HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

Third Stage of Labor BIRTH OF THE PLACENTA

Overview: • Begins with the baby’s birth and ends with the delivery of the placenta • The birth of the placenta can take anywhere from 5 minutes to 1 hour • Remind your birth team if you are planning on keeping the placenta

After the birth of your baby, the placenta will take a few (usually 5-60) minutes to separate from the wall of the uterus and be delivered through your vagina. These contractions won’t be as strong, but you may need to use relaxation techniques to manage any pain. Your health care provider may ask you to give a couple of small pushes to help the placenta come out.

PHYSICAL CHANGES

YOUR EMOTIONS/REACTIONS

• May scream with delight or feel overwhelmed and exhausted • Involved and asking questions about the baby’s well-being • Feel a sense of relief and accomplishment

• Contractions slow after your baby is born • Uterus is at belly button level and begins to shrink in size • You may feel cold, shaky, or sick to your stomach

ROLE OF LABOR PARTNER

COMFORT MEASURES

• Enjoy the new baby • Keep supporting partner’s physical and emotional needs • Congratulate them for a job well done!

• Use relaxation techniques during delivery of the placenta • Focus attention on your new baby • Hold your baby skin-to-skin under a warm blanket

What to Expect

60 Your Guide to Labor and Birth