Stage I of Childbirth - Labour - Phase III

Phase 3 of labour is called transitional labour. This is the final phase of Stage I of childbirth. It lasts from about fifteen minutes to an hour on average. The cervix dilates from about 7 cm to a full 10 cm within this short duration. The contractions are very intense during this phase. The pain can be overwhelming as well. However, remember, you are almost at the end of your labour. Pretty soon you will have a little bundle of joy that shall light up the rest of your life.

Some typical symptoms of Phase 3 labour are:

• Contractions that last for about 60 to 90 seconds each with about 2 to 3 minutes gap between them
• Feel extremes in temperature such as warm and sweaty or cold and shivery or even alternating between the two
• Shaking legs and/or leg cramps
• Nausea with or without vomiting

You may experience all or some of these during Phase 3 of labour.

What can I do during transitional labour?

Some things that you can do during Phase 3 are:

• Think of how far you have got through instead of brooding over how much more there is to go.
• If you feel like pushing to bring in some relief, try panting instead.
• Continue your breathing exercises.
• Relax as much as possible and find the most comfortable position you can.