help control the urge to push before you’re 100% dilated

• Support breathing and stay focused • Work in a calm, organized manner • This phase may be hard for both of you

Chapter 4: Labor and Birth 55