What is Third Stage of Labor

Labor is your body’s natural process of moving your baby and other structures, including the placenta and umbilical cord, out of your uterus. There are three stages of labor. How long each stage lasts is different for every woman. But certain events happen during each stage that are the same for everyone.

• The first stage starts when true labor begins. This stage ends when your cervix, which is the opening from your uterus into your vagina, is completely open (dilated).
• The second stage begins when your cervix is fully dilated and you start pushing. This stage ends when your baby is born.
• The third stage is the delivery of the organ that nourished your baby during pregnancy (placenta).

The third stage of labor is the shortest. It begins right after you deliver your baby, and it often lasts less than 30 minutes.

How does this affect me?

This is what usually happens during the third stage of labor:

• Within 5–30 minutes after the birth of your baby, you will start to have contractions again.
  • Third-stage contractions are weaker than during the other stages of labor. You do not need to push.
  • These contractions are a sign that your placenta is separating from your uterus and your uterus is pushing out the placenta.
• Your birth care provider may gently pull on the umbilical cord attached to the placenta and massage your belly to help the placenta come out.
• After the placenta comes out, you may have chills and feel shaky. This is normal.
• If you had an episiotomy or tear during delivery, your birth care provider may repair the cut or tear with absorbable stitches (sutures) at this time.
• You may feel a return of energy.
• Your baby may be placed on your chest, skin to skin.
• You may start breastfeeding. Breastfeeding helps your uterus contract, which helps stop the bleeding.
• You may have some fluids to drink.
• You may receive some medicine to help stop bleeding if needed.

How does this affect my baby?

Right after birth, your baby may be examined and cleaned. Your baby also may:

• Be placed on your chest to have skin-to-skin contact with you.
• Start breastfeeding.
• Stay awake for about 30 minutes, and then fall asleep.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have severe pain or bleeding that does not stop.

Summary

• The third stage of labor is the delivery of your placenta.
• You will have weak contractions as your placenta separates and is pushed out.
• Your birth care providers will monitor your contractions and make sure bleeding stops.
• You may have skin-to-skin contact with your baby, and you may start breastfeeding.