Transition is the last phase of the first stage of labour. This is usually the shortest and the most intense part of labour.What’s happening?

• The baby descends farther into the pelvis, with the top of the baby’s head becoming even with the ischial spines
• The baby’s descent puts pressure on your rectal area
• The cervix completes dilating
• Every contraction makes a difference
• Four to five contractions come in ten minutes, with each contraction lasting 70-90 seconds
• The bags of water often break during or at the end of this phase
• Your body is working very efficiently and with tremendous effort during each contraction
• The contractions reach their maximum intensity at the beginning of this phase

Physically, you may feel some or all of these:

• Rectal pressure, like needing to have a bowel movement
• Nauseated
• A need to throw up
• A need to hiccup or burp
• Hot and sweaty
• A slight increase in vaginal bleeding
• Shaky legs
• A “catch” in your breathing or feel a “catch” in your throat
• A need to give little pushes

Emotionally, you may feel some or all of these:

• Totally focused during each contraction
• A need for help to stay focused during contractions
• Very quiet and inward
• Overwhelmed and need to cry and shout
• A need to have your support person very close to you during contractions
• A need for privacy
• Relieved to know this is the last phase of the first stage of labour

What to do to help yourself

• Remember this is the shortest part of labour
• Have continuous support from your partner
• Completely concentrate with each contraction
• Continue to take the contractions one at a time
• Use slow, deep breathing
• Breathe with your partner to keep a rhythm
• Focus on your ritual, including vocalizating, for each contraction
• Use light breathing at the peak of a contraction if needed
• Move your hips or your body during the contraction, such as swaying your hips, rocking, bouncing on the exercise ball
• Concentrate on a focal point during a contraction
• Imagine the cervix stretching the last bit over your baby’s head
• Change positions (with help from your partner)
• Relax in the bath or shower
• Relax between contractions
• Drink, especially water
• Empty your bladder every 1-2 hours
• Have cold packs placed on your back
• Have cool cloths placed on your forehead and/or neck
• Continue to your use your TENS
• Listen to music

How the labour partner can help

• Be very close to her during contractions
• Help her continue her ritual
• Encourage her to vocalize
• Get something for her to drink
• Help her to change position
• Remind her to sway her hips during contractions if at all possible
• Help her to relax with firm massage (back, hands, feet, head, shoulders)
• Change the lighting to help her feel more privacy
• Remind her to go to the bathroom every 1-2 hours
• Pour a bath for her and help her in and out
• Put cold compresses on her lower back, neck and face
• Remind her how close she is to the end
• Breathe with her
• Massage the tops of her legs if they are shaking

Prepared by: Childbirth Education Curriculum Project Ad Hoc Committee
Approved by: BC Women’s Family Education Advisory Committe