What can you do during transitional labour? What happens if you start pushing before dilation?

The first stage of childbirth is labour, which is in turn broken down into three phases: Early, active, and transitional.

Phase 3: Transitional (Advanced) Labour

During transitional labour, the last, most intensive, and fortunately the shortest of the phases of labour which generally lasts 15 to 60 minutes, your cervix will dilate from seven to its final ten centimeters. Contractions are very strong at this point — usually 60 to 90 seconds long, and with intense peaks. Because they're spaced only about 2 or 3 minutes apart, it may seem as though you barely get to relax before the next contraction begins. During transition, you're likely to feel strong pressure in the lower back and rectum, nausea, fatigue, tightness in the throat and chest area, shakiness, chills or sweats (or alternating between them). You'll also notice more blood-tinged show as capillaries in the cervix rupture.

The last of the three stages of labor is a physically demanding and draining time and you may feel exhausted, frustrated, impatient and overwhelmed. Hang in there, though — soon, you and your newborn will be meeting face to face. Panting and/or blowing can help stop you from pushing if your practitioner says you're not ready for pushing yet. Pushing before dilation is complete could cause your cervix to swell, which can complicate delivery.