Labour, Hormones and Birth

26 Aug

Understanding the stages of labour.

Pre-labour: From 0-3cm dilated

First stage: Cervix dilates from 3cm to 10cm. The baby descends through the pelvis as the uterus contracts. During the first stage of labour the baby completes series of movements to help navigate the wider and narrower parts of the pelvis. Pretty amazing right?

Second stage: The baby travels through the cervix, descends down the vagina and is born. This includes the pushing stage.

Third stage: Placenta is delivered.

The main birthing hormones:

Oxytocin (aka the love hormone): is released from the brain and makes its way to the uterus and makes it contract. There is a big rise in the second stage of labour as it helps to push baby out.
Beta-Endorphins: Are a natural pain killer that help to optimise the physiological birth process and keeps us in the zone.
Stress hormones (Adrenaline): Adrenaline: Is released when there is perceived danger. It can act in two different ways. One is to lower oxytocin which can impact labour progression.
Prolactin: Steadily increases throughout labour and is responsible for helping to make milk.

So why is this all important?

These hormones don’t work in isolation and the production of some hormones can impact others. Encouraging our happy hormones and avoiding adrenaline peaks can help labour progress.

Tips to help our happy hormones!

During Birth:

Set up your birth room to be a relaxing environment.
Speak to your care team to see what you are able to bring in (i.e. fairy lights, favourite blanket etc)
Dim the lights in your room
Listen to music
Use your breathing to focus
Don’t be afraid to make noise (earthy grunts are the way to go)
If you like to visualise- use positive imagery to help relax
Relax between contractions
Get someone to give you a massage
If you are with your partner, kissing?
Have a warm bath or shower
Heat packs
Movement- move in a way that feels good for you. This may be swaying, leaning on your support person, using a swiss ball or peanut ball, squatting, dancing (if it’s your thing)

Keeping our happy hormones high is a great way to help keep stage one of labour moving along.

So much of birth is outside of our control, so doing some of the above can help bring the control back and help you to feel safe and comfortable while birthing.