NHS Suffolk and North East Essex - Labour and Birth Booklet

10 When your baby’s head is nearly born, your midwife will encourage you to gently breathe and avoid pushing if possible. This ensures your baby’s head stretches your perineum slowly and can help reduce tearing. The second stage of labour ends with the birth of your baby. This stage of labour can last up to four hours if it’s your first baby, and is usually much quicker if it’s your second or third baby. For more information visit: • NHS Choices www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/what-happens-during- labour-and-birth/#second-stage-of-labour • National Childbirth Trust www.nct.org.uk/birth/second-stage-labour Third stage This stage is the time between the birth of your baby and the expulsion of your placenta. After your baby is born, he/she will still be attached to the umbilical cord, which is attached to the placenta inside the womb. The cord should be left intact and not cut immediately, unless there is a problem with your baby’s breathing, or you are bleeding heavily. There are two options for the delivery of your placenta. The first option is known as physiological third stage, and the other is active third stage. Physiological third stage This option may be suitable if you are planning a natural birth. If you require an assisted birth, or if your midwife is worried you may be at a higher risk of bleeding after birth, this may not be recommended for you. Some research has found that bleeding after birth can be slightly increased if the placenta is expelled naturally, however if you are fit and healthy with good iron levels pre-birth, this is unlikely to cause any problems for you. After your baby is born, he/she will remain attached to the placenta via the umbilical cord, which provides oxygen and blood supply whilst your