3. The Transitional Phase

What is happening

How you may feel

Your cervix is opening from about 8 cm to 10 cm.

The contractions

• are 1 to to 2 minutes apart.
• last between 60 and 90 seconds.

• are very strong, intense and sharp.  They rise to a peak quickly, reach a plateau for a certain time, and ease up.  They may have double peaks when they begin to ease up then rise again.

You may feel great pressure on your rectum or vagina.

You may feel nauseous or even throw up.

You may have leg cramps, shaking, or back pain.

Your face may be flushed and sweaty.

You may have cold feet.

Between contractions, you may feel drowsy.

Distressed

Overwhelmed

Exhausted

Restless

Surprised by the urge to push

Confused when told not to push

Irritable to doctor, nurse, or partner

Difficulty relaxing and breathing

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Concentrate. Focus on breathing and relaxation. Think about how close you are to holding and seeing your baby.

Change position often.

Drink clear liquids

Suck on ice chips, sour candy, or a wet washcloth if your mouth feels dry.

During contractions

• concentrate on one contraction at a time.
• continue with faster, shallow breathing as you feel the need.
• change to pant-blow breathing when you can no longer relax with other kinds of breathing.
• blow out if you need to stop yourself from pushing.

Between contractions

• relax
• move around
• change positions

Stay with her.

Talk to her. Encourage her. Tell her how well she is doing.

Remind her that transition is difficult but short. It means that labour is almost over.

Help her to stay calm and relaxed by staying calm and relaxed yourself.

Time the contractions.

Help her to focus and concentrate.

Help her through contractions. Breathe with her. If necessary, take her face in your hands and look into her eyes. Tell her, "Look at me. Breathe With me."

Remind her not to push too soon. Help her to pant and blow until the urge to push passes.

Give her clear and simple directions.

Use comfort measures - massage, back rubs, cold packs to her forehead.

Place a warm, wet washcloth against her perineum (the area around her vagina). This will help her to relax and release her pelvic floor muscles.

Help her to move and to find comfortable positions.

Offer her ice and clear liquids.

Help her to use Vaseline or chap stick if her lips are dry.

Offrez-Lui de la glace et des liquides clairs.

Aidez-la à se mettre de la vaseline ou du baume si ses lèvres sont sèches.