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Pictures of how the uterus thins (effacement) and opens (dilation) during 1st stage of labour.

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Pictures of how the uterus thins (effacement) and opens (dilation) during 1st stage of labour.

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This video also shows the process:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xath6kOf0NE

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This video by NHS choices clearly explains some of the interventions which may be required during your labour (ventouse and forceps)
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Ventouse+Birth&&view=detail&mid=BBF1FEA3009F2FD071BEBBF1FEA3009F2FD071BE&&FORM=VDRVRV

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Here is a video and some website links all about when labour is induced and how:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjv0mpoRNzg
https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a173/induced-labour
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/induction-labour/

This link has spiritual ways to induce labour:
http://www.birthzang.co.uk/2013/12/spiritual-labour/

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A selection of NHS videos on breastfeeding, positions, skin to skin and other topics already discussed.
https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/breastfeeding-videos

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Dilation of cervix - 8-10cm
Relaxing breathing techniques can help at this stage.

Timescales - The transition stage could last a few minutes to a few hours.

Contractions - Will feel very intense as your body works through to full dilation.

Considerations - birth partners will be a huge support during this period.
Remember your birth plan but keep your options open by using BRAIN.

Where should we be?
Upright forward and open positions can help to move your baby down through your pelvis and to bear down on your cervix - helping with dilation.
Pelvic rocking can also support this.
You may be enjoying the pool or using your partner to support you in different positions.

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Timescales:
This stage could last for 6-12 hours or even longer.

Contractions:
Irregular and could be 15-20 minutes apart with each contraction lasting for 30-60 seconds.

Dilation:
At this point around 0-3 cm dilated.
Cervix is thinning (and becoming shorter in depth).
It continues to dilate through to 4-6cm.

Where should we be?
You should stay at home for as long as possible to help to maintain high Oxytocin levels.  You would not move onto the labour ward until Active labour has started.

Considerations:
Make sure your bag is ready
Call you partner to let them know
Paracetamol / warm bath may help
Massage, breathing, relaxation
Try to get some rest / go back to sleep.
Make sure you keep your energy up and drink fluids but take regular toilet trips

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The NCT have a good summary:
https://www.nct.org.uk/labour-birth/you-after-birth/episiotomy-or-tear-during-childbirth

More information can also be found on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/episiotomy/

The attachment explains a bit more about a third or fourth degree tear.

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Outlining the key stages, what Dads can do to support and things to consider.  A really easy read :)

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https://www.nct.org.uk/birth-topics/guide-labour
And a straightforward labour guide

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Timescales
It could last 4-8 hours for this stage but it could take longer

Contractions
Become stronger as cervix dilates more.  Every contraction is a step closer to seeing your baby!
You may feel them move from the lower to the top of the uterus.
During this stage they intensify in strength and speed from every 10-15 mins to every 5 mins and maybe even faster.
They could also be lasting longer to 60-90seconds.

Where should we be:
When you feel that you are struggling to cope at home and are finding it difficult to talk through your contractions and concentrate you should be making a call to triage.  Contractions should be coming every 5 minutes and lasting around a minute.  Some midwives say 3 contractions in 10 minutes is a good indication that you are ready to come in but really, you are looking for a consistent pattern.
You may decide to consider a water birth and this is usually done after 6cm dilation.

Considerations:
Think about staying relaxed in the car on the way to hospital, could you wear an eye mask, listen to calming music or a visualisation.
Dads - did you get fuel in advance, do you have change for the car park and do you have the bags packed?
Dads often plan to go back to the car once they have arrived - some never get the chance!

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A wide selection of easy to read articles on a wide range of topics which you may find interesting...
http://www.motherandbaby.co.uk/pregnancy-and-birth/birth/labour-and-birth

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Early signs of labour and waters breaking

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Early signs of labour and waters breaking

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https://www.nct.org.uk/birth/early-signs-labour

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/labour-signs-what-happens.aspx

Waters breaking
Could be felt as a slow trickle or a sudden warm gush.
Around 85% of waters still intact when labour starts and may need to be broken (artificially ruptured) during labour.
More information on waters breaking, what to do, and timescales you should be aware of
https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a1053562/when-your-waters-break

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https://www.gestationaldiabetes.co.uk/induction/

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https://www.nct.org.uk/birth/what-happens-if-my-baby-%E2%80%98late%E2%80%99

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Don't leave it in the car!

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An overview of some induction techniques and the considerations to make

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An overview of some induction techniques and the considerations to make

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Cervical sweep
A finger is inserted and separates the amniotic sac from the uterine wall in a sweeping movement. You can have another after 72 hours, they can be painful but can also be effective in kick starting labour. This brief video explains it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbHryAQFbcQ

Pessary or gel
Either inserted or applied to the cervix to encourage it to ripen.

Artificial rupturing of membranes
Breaking of the waters.  Can help to release prostaglandins which can speed up contractions and labour.

Syntocinon
Often given by a drip - it is a synthetic form of the oxytocin hormone to stimulate contractions