Third-stage labour - Definition & Explanation for Mothers

Table of Contents

Definition

Third-stage labour refers to the period in childbirth that occurs after the baby is born and up until the placenta (afterbirth) is delivered. This stage typically lasts between five and 30 minutes post-delivery. It is a crucial phase as doctors and midwives monitor for any complications such as excessive bleeding.

Key Takeaways

Third-stage labour refers to the period following childbirth until the expulsion of the placenta and membranes. It’s a critical phase that demands appropriate medical supervision to prevent or manage any potential complications.
The third-stage of labour often lasts between 5 to 30 minutes. In some instances, it can extend up to an hour. This stage includes two parts: the period between the delivery of the baby to the delivery of the placenta, and the delivery of the placenta to the control of bleeding.
Management of third-stage labour can be either physiological (natural) or active. Active management is highly recommended due to the reduced risk of severe bleeding after birth, a serious complication that can lead to maternal mortality.

Importance

Third-stage labour refers to the period following childbirth, starting right after the baby is born and ending when the placenta is delivered.

This phase is particularly important because it harbors potential complications that could threaten the health of the mother.

The most serious of these is postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), excessive bleeding after childbirth, typically caused by the uterus not contracting enough after the baby is born.

Thus, the management of the third-stage labour is crucial to prevent PPH; it often involves administering medications to help the uterus contract, carefully examining the placenta to make sure it’s complete, and monitoring the woman’s vital signs closely.

By doing so, potential risks can be minimized, making it a pivotal period in ensuring a safe delivery and recovery.

Explanation

Third-stage labour is distinguished as the phase that occurs shortly after childbirth, specifically from the birth of the baby until the delivery of the placenta. A crucial purpose of this stage is to control and prevent excessive postpartum bleeding, which can potentially lead to life-threatening complications.

The immediate goal within this stage is the successful separation and expulsion of the placenta, which if not fully expelled, can cause risks such as infection or postpartum hemorrhage. This period is carefully monitored to ensure the woman’s safety and overall well-being.

During this phase, uterine contractions continue, as these are key to detaching the placenta from the uterine wall. Medical professionals also routinely manage this stage by deploying active management procedures, which typically include therapeutic measures like uterotonic drugs to stimulate contractions, controlled cord traction to assist placental removal, and uterine massage after placental delivery to aid uterus contraction and reduce bleeding.

While the third-stage labour might be less talked about in common parlance, it is a crucial stage in childbirth with critical measures undertaken for the protection of maternal health.

Examples of Third-stage labour

Third-stage labour refers to the period following the delivery of the baby (second stage) and ending with the complete expulsion or delivery of the placenta (third stage). Here are three real-world examples illustrating this phase.

Hospital Birth: A common real-world example of the third stage of labour can be seen in a hospital setting. After the mom has given birth to the baby, she still needs medical care until the placenta is also delivered. Healthcare professionals manage this stage, encouraging natural delivery of the placenta or sometimes using a medication called oxytocin to stimulate contractions and speed up the process.

Home Birth: In this scenario, a midwife or a doula would manage the third stage of labour at home. They would guide the mother through safely expelling the placenta, usually within 5-30 minutes after the baby’s birth. They also ensure there isn’t excessive bleeding and provide postnatal care advice for the mom.

Unplanned or Emergency Births: These situations might occur in an ambulance or other unplanned locations. The person attending the birth would need to assist the mom in delivering the placenta after the baby has been born. Ensuring warmth, safety, and trying to minimize panic is crucial in these situations, ensuring the placenta is fully expelled and severe bleeding is avoided.

FAQs on Third-stage Labour

What is Third-stage Labour?

The third stage of labour is the period following the delivery of the baby (second stage) and ends with the expulsion of the placenta and fetal membranes out of the mother’s body.

How long does Third-stage Labour last?

Third-stage labour can last anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. In some cases, it can extend a bit longer and interventions might be needed to help expel the placenta.

What happens during the Third-stage Labour?

During the third stage of labour, the mother may have mild contractions. The doctor will gently pull the umbilical cord to help release the placenta from the uterine wall. Once it’s separated, the mother will push it out. This stage ends when the placenta is delivered.

Why is the Third-stage Labour important?

The third stage of labour is essential because it ensures that the placenta, that served as your baby’s life-support system during pregnancy, is expelled from your body. If any parts of it remain, it can lead to serious complications like infection or excessive bleeding.

What are possible complications during the Third-stage Labour?

Some complications that can occur during the third stage of labour include heavy bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage), inverted uterus, or retained placenta where parts of the placenta remain in the uterus. It is crucial to have professional medical supervision during this stage to manage any possible complications immediately.