What is a placenta? What to expect during the final stage of labour? What happens when delivering the placenta?

After much pushing and the baby is delivered, the final stage of childbirth is it's time to deliver the

Stage 3: Delivering the Placenta

With baby finally out of your birth canal and into your arms, the hard work is over — but childbirth isn't. This last stage of childbirth is actually a very important one — and a very symbolic one. The placenta, also known as afterbirth, provided bed and board for your baby for most of his or her stay in your uterus, and its delivery represents the end of that era, and the beginning of a new one on the outside.

This last stage of childbirth usually lasts anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes or more. Mild contractions that last about a minute each will help separate the placenta from the uterine wall and move it through the birth canal so that you can push it out. Your practitioner may help speed up the process by putting gentle pressure on your uterus (you may feel a little discomfort). Once the placenta is delivered, your practitioner will stitch up any tears and you'll be free to enjoy your new baby.

After delivery you'll notice bloody vaginal discharge (called lochia) that's comparable to a heavy period, and you may experience chills. Expect to feel hungry and thirsty (especially if labour was long and you weren't able to eat or drink) and a wide range of emotions — especially relief, elation, and impatience to get your hands on the baby!