It has been my experience that the stages model of labor is not based on good theory or research and does not accurately describe how labor truly works.
Instead, I propose a different model of labor. I’ve outlined the major differences. This is a more accurate way to describe labor.
Stages of Labor
Labor contains distinct stages.
“True” labor is defined by cervical dilation.
Labor is characterized by a steady increase in
dilation.
Labor and birth can be predicted by how far
dilated a mother is and how often they are
contracting.
Your body should follow the curve regardless of
emotional aspects.
Cervical dilation gives you the ability to
determine when a woman should deliver.
A pathologic labor is one in which it is not
dilating at a specific speed.
All women follow the same pattern.
Progressive Model of Labor
Labor has very indistinct starts and stops.
Cervical dilation is only one of the signs of
progression.
Labor is characterized by plateaus and hills of
progress.
Labor and birth are unpredictable
Emotional aspects play a role in the ability to
progress.
Specific signs (including cervical dilation) are an
indicator of progress, though cannot determine the
length of labor.
A pathologic labor is one in which either mother
or baby is in distress.
Each woman has a unique labor pattern.
One Response
Janessa
This is great, I truly appreciate this distinction!