Stages of Labor – Third Stage
Your body is ready to deliver the placenta. This happens within fifteen minutes after your baby is born. Most women don’t even notice this delivery in the excitement of watching their baby’s first moments of life.
The placenta becomes detached and travels through your birth canal. Contractions begin as the placenta becomes detached. You will naturally want to push. When the placenta appears detached, your doctor may gently pull on the umbilical cord, guiding it down while gently pushing above your pelvis.
After your placenta has been delivered, it will be examined carefully to be sure it is complete. Your doctor will examine your vulva for tears and will give you stitches if necessary. You will probably be given Pitocin intravenously to contract your uterus and stop the bleeding so you won’t hemorrhage. Your uterus should become a toned hard ball, closing the arteries so they will not bleed.
Your legs may be shaking from your amazing delivery, and you may feel cold – maybe even shivering. This time almost seems to fly in the excitement of the delivery room with the birth of your beautiful baby.
After you have your baby, you will bleed for a few weeks. For the first two to three days this will be red, but will turn brown after that. If at any time it becomes red again, this may be a sign that there is still a piece of placenta in your uterus. If this occurs, call your doctor immediately. Additionally, if you develop a fever or pass red blood clots, call 911 for an ambulance.
