By definition, the cervix is simply the narrow opening at the bottom of the uterus. Sometimes referred to as the neck, the cervix bridges the vagina to the uterus and is a very important part of reproductive and sexual health.

What Does the Cervix Do During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy the cervix creates an abundance of mucus, commonly referred to as a mucus plug. This plug creates an extra layer of protection to the growing embryo from infection or foreign objects.

What is the Uterine Fundus?

The word fundus simply means the farthest part from the opening of an organ. Since we have more than one fundus in our bodies, it’s best to specify that we are describing the uterine fundus. It’s dome-shaped and sits at the top of the uterus.

What Does the Fundus Do During Pregnancy?

The fundus is used to help estimate how your baby is growing and to determine the position of your uterus. Fundal height is a common term that providers use at prenatal appointments, beginning at around 20 weeks’ gestation until the end of pregnancy. To calculate fundal height, a provider uses a flexible tape measure and vertically measures the length of your abdomen from the top of the fundus to the top of the pubic bone. This number, measured in centimeters, should align with how many weeks’ gestation you are. For example, if your provider measures 24 centimeters from the top of the fundus to the top of the pubic bone, you are expected to be around 24 weeks gestation. If your fundal height measurement is more or less than your gestation, your provider may want to further evaluate you.

How Do the Fundus and Cervix Work Together?

Many of us have learned that once the cervix dilates to 10 centimeters, birth is imminent. It’s as if the cervix just opens and the baby follows. In fact, in many medical settings, the stage of labor is determined by uncomfortable physical exams that assess cervical dilation and effacement. The combination of those two results have dictated approximate birthing times — however, with fault.

How Does the Cervix Open?

In order for the cervix to open, the uterine fundus has to build up during contractions. Every time a contraction takes place, muscles pull up from the cervix and build on the fundus. This building of muscle causes added pressure, which pushes the fetus lower. The combination of the muscles pulling up and the fetus moving down opens the cervix. Without the natural physiological process of building up the fundus, the cervix cannot and will not dilate.

The 3 Stages of Childbirth and Labor

When it comes to childbirth, every expectant parent has a unique experience. Sometimes, especially for first-time parents, it can be difficult to know when you’re in active labor. The first step is knowing the stages and phases of the childbirth process.

The terms stages and phases are often used interchangeably, but they are indeed different. While they both contain three parts, the actual stages of labor are in fact, separate events, with the three phases of labor actually taking place in the first stage.

We know, it can be confusing to keep track of specifics. That’s why, in this blog, we’re looking at the facts about the stages of childbirth and the phases of labor. If you want to know what you “can” expect versus what you “could” expect in all the stages and the phases, here is a breakdown.

What are the 3 Stages of Childbirth?

The three stages of childbirth include labor, pushing and delivery of the baby, and delivery of the placenta.

Stage 1: Early, active, and transitional phases of labor. This stage is where the cervix dilates and the baby settles itself into the pelvis to prepare for delivery. Once the cervix dilates to 10 centimeters, stage one is complete.
Stage 2: Pushing and delivery. Birthing people usually experience a strong sensation to push, similar to the feeling of needing to have a bowel movement. This stage includes the baby being delivered. However, it does not have a predictable time frame for how long it takes. Like all stages, this will vary from person to person.
Stage 3: Placenta birth. Contractions continue throughout all stages of childbirth. Even after the baby is born, mild contractions persist to expel the placenta. Most of the time, this happens fairly quickly and with little assistance. Other times, the delivery of the placenta may need a little help from your midwife who may gently massage the uterine fundus to move the placenta along.

Stage 3 of childbirth is birthing the placenta.

What are the 3 Phases of Labor?

Just like the stages of childbirth, there are also three phases of labor. All three phases take place in stage 1 of childbirth. Visually, try to think of the stages as the headings of a paper, with the phases being the subheadings under the first heading. The phases of labor include early labor, active labor, and transitional labor.

Phase 1: Early labor. This starts at the onset of labor. This period is variable and so is the intensity of contractions. Some laboring parents are not even aware that this phase has begun, while others are quite certain. Contractions are usually erratic and vary in intensity. During this phase, the cervix has dilation of approximately 1-3 centimeters.
Phase 2: Active labor. As the cervix dilates, contractions gain momentum in frequency and intensity. There is more of a rhythm to them, and the feeling typically goes from uncomfortable to painful. The contractions also last longer and are closer together. The cervix dilates between approximately 4-7 centimeters in this phase. Once contractions are about five minutes apart consistently, this would be the ideal time to arrive at the birth center in most (but not all) instances. More about that later.
Phase 3: Transitional labor. This is the last and generally hardest phase. The cervix dilates 8-10 centimeters and prepares for imminent delivery of the baby. The urge to push becomes strong in this phase and at times can be the most difficult to work through as energy stores are depleting, and the body is working harder at its miraculous job. The good news, however, is that this phase is also the shortest. The transition phase ends when the cervix is fully dilated to 10 centimeters.

Luckily, phase 3 of labor is the shortest!

It’s important to note and understand that the human body and birthing experience is unique to each individual. Variations in the length and timing of contractions as well as cervical dilation can and should be expected.

How Can I Prepare for Labor and Childbirth if Every Person’s Experience is Different?

You’re already doing one of the best things you can to prepare for labor: Educating yourself! Researching, reading, and taking childbirth classes go a long way in helping you become confident in your body’s ability to give birth without interventions.

During the intensity of labor, sometimes the best form of control is actually to let go. Our bodies are miracle workers and are designed to perform this job. Your birth experience might be all you expected, or it could turn out nothing like you thought it would. Educating yourself with facts, asking questions, and taking care of yourself both mentally and physically are the best preparations for this special time. Listening to your body’s needs, along with staying hydrated and rested, are also key elements to having the strength and energy required for the natural birth experience. In addition, a positive and reliable support system is very important.

Now for the question that might be asked most often: With all the variations of stages and phases from person to person, many folks wonder, “How will I know when it’s time to go to the birth center, or if I should remain at home?”

There are general guidelines surrounding when “it’s time.” Typically, when contractions are less than five minutes apart and are lasting approximately one minute in length consistently, it’s safe to say you are in active labor and heading to the birth center is recommended. However, if your membranes rupture, there is bloody show, vomiting or any other symptoms you are unsure of, you should contact your Magnolia birth team immediately.

If you or someone you know is pregnant and wanting to learn more about having an out-of-hospital birth in Miami, consider the personalized midwifery care at Magnolia! You can set up a free consultation by filling out our form.

Miami’s Premier Natural Birthing Center – Prenatal Care and Birth Services in Miami

Sometimes we must scratch all that we are told for what we actually learn. If you’re ready to learn more about this physiological process and how Magnolia fosters healthy pregnancy and natural birthing, request a free consultation by calling 786-953-6534 or filling out our form.

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