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.

What can you do during active labour? How long will the contractions last and what's the interval? Is it a good time to ask for an epidural?

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

Phase 2: Active Labour

Your contractions will grow stronger and longer during active labour, a phase that usually lasts from two to three and a half hours. You'll usually be in the hospital or birthing center by this phase. As your cervix dilates to seven centimeters, contractions will come every 3 to 4 minutes and will typically last 40 to 60 seconds (may not follow a regular pattern).

Do your best to stay relaxed and comfortable, and don't be shy about asking for whatever you need.

• If you're having an unmedicated or natural birth: 

- your contractions will soon become too strong for you to talk through them (start your breathing exercises).
- you might be offered a light snack and clear beverages or ice chips to keep you hydrated (you might get an IV to maintain fluids if you want).
- walk around a bit (if you can) or change positions between contractions.
- make sure you continue to urinate regularly.
- staff at the hospital will be on hand to take your blood pressure, time your contractions, and monitor the baby's position and progress.

• If you want to get an epidural, now would be a good time to ask for one. If you do, you'll be hooked up to an IV to maintain your fluids and also probably be hooked up to a continuous fetal monitor. Try to change positions if you can.

What are the 3 stages of childbirth? What can you do during early labour? When do you admit yourself to the hospital for delivery?

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

Phase 1: Early (Latent) Labour
You'll experience mild to moderate contractions that last 30 to 45 seconds and are spaced 5 to 20 minutes apart.

It's important to try to relax as much as you can during the early phases of labour — you'll need to save your strength for later on.

If it's nighttime, do what you can to get some sleep (when your contractions become more insistent, you won't be able to).

If it's daytime, keep yourself busy. Cook a few more dishes to add to your freezer stash, fold some baby clothes, and do the rest of the laundry so you can come home to an empty hamper. You can also try taking a walk, which might even kick up the contractions a notch (don't go anywhere without a mobile phone and make sure the battery is charged). Eat a light snack if you're hungry, but avoid fatty foods and don't overeat.

Don't worry about obsessively timing contractions at this point, but do check periodically to see whether they're getting closer together. Lastly, make sure you use the bathroom often — a full bladder can get in the way of labour (or get a quick shower to make yourself comfortable). Most women will head to the hospital between the first two phases of labour — as the early phase ends and the active phase begins.

2013 Christmas Greetings!

Woke up after a super long dream..at 615a. Weather's abit cloudy, but these few nights are very windy, and cold..sneezed whenever the main door is opened ajar once awake. Took a butter cookie, just in case the hunger pangs come 'knocking'.

Yes, it's a Green Christmas again. From the wrapping paper, to the scotch tape, and the carrier, they are either recycled or recyclable, resusable, and certainly reduced.

The only difference is I've outsourced the delivery for the first time to someone who's eagerly excited to be 'The Postman' to our neighbours. The Postman even helped to do the wrapping as well! Very helpful indeed.

Of course, something has to be sacrificed -- sleep, time and effort. As the saying goes, 'Nothing ventured, nothing gained'.

This time, The Postman learns the true happiness of sharing and giving. The joy derived is directly proportional to the fun and enjoyment

going to-and-fro from door to door delivering one at a time.

25th week of Pregnancy #2

16oct-22oct

Wed
Feeling a little sleepy on the way to fetch TK.

Thur
Went to Grannies for dinner. Grandpa bought vegetarian fried rice and noodles.

Fri
Going for gynae check-up. Lil' foetus weigh 777g and Mum at 47kg. Fetched TK to Granddad's for dinner. Grandmum made vegetarian beancurd rolls, but the skin abit too tough for Grannies and were further steamed. Reached home around 1030p drizzling and TK was sleepy.

Sat
TK went for story-telling session at NLB at 11a, followed by lunch at nearby coffee shop at 1230p. Raining heavily then. DVDs borrowed from NLB due today.

Sun
TK attended Di Zi Gui lesson at KMSPKS, followed by lunch.

