Labor: how to recognize it and what happens in the 3 phases

Labor is the set of processes that prepare and accompany the baby's birth. It is a natural event that begins with regular, painful and gradually closer contractions, which serve to soften and dilate the cervix, allowing the child to descend into the birth canal. The three phases of labor: - Dilation: the contractions become more intense and regular until they reach about 10 cm of opening. It can last from a few to many hours, especially in the first birth.- Expulsion: the time has come to push. The baby's head descends and, with the help of the midwife, the birth takes place.- Secondation: after birth, the placenta and membranes are expelled; the staff checks that the uterus contracts well. Go to the hospital when you have a contraction every 5 minutes, lasting about 1 minute, for at least an hour - or if the water breaks (especially if the liquid is not transparent) .Knowing what is happening helps you recognize the signs and face the birth with greater confidence.