Don’t underestimate the power of the transition phase during childbirth. Known as the final phase of the 1st stage of labor, your body physically shifts from laboring to pushing. However, the emotional changes you may experience are definitely something to be aware of, so you’re not caught off guard! Keep in mind while reading, every birth experience is unique. The way transition is experienced can vary from one birth to the next. You may or may not notice emotional changes or feel much difference physically. However, being informed either way is always good practice.
So, let’s talk about transition…
Physical changes: You may experience a fast and intense transition phase of labor as your cervix opens from 7-10cm. The surges (or contractions) can feel more intense, or even overlapping, coming every 1-2 mins and lasting for approximately 90 seconds. You may begin to feel warm or nauseous, but at the same time you may get the chills or shiver involuntarily. Your baby begins to descend at this time which is often accompanied by rectal pressure and an urge to push. When the pressure becomes constant you will likely be ready to push…WOOHOO! Yes, it can be powerful but rest assured transition often takes less than an hour to complete, and then it’s time to meet your baby!
*A quick note of encouragement, if you’ve chosen to not use pain medication through early and active labor (between 1-7cm), you will be well prepared physically to handle transition!
Now, let’s explore what you may experience emotionally…
Emotional changes: With an intense transition phase, many women start to feel overwhelmed or panicky. Even if not choosing pain medication up until this point, it’s common for moms to suddenly start claiming to need something for the pain or simply that they can’t do it anymore. However, if pain relief meds are chosen at this time, it probably wouldn’t take effect before it’s time to push. Even more likely, there wouldn’t be enough time to administer it before your baby is born anyway! So, if your birth preferences do not include pain relief medication here are some coping techniques to help you stay calm and confident during transition…
“The temptation to quit
will be the greatest just before
you are about to succeed.”
~Bob Parson
Ways to cope: FOCUS on your breath! This is a critical time to put to use all those breathing techniques you so diligently practiced during pregnancy. Pay close attention to your inhale for a count of 4 allowing your mind and body to relax, then let it all go with an exhale for a count of 8. This is the time to go with the surge, surrender, and just release! Making sounds (“oh” on the inhale/”ah” on the exhale, or repeating a mantra or word like “open”) when implementing deep breathing techniques can aide in staying focused. Additionally, moaning during the surges, not only helps keep you focused, but also the act of moaning in a low or deep voice helps relax the jaw and mouth which correlates to the muscles in the cervix and vagina (research the science behind this relaxation technique if you are interested in learning why this is). Consider water as a great relaxation tool if you haven’t already. Also, now is a good time to use visualization techniques or birthing imagery if you’ve practiced beforehand. Don’t forget to change positions as often as needed to encourage baby to keep descending. Side lying, hands and knees, or kneeling forward over a raised back of the bed are just a few to try. Last but not least, and most importantly, follow your baby’s lead and let go!
How your partner can help: I like to encourage partners to trust their own intuition when it comes to supporting you during childbirth. Since knowing you best, your partner will likely rise to the occasion and help you through this just as you’ve helped each other through other challenging times. Staying close during transition, partners bring a sense of security in the moment. Placing a cool cloth across your forehead or back of the neck is especially comforting to cool you down when you get warm. To encourage and reassure that you will work through this together, practice using gentle touch and breathing together prior to labor. You can also come up with some phrases that your partner can say using a low and confident voice to keep you feeling safe and connected. Here are some to get you started:
“You’re so close.”
“Our baby is almost here.”
“You’re safe.”
“I’m here.”
“You’re not alone.”
“You’re doing it.”
“I love you.”
When working together as a team, your partner can handle what’s going on around you, keeping you secure and calm, so that you can focus inward on birthing your baby!
Ultimately, proper information and preparation is needed for all stages of labor. Those two important components together allow you to get through the challenges of labor without being overwhelmed. With a clear mind and confident attitude, if you experience the emotional or physical roller coaster transition can be, you will remember it, not for the intensity, but for the positive accomplishment of working together with your partner during the miraculous experience of childbirth!