Mon
Hubby going TCM for follow-up. Motto for Life: Make Right Decision, Do Simple task Right and Fast. More can be accomplished. Right attitude with enthusiasm and Principles. TK again sent flying kisses and asked if Papa is happy via SMS. Grandma came after dinner with raisin bread and walnut small cake. Grateful.

Tue
Hubby wanted to send TK to Childcare. Fumigation carried out in the morning at our place to fight dengue. Hubby fetched TK from Childcare. TK had cake on the way and recited Di Zi Gui. Went to TCM as TK coughing with phlegm since last week around 13 Oct after taking cold cocktail. Had Chinese cold medicine when having runny nose.

24th week of Pregnancy #2

9oct-15oct

Wed
Made dau suan for afternoon tea. MOE wish to limit FT teachers from moonlight tuition. Hubby made dinner while Marmy fetched TK. TK is happy today. Grandpa came with egg cake from Grandma and some bananas. TK took some cake for supper before TK kept toys and conducted storytelling to Marmy before bed.

Thur
TK said 'wo yao ba ba' when Dardy's not around. TK going to Granddad's next Mon after Childcare. TK sent kisses via SMS and asked 'ba ba kai xin ma?' if Papa is happy.

Fri
Grandmum had mopped, cleaned Marmy's ex-bedroom and TK Uncle had packed some stuff there. TK bom bom after dinner and had full cream milk at Granddad's. Packed some food for Hubby's supper. TK was feeling sleepy on the way home by MRT but still sent smiley face to Papa via SMS with kisses. TK said 'ba ba kai xin ma?' and gave Papa sticker holding Marmy's finger to text Papa. So adorable. Waved goodbye to the MRT Captain at the front at CCL Buona V.

Sat
TK went for story-telling session at NLB at 11a, followed by lunch at nearby coffee shop at 1230p. Hubby went to wet market to buy vegetables. Waited at the coffee shop for Hubby to lunch while it drizzled.

Sun
Went to KMS for Di Zi Gui class and had lunch there.

Mon
TK going to Granddad's to stay. TK walked to Childcare ownself and asked to be carried higher to greet Pancake Aunt seated at the coffee shop stall. Marmy piggyback TK till the lift lobby to wait for lift to Childcare. Hubby went to TCM again to follow up at around 1050a.

Tue
Hari Raya Haji PH. Hubby came home late feeling hungry.

23rd week of Pregnancy #2

2oct-8oct
Wed
Attended a preview talk after sending TK to Childcare by Prof Lin WX at around 1045a. Learnt that the boss of Unisoy is Mr. Loh. Fetched TK around 6plus. Hubby made porridge dinner with shell macrononi. Reached home around 755p.

Thur
Hubby sent TK to Childcare reaching around 955a. Hubby asked TK what's more important, Time or Freebie and TK answered the latter. Total round trip to send TK to Childcare from bus stop to bus stop at 930a is around 75 min, inclusive of 10 min tea break. TC called to say they've cameras installed to deal with the highrise littering and they'd work with NEA on this matter. Hubby went for a swim and haircut. TK said 'I want Papa' on the way to Grannies' home for dinner from Childcare, and wanted to give Papa 'sticker'. TK awarded smiley face :D for himself, Marmy and Meimei. Made Mee with purple cabbage, mushroom, carrot and cheese for Hubby's supper.

Fri
Seal Engraving workshop at NLB at 3-5p and the instructor helped to 'beautify' TK's Chinese Traditional name engraved. Met a neighbour Aunt A there who did so well as a first-timer. Left to fetch TK at 5plus. Hubby plan to buy TK the flip board in future for drawing. Left Grannies place with some leftovers. TK said misses us. So sweet. TK sent 'kisses' to Papa via SMS before going to bed.

Sat
TK went for story-telling session at NLB at 11a after making some porridge. Had porridge before leaving home after the packed lunch leaked and made a mess. Frustrating. Found out the Marigold Fresh milk Promotion was over last month. Toured around the area at Woodlands NLB and had tea at Toastbox while TK napped in the baby stroller. After TK woke up, found an eatery and sat down to enjoy a bowl of laksa which TK tried, saying the thick noodle wasn't hot. Snacked the biscuits and seaweed brought from home.