Stage of pregnanacy

Intranatal care (process of labor)
Labor is physiological process by which fetus, placenta and membrane are expelled through birth canal after full term of pregnancy. (38 week to 42 weeks).
The whole process of labour gets completed within 8 to 24 hours.
The duration of labour depends on women's birth parity, physical strength, structure of pelvic cavity and mental preparation for the process of labour.
On the basis of distinct nature labour can be divided into three phase:-

1. First phase
It starts with painful uterine contraction to full dliation of cervix.
It last for 8-20 hours for first time pregnant women.

Symptoms
Painful uterine contraction (every 10-15 minutes).
Dilation of cervix from 2cm to 10cm.
rupture of amniotic membrane.
Discharge of flood and mucus stain.
Frequent urination due to pressure of fetus head on urinary bladder.

Care of first stage of labour
TBA (Trained Birth Attendants) or midwives should be present.
Hot light drinks should be provided.
Body washing, removal of pubic hair should be done.
She shouldn't be urged to bear down the baby.
She should encouraged to urinate.
Long deep breath should be prefered during painful uterine contraction.

2. Second stage
It starts from funk dilation of cervix to complete expulsion of baby.
It last for 30 min to 2 hours.

Symptoms
Painful uterine contraction(every 5 min)
Vulva and anus gasping occurs.
Cervix is fully dilated (10 cm)
Crowning of fetus head throughout the cervix.
Bearing down by women.
Ruptured perenium membrane.
At the end of this phase, fetus is completely expelled from the uterus.

Care of second stage of labour
The mother should be kept in correct and comfortable posture.
Mother should be encouraged to bear down the baby.
She should be encouraged to take deep breath during powerful uterine contractions.
Vital signs like blood pressure, pulse rate should be examined every five minutes.
Sweats on her body should be wiped out.

3. Third phase
This phase begins after the delivery of baby till expulsion of products after birth (placenta, membrane, blood, umbilical cord etc).
This phase is associated with control of bleeding.
This phase last for 15 minutes to 1 hours.

Symptoms
The women is relieved from most of the pain.
Placenta and membrane are expelled at the end.
Loss of about 200ml blood occur.
She feels relaxed and all the vital signs becomes normal.
Uterus is felt like tennis ball.
At last umbiliral cord, membrane and placenta are expelled out.

Care of third stage of labour
Mother should be allowed to pass urine.
Genitals should be washed.
The placenta and cord should be buried.
Mucus and other particles of baby should be wiped out and wrapped with warn clothes.
Mother should be provided hot soup.
She should be allowed to have rest